Benefits Specialist (Temp)

Chapman University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 35,817 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University is seeking a Benefits Specialist (Temporary) to manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefits. The role handles enrollment, eligibility, tuition remission, and retirement processing with close collaboration to the Senior Benefits Manager.

The temporary, full-time position requires strong attention to detail, customer service, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Office-based in Orange/ Irvine campuses with standard hours.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate's degree; Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business or related field preferred or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years of benefits administration or related HR support experience.
• Knowledge of health and welfare benefit plans, eligibility rules, and enrollment processes.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service and a positive employee experience.
• Shows discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Enroll new hires in applicable benefit plans promptly and accurately.
• Process life-event changes (marriage, birth, divorce, loss of coverage).
• Verify eligibility for employees and dependents per plan rules.
• Audit benefit enrollments for accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Handle tuition-remission data entry and processing.
• Process retirement-plan enrollments and changes.
• Support carrier data feeds and ensure timely file transmission.
• Respond to employee questions about enrollment and plan procedures.
• Maintain organized benefits records and documentation.

Skills

Benefits knowledge

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication

MS Office

HRIS

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

HRIS systems

PeopleSoft/Workday/ADP

Job description

Benefits Specialist (Temp)

The Benefits Specialist (Temporary) supports the day‑to‑day administration of Chapman University’s employee benefits programs. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Benefits & Compensation, this role provides critical operational support during a temporary staffing gap, allowing the Senior Benefits Manager to focus on auditing current benefits practices and procedures. This is a hands‑on, detail‑oriented role responsible for accurate and timely benefits transactions across enrollment, eligibility, tuition remission, and retirement processing.

Position Type: Temporary | Full-time: 40 hours weekly | Pay Range: $26.44 - $30.00

Chapman University is an equal‑opportunity employer that offers employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for staff and administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background screening and on returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Responsibilities

• Enroll new hires in applicable benefit plans in a timely and accurate manner.
• Process qualifying life‑event changes, including marriage, birth, divorce, and loss of coverage.
• Verify eligibility for employees and their dependents in accordance with plan rules.
• Audit benefit enrollments for accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Perform tuition‑remission data entry and processing.
• Process retirement‑plan enrollments and changes.
• Assist with weekly, biweekly, and monthly insurance carrier data feeds, ensuring files are accurate and transmitted on schedule.
• Respond to employee questions regarding benefits enrollment, eligibility, and plan procedures.
• Maintain accurate and organized benefits records and documentation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years of experience in benefits administration or a related HR support role.
• Working knowledge of health and welfare benefit plans, eligibility rules, and enrollment processes.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service by providing timely, accurate, and professional support while fostering a positive employee experience.
• Responds to employee inquiries with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment, ensuring consistent follow‑through and resolution.
• Maintains a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail when processing benefits transactions and employee data.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exercises discretion and maintains strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and benefits information.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Maintains composure and professionalism while managing competing priorities and responding to changing business needs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, and able to learn and effectively utilize HRIS and benefits administration systems.
• Works effectively both independently and collaboratively, contributing to a positive, team‑oriented work environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with retirement‑plan enrollment processes (e.g., 403(b)/401(k)) preferred.
• Prior experience with HRIS/benefits administration systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, ADP, or similar) preferred.

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. 3 References Listed on One Page

Contact Information

Office of Human Resources
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
[phone]

Rinker Health Science Campus
9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618

[e-mail]