Benefits Specialist Manager

KPERS; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

KPERS in Topeka, KS seeks an experienced HR professional to guide benefits, leave programs, and retirement-related processes with empathy and precision. You will manage detailed workflows and serve as a trusted resource for employees across onboarding, benefits, and offboarding.

The role covers onboarding coordination, benefits administration, open enrollment leadership, leave programs, ADA guidance, recruitment support, and HR operations backup.

Qualifications

• Five years of HR experience
• A degree may substitute two years of experience
• PHR or SHRM certification is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding processes for new employees and record updates
• Administer benefits packages and liaison with health plans
• Lead annual open enrollment planning and communications
• Guide offboarding including retirement and resignations
• Administer FMLA and Shared Leave programs
• Identify accommodation needs and advise on HR processes
• Support applicant tracking and interview scheduling
• Provide payroll/time/leave backup and maintain personnel files
• Complete special HR projects and deliver excellent service

Skills

Employee benefits

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelors in HR/Related Field

Tools

SHARP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Word

Job description

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS), located in Topeka, is more than a pension system — we’re a people-focused organization committed to supporting Kansas public employees throughout their careers and into retirement. We provide disability, death, and lifetime retirement benefits that protect those who dedicate their work to serving the public.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Are you passionate about helping employees navigate benefits, leave programs, and major milestones throughout their careers? Do you enjoy serving as a knowledgeable and trusted resource who provides support with empathy, accuracy, and exceptional customer service?

What You’ll Do

Onboarding Coordination

• Lead and coordinate the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition for new employees.
• Schedule first‑day activities with supervisors, IT, and HR staff.
• Accurately create or update new employee records in SHARP and benefit enrollment portals.

Benefits Administration

• Administer the State of Kansas employee benefits package, including health, life, dental, vision, FSAs/HSAs, and retirement programs.
• Serve as liaison between employees and the State Employee Health Plan.
• Provide guidance on eligibility, life events, continuation of coverage, and benefit changes.
• Coordinate benefit enrollment for new employees and updates for current employees throughout their employment.

Open Enrollment Leadership

• Lead the annual open enrollment process, including planning, communications, informational sessions, tracking, and issue resolution.
• Notify employees of changes that may impact their benefits.

Offboarding Support

• Provide guidance to staff regarding retirement and resignation processes.
• Assist with questions about retirement benefits, continuation of insurance, deferred compensation, leave payouts, and offboarding requirements.
• Coordinate offboarding steps with supervisors and IT.

Leave Program Administration

• Assist the Human Resources Officer in administering FMLA, including notifications, form review, approvals/denials, and leave tracking.
• Administer the Shared Leave Program, including reviewing applications and tracking approved leave usage.

ADA Awareness & HR Guidance

• Identify potential workplace accommodation needs and communicate them to the Human Resources Officer.
• Provide guidance to employees and supervisors regarding HR processes, policies, and conflict resolution.

Recruitment & HR Support

• Assist with applicant tracking, interview scheduling, candidate communications, and participation on interview panels.
• Ensure understanding and adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity requirements.

HR Operations & Backup Duties

• Provide backup support for payroll, time and leave processing, contract staff payments, database record management, personnel files, organizational chart updates, and phone list maintenance.

Other Responsibilities

• Complete special assignments and projects that support HR operations and contribute to excellent customer service across the agency.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a knowledgeable HR professional with a strong understanding of employee benefits, exceptional customer service skills, and the ability to manage detailed processes with accuracy and care. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, organized, and committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements

Five years of human resources experience, preferably in a benefits‑focused role.
A degree in business administration, human resources, public administration, or related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.
PHR or SHRM certification is a plus.

Additionally, candidates should have the following:

• Strong understanding of employee benefits, leave programs, and retirement systems.
• Proficiency with the State of Kansas benefits package and SHARP.
• Knowledge of FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and Kansas Administrative Regulations.
• Ability to apply and explain policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to empathize and support employees with professionalism and care.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices.
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, and other Office products.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to reconcile figures accurately and resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service.

Why Join KPERS?

At KPERS, you'll join a professional, collaborative environment where your expertise and compassion make a meaningful impact every day. We value professionalism, service excellence, and teamwork, and we support employees in a dynamic, rewarding workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

• Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
• To receive Disability Preference – applicants must apply for this job through the State of Kansas Careers Center at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs. View all jobs, then filter by our name – Ks Public Employees Retirement System.
• Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference on the Kansas Department of Administration website.

How to Claim Veterans Preference

• Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a 'veteran'; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
• To receive Veterans Preference – applicants must apply for this job through the State of Kansas Careers Center at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs. View all jobs, then filter by our name – Ks Public Employees Retirement System.
• Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference Learn on the Kansas Department of Administration website.