Benefits Specialist II

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida is seeking a Benefits Specialist II at the Main Campus in Gainesville, FL. The role acts as the primary contact for employees on extended leaves, including FMLA, guiding them through the leave process and advising on benefits plans and retirement options.

You will collaborate with UFHR Benefits to ensure accurate information and timely support, including enrollment activities for benefits-eligible staff and communication of eligibility for UF and state programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience guiding employees through FMLA and UF leave policies.
• Strong counseling and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Counsel faculty and staff regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Coordinate the initiation and return from leaves of absence for medical, parental, or personal reasons using electronic and paper processes.
• Generate and review reports and perform basic audit functions to ensure consistent application of FMLA, FLSA, and UF time and leave policies.
• Assist department contacts in maintaining accurate leave records.
• Coordinate and process enrollment activities for all benefits-eligible employee groups, including academic and clinical faculty, TEAMS, temporary, and OPS employees; assist UF employees in eligibility for State of Florida and UF-sponsored benefits programs.
• Retirement counseling and processing for ORP, FRS, and DROP.

Skills

FMLA knowledge

Customer service

Communication

Microsoft Office

Confidential information handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area

Job description

Benefits Specialist II

Job No: 541348

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Human Resources, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support

Department: 62010200 - HR-BENEFITS

Job Description

Classification Title: Benefits Specialist II

Classification Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Summary: As the primary point of contact for employees taking extended leaves of absence—including those under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leave types governed by UF regulations, policies, or collective bargaining agreements—this individual provides guidance throughout the leave process. They also offer counseling on benefits plans, retirement options, leave procedures, and continuation of coverage.

The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across UFHR Benefits to ensure excellent customer service, support team functions as needed, and help employees access accurate and timely information regarding their benefits.

Job Duties

• Responsible for counseling faculty and staff regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).


• Coordinates the initiation and return from leaves of absence for medical, parental, or personal reasons, using both electronic and paper processes.


• Generates and reviews reports and performs basic audit functions to ensure consistent application of FMLA, FLSA, and UF time and leave policies.


• Assists department contacts in maintaining accurate leave records.


• Responsible for coordinating and processing enrollment activities for all benefits-eligible employee groups, including academic and clinical faculty, TEAMS, temporary, and OPS employees. Assists University of Florida (UF) employees in obtaining information regarding eligibility for both State of Florida and UF-sponsored benefits programs.


• Retirement Counseling and Processing. Provides individual counseling on retirement plans, including the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), Florida Retirement System (FRS), and Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP), to eligible faculty, TEAMS, and academic employees.

Expected Salary

$53,000

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

• Knowledge of FMLA and UF leave policies


• Knowledge of Life, LTD, and STD insurance policies and provisions


• Knowledge of People First


• Knowledge of Microsoft applications


• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.


• Ability to handle stressful situations with diplomacy and tact.


• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, and provide excellent customer service.

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close: 30 September 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.