Benefits Specialist

State of Colorado; Pueblo (CO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement

Medical and dental plans

Paid life insurance

Disability coverage

11 holidays and leave

Flexible schedules

Remote work arrangements

Job summary

State of Colorado's CDHS Benefits Unit seeks an experienced Benefits Administrator to manage group health, dental, disability, FMLA, FAMLI, and leave programs. You will be the primary contact for benefits questions, explain enrollment options, and coordinate with DPA, PERA, and payroll to ensure accurate records.

The role requires strong communication, organization, and confidentiality. Hybrid schedule with 2 in-office days and up to 3 remote days; Colorado residency is required.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of relevant experience in Benefits Administration, including FMLA, STD, and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans.
• A combination of related education with a bachelor's degree and two years of professional benefits administration experience which must include FMLA, STD, and core benefit administration.
• A master's or doctorate degree may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of group benefit programs (health, dental, STD/long-term disability, donated leave, workers' compensation, life insurance, FSA, retirement).
• Serve as primary contact for benefits and leave management questions and assist with enrollment deadlines and open enrollment.
• Develop procedures for administering benefits and coordinate with DPA, Risk Management, and ADA teams.
• Ensure confidentiality and maintain records; liaise with payroll, PERA, legal, and vendors.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Benefits Team Lead/Deputy Chief HR Officer.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Team oriented

Adaptability

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, or Human Resource Management

Master's or Doctorate may substitute for experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT COLORADO RESIDENTS

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Human Resources

Operations & Strategy, Human Resources (HR) exists to provide decentralized human resources services to the public, applicants, managers, and employees who work for the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). The Human Resources Team performs all activities related to the Department’s human resources functions, including compliance with State Personnel Board rules, recruitment and hiring, professional development, employee benefits, performance, discipline, and civil rights. The unit ensures that HR practices support the organization’s overall goals while remaining in compliance with appropriate laws, statutes, and regulations. The Benefits Unit administers comprehensive state benefits, leave programs, and disability plans to support the well-being and security of departmental staff. Through technical compliance, case management, and expert guidance, the unit ensures fair, consistent application of statutory leave entitlements and State Personnel Board Rules across all CDHS divisions.

Weekly Hybrid Working Arrangements

Minimum 2 days In Office and Maximum 3 days Remote Work

Must be able to report to: Pueblo: 1600 W 24th St, Pueblo, CO 81003

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.

What you will be doing:

This position exists to conduct the day-to-day operations of group benefit programs, including group health, dental, short-term and long-term disability, donated leave, worker’s compensation, overall leave management, life insurance, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, and retirement. As the primary point of contact for benefits and leave management issues, this position provides information on benefits to employees and answers benefit questions. Informs employees of deadlines regarding signing up for benefits and open enrollment and facilitates the new enrollment and open enrollment process. Develop procedures for administering benefits and coordinate with other work units as necessary. Oversee administration of Family and Medical Leave (FML), Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI), Workers’ Compensation and other leave entitlement programs in partnership with Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA), Risk Management, and CDHS Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Team; and work with employees and managers in assigned units to ensure compliance. Maintains employee benefits and leave records. Acts as a liaison to DPA, Payroll, Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA), legal and other vendors/partners for benefits-related information and programs. Ensures confidentiality of all information. Completes other duties as assigned.

Benefits Case Management

• Application and processing of Family & Medical Leave (FML), Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI), Short-Term Disability (STD)

Benefits Enrollment

• Explain programs and coverage available to employees and how to enroll during New Employee Orientation, open enrollment, and when an employee experiences a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

Consultation and Training

• Provide consultation and training to all levels of employees related to State benefits

Professional Development

Professional Development - This position contributes to the development and delivery of training related to the work unit. This may include benefit and leave processes, compliance practices and procedures, and effective communication. This position also enhances individual and unit effectiveness by participating in professional development opportunities.

Other Duties As Assigned

Other Duties As Assigned - Other duties as identified and assigned by the Benefits Team Lead, Benefits Supervisor, Deputy Chief HR Officer, and Chief HR & Access Officer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:

• Six (6) years of relevant experience in Benefits Administration, including FMLA, STD, and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Human Resource Management, or closely related field. AND Two (2) years of professional benefits administration experience which must have included FMLA, STD, and core benefit administration. equal to six (6) years.

Substitution:

• A combination of work experience in benefits administration, including FMLA, STD, and health and welfare benefit plans which provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree. A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Business Management, Human Resource Management, or closely related field may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant State Exp
• At least 3 years professional administration of FMLA, STD, and knowledge of employee benefit plans in an organization
• Experience with processing FAMLI claim information
• Intermediate level of Microsoft and/or Google Suite experience
• Exceptional communication skills demonstrated by the ability to communicate detailed and complex information successfully to others both in writing and verbally
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to set and track goals and timetables to achieve maximum productivity
• Self- motivated and ability to take initiative
• Strong customer service skills
• Adaptability in a constantly changing environment and ability to handle multiple competing demands, and demonstrate a practical approach, resilience, drive, and optimism
• Team oriented
• COWINS Partnership Agreement: Relevant years of State service should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process. Part-time relevant years of State service will be prorated.
• TRANSFERS ONLY: Relevant years of State service will be considered as a preferred qualification and given the weight of at least 15% of the overall score under the process.
• Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior, or other posted competency

Conditions of Employment:

• Full Background CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services),Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position
• Travel: Occasional travel within the state, training, meetings, etc.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
  1. Disclose that information on the application.
  2. Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
  3. Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs. per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

• Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

You can find the official appeal form here.

You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board: By email ([e-mail]), or Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At [phone], or
• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.