HR Benefits Specialist

University Of Lynchburg - Lynchburg, VA

Full-time

Lynchburg, VA

Educational Services

About the position

The Benefits Specialist at the University of Lynchburg is responsible for managing and administering the university's comprehensive employee benefits programs. This role ensures that benefits are efficiently managed, comply with relevant regulations, and meet the needs of faculty and staff. The specialist will provide support to employees regarding benefits inquiries and will play a key role in coordinating benefits enrollment and wellness initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits inquiries, providing guidance and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate and assist with open enrollment periods and ensure all new hires are properly enrolled in their chosen benefits. Conduct orientations and presentations as needed.
• Ensure benefits programs comply with federal and state laws, including ACA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, and ERISA. Keep current with any changes to benefits regulations and communicate necessary updates to employees and leadership.
• Liaise with benefit plan providers and brokers to ensure services are delivered effectively and accurately. Resolve any discrepancies with providers and maintain strong relationships.
• Develop and distribute educational materials to employees regarding benefit options, changes to plans, and overall wellness initiatives.
• Administer retirement plan contributions and compliance, ensuring timely processing of deductions, enrollments, and any plan changes. Provide guidance to employees regarding retirement options and planning.
• Support and coordinate employee wellness programs that promote healthy work-life balance and well-being.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations using HRIS and benefits administration systems.
• Prepare reports on benefits utilization, cost analysis, and participation trends. Provide data to support budget forecasting for benefits programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in benefits administration, preferably within higher education, nonprofit, or public sector environments.
• Strong understanding of employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Familiarity with federal and state benefits regulations (ACA, COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, ERISA).
• Proficiency in using HR information systems (HRIS) and benefits management software.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to assist and educate employees regarding their benefits options.
• High level of confidentiality and attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, SHRM-CP, or PHR).
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with retirement plan administration and compliance.