Benefits Specialist

Wayland Baptist University; Plainview (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayland Baptist University is seeking a Benefits Specialist to oversee its benefits program, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans. This position serves as the primary contact for benefits-related inquiries from employees and vendors.

The candidate should have an Associate's degree in Business or a related field and ideally possess two years of benefits experience. Strong computer skills, communication abilities, and integrity are essential. The work environment is standard office-based in Plainview, Texas.

Qualifications

• Preferred two years of benefits experience.
• Demonstrated integrity and reliability in job assignments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the university’s benefits program.
• Coordinate benefits enrollments for new hires.
• Address benefits questions and concerns.
• Maintain employee benefits information.

Skills

Computer proficiency using Microsoft 365

Communication skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Tact in receiving calls and visitors

Ability to work independently

Education

Associates Degree in Business or related field

Job description

LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University (WBU)

DEPARTMENT: Office of Human Resources

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director of Human Resources

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Benefits Specialist oversees the university’s benefits program which includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and other optional benefits plans. The Benefits Specialist is also responsible for completing and submitting required data/reports. The Benefits Specialist is the primary point of contact regarding benefits questions with employees, dependents, vendors, and brokers.

SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES:

• Responsible for entering benefits payroll deductions in HR payroll system.
• Oversees employee benefits programs such as retirement plans, medical, vision, dental, term life, disability, accidental death; as well as additional optional benefit plans.
• Coordinates benefits enrollments for new hires and open enrollment for existing employees.
• Oversees the university’s compliance to federal and state agencies regarding benefits.
• Addresses benefits questions and concerns to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.
• Responsible for the maintenance and storage of employee benefits information and files.
• Prepares and gathers comprehensive data for annual Retirement plan Non-Discrimination testing for submission to retirement plan sponsor for Non-Discrimination testing in order to be following the IRS.
• Gather employee data and oversee the processing of monthly billings and the preparation of vouchers for payment of administrative fees for all group plans.
• Communicates with vendors to investigate discrepancies and provide information in non-routine situations.
• Ensures that legal notices such as healthcare reform, Medicare, or any other HR related topic that are required by law are available to all employees.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources/Wellness Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Certification and License:

• Associates Degree in Business or related field is preferred.

Experience and Knowledge:

Two (2) years benefits experience is preferred

Skills and Abilities:

• Skillful, pleasant and tactful in receiving telephone calls, and visitors
• Honesty, reliability, accuracy and integrity in completing job assignments
• Computer proficiency using Microsoft 365.
• Must have the ability to work independently, receive a minimum of supervision and guidance.
• Must have good communication skills, use administrative reporting channels appropriately.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and use sound judgment and tact in handling confidential matters.
• Must have a commitment to Christian higher education, in general, and the purpose of philosophy of higher education as promoted by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, in general, and of Wayland Baptist University in particular.

Work Environment: The work environment for this position is a standard office setting. Employees will work primarily at a desk or workstation, utilizing standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. The office maintains a controlled temperature. Noise levels are generally moderate, with typical office sounds such as conversations and office machinery.

Hours of Work: Plainview campus - Although full-time, nonexempt Plainview employees are normally scheduled to work 37.75 hours per week, the official work week for full-time salaried employees is forty (40) hours. External campuses - Although full-time, nonexempt external campus employees are normally scheduled to work 37.75 hours per week, the official work week for full-time salaried employees is forty (40) hours. Normal work days on all campuses are Monday through Friday.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently stand and walk;
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward while sitting or standing;
• Frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds;
• Frequently carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally carry up to 25 pounds;
• Occasionally push or pull objects;
• Occasionally flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees;
• Frequently reach at or below shoulder height, and occasionally reach above shoulder height.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Employee must be able and willing to travel and teach at external campuses. Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.

Wayland Baptist University does not illegally discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Under federal law, the university may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its mission and purposes.

Wayland Baptist University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age or disability in admissions or in the administration of its educational policies, programs and activities. Under federal law, the University may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purposes. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of sex in the administration of educational policies, programs and activities.