Benefits Specialist

University of the Pacific; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the Pacific is seeking a Benefits Specialist to oversee leave administration and benefits functions. This role requires handling FMLA, CFRA, ADA, and other leave programs, while ensuring compliance and accurate recordkeeping.

The role also involves coordinating with HR, payroll, and benefits teams, maintaining records, and supporting annual open enrollment. A Bachelor’s degree and HR leave/benefits experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent experience.
• One year HR leave/benefits administration experience.

Responsibilities

• Administer all employee leave programs including FMLA, CFRA, ADA and other leave types.
• Manage and coordinate leave documentation, eligibility, and return-to-work procedures.
• Maintain confidential records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws.
• Support benefits administration and annual open enrollment processes.

Skills

Leave administration knowledge

Customer service

Verbal and written communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Banner experience

Argos experience

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree

1 year HR leave/benefits experience

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Primary Purpose

Under general direction, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for overseeing the administration and management of all types of leaves. This includes short term disability (STD), long term disability (LTD), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), California paid leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), military leaves, and all other types of leaves. The Benefits Specialist will also perform a variety of other human resource functions within the areas of benefits administration.

Essential Functions

Leave Administration

• Administer all employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, parental leave, medical leave, personal leave, and other leave types.
• Full cycle reasonable accommodation processes as needed in collaboration with HR and legal teams.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and return-to-work procedures.
• Coordinate with HR, payroll, benefits, and third-party leave administrators to ensure accurate leave processing.
• Maintain up-to-date and confidential records of leave requests, approvals, and communications.
• Track leave balances, pay time reporting, timelines, and deadlines; provide regular updates to management.
• Assist in developing and updating leave-related policies, procedures, and employee communications.
• Conduct audits to ensure leave records are accurate and compliant.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws, as well as company policies.

Benefit Administration

• Serve the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing guidance and support.
• Maintain and update benefits data within the HRIS system; ensure accurate recordkeeping and reporting.
• Support the preparation and distribution of required benefits documentation (Summary Plan Descriptions, compliance notices, benefits statements).
• Support audits, filings, and other regulatory reporting requirements.
• Assist in planning and executing annual open enrollment, including employee communication, website and system updates.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.).
• Serves as back up for daily administration of a designated Benefit Plan portfolio, such as health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, FSA/HSA, disability, wellness programs, etc.
• Serves as back up for billing and invoicing.

All other duties as assigned.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree. (Two (2) years of full time experience in the same/similar position is equal to one (1) year of completed post high school education coursework.)
• One (1) year of experience in HR leave administration, benefits administration, or related HR function.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of leave administration and laws i.e. STD, LTD, FMLA,CFRA and related job protections rights laws.
• Excellent customer service skills with strong compassion and empathy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task to meet deadlines.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Banner and Argos experience.
• Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand/wrist motion while using computer keyboard and phone. Occasional standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping and reaching. Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment/Work Week/Travel

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with use of computer and phone. Work performed during standard business hours. Additional time may be required to meet business needs and deadlines. Limited travel offsite to meetings or conferences.

Hiring Range

$24.00 - $28.00 per hour. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Background Check Statement

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.