HR Customer Service Specialist I

The Standard; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 49,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Volunteer time

Job summary

The Standard in Portland, OR seeks an HR Customer Service Specialist to be the primary contact for employees, retirees, and external partners seeking information about benefits, leave programs, HR policies, and related processes. You will research inquiries, resolve issues, provide guidance, and connect customers with the right resources.

You will also support the administration of leave programs and assist with HR operations and process improvements, collaborating with HR teams to deliver

Qualifications

• 2+ years of customer service in a call center.
• Experience researching issues and solving problems.
• Experience in an insurance, benefits, healthcare, or related regulated industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Experience with HR systems and ticketing platforms.
• Experience with Workday or similar HRIS.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, leave, and HR policies.
• Research and resolve issues using established resources and documentation.
• Partner with HR teams to ensure a positive customer experience and effective issue resolution.
• Support HR operational projects and administrative activities that improve team effectiveness and service delivery.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Issue resolution

Data confidentiality

Multitasking

Empathy

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Workday

HRIS

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Ticketing systems

Job description

The next part of your journey is right around the corner — with The Standard.

A genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others is the foundation for everything we do. With a customer-first mindset and an intentional focus on building strong teams, we’ve been able to uphold our legacy of financial stability while investing in new, innovative technologies that support the needs of our customers. Our high-performance culture focused on operational excellence thrives thanks to remarkable people united by compassion and a customer-first commitment. Are you ready to make a difference?

Job Summary

As an HR Customer Service Specialist, you will serve as a primary point of contact for employees, retirees, and external vendors seeking information about benefits, leave programs, HR policies, and related processes. You will research inquiries, resolve issues, provide clear and accurate guidance, and connect customers with the appropriate resources when needed. This role also supports the administration of leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave, while assisting with HR operations, process improvements, and administrative projects that support the HR Benefits team.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to employee, retiree, and external partner inquiries regarding The Standard – including but not limited to – payroll, benefits, leave programs, HR policies, and other company policy and procedures.
• Research and resolve customer issues using established resources, processes, and documentation.
• Partner with HR teams and business partners to ensure a positive customer experience and appropriate issue resolution.
• Support HR operational projects and administrative activities that improve team effectiveness and service delivery.

Skills And Background You'll Need

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience: 2+ years of customer service experience in a call center environment.

• Experience researching issues, analyzing information, and identifying solutions.
• Experience supporting customers in an insurance, benefits, healthcare, or related regulated industry environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential employee information.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and navigate HR systems, ticketing platforms, and benefits-related processes.
• Experience supporting employee benefits, leave administration, or HR operations.
• Experience with Workday or other HR information systems.

Key Behaviors of a Successful Candidate

• Customer Focus: Builds trust through responsive service, active listening, and clear communication.
• Adaptability: Sees possibilities in changing circumstances, accepts and understands change, and adjusts quickly to shifting priorities.
• Collaboration: Partners effectively across teams to resolve issues, share knowledge, and support business objectives.

Why Join The Standard?

We have built an enduring legacy of stability, financial strength and exceptional customer service through the contributions of the service-oriented people who choose to work at The Standard. To ensure we can attract and retain the best talent, when you join The Standard you can expect:

• A rich benefits package including medical, dental, vision and a 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• An annual incentive bonus plan
• Generous paid time off including 11 holidays, 2 wellness days, and 8 volunteer hours annually — PTO increases with tenure
• A supportive, responsive management approach and opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Paid parental leave and adoption/surrogacy assistance
• An employee giving program that double matches your donations to eligible nonprofits and schools

In addition to the competitive salary range below, our employee-focused benefits support work-life balance. Learn more about working at The Standard.

• Eligibility to participate in an incentive program is subject to the rules governing the program and plan. Any award depends on a variety of factors including individual and organizational performance.

The actual compensation for this role will be based on a combination of education and experience, knowledge and skills, position budget, internal equity, and market data.

Salary Range:

23.56 - 31.49

Positions will be posted for at least 5 days from original posting date.

Standard Insurance Company, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York, Standard Retirement Services, Inc., StanCorp Mortgage Investors, LLC, StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., and American Heritage Life Insurance Company and American Heritage Service Company, marketed as The Standard, are Aff… All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status or any other condition protected by federal, state or local law. Except where precluded by state or federal law, The Standard will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. The Standard offers a drug- and alcohol-free work environment where possession, manufacture, transfer, offer, use of or being impaired by an illegal substance while on The Standard's property, or in other cases which the company believes might affect operations, safety or reputation of the company is prohibited. The Standard requires a criminal background investigation and employment, education and licensing verification as a condition of employment. After any conditional offer of employment is made, the background check will include an individualized assessment based on the applicant’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain and correct background information. All employees of The Standard must be bondable.