Benefits Specialist
Inside Higher Ed, Edmond, OK, United States
UCO is seeking a dedicated and professional Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This role provides employees with expert guidance on benefit programs, ensures smooth administration of HR processes, and contributes to a collaborative, service‑oriented HR environment.
Position Classification Regular, full‑time, salaried, non‑exempt and benefit‑eligible staff position.
General Schedule Position typically works Monday‑Friday from 8am‑5pm in‑office at UCO's main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Position Overview The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefit programs and processes, providing high levels of customer service, and resolving benefit‑related issues. This role coordinates programs through the HRIS system, researches benefit plans and providers to make informed recommendations, and may assist in the development and enhancement of benefit programs. The Benefits Specialist exercises independent discretion and judgment on matters of significant impact, ensuring decisions align with organizational policies, compliance requirements, and strategic HR goals.
Department Overview The Benefit Specialist position is a key member of the Benefits function, which is part of the broader Human Resources department. The function oversees all aspects of employee benefits administration, including health, retirement, leave programs, and more. In addition to core benefits responsibilities, the team collaborates across HR on orientation, research projects, general departmental support, and other organizational initiatives. This collaborative environment ensures employees receive professional, accurate, and timely HR support across the organization.
Job Duties
Manage employee leave programs, including ownership of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) process, ensuring compliance and timely administration
Maintain, update, and manage employee information in the HRIS system, including benefit enrollment and changes, performing accurate data entry, reporting, analysis, and reconciliation
Facilitate new‑hire benefit enrollment and deliver New Employee Orientation presentations
Respond to day‑to‑day employee benefit inquiries, providing professional and timely customer service
Assist with both Retiree and Active employee open enrollment processes, ensuring smooth execution and employee support
Support research, strategic plan design, and implementation of new benefit programs
Perform other duties as assigned, including oversight and coordination of departmental projects and processes
Qualifications / Experience Required Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 3+ years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Qualifications / Experience Preferred Professional‑level HR experience preferred. Experience working within an HRIS (or similar) and utilizing Microsoft Excel in a professional environment also preferred.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations
Highly organized with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Detail‑oriented with the ability to meet deadlines
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and HRIS/database management
Physical Demands Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
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Position Classification Regular, full‑time, salaried, non‑exempt and benefit‑eligible staff position.
General Schedule Position typically works Monday‑Friday from 8am‑5pm in‑office at UCO's main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Position Overview The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefit programs and processes, providing high levels of customer service, and resolving benefit‑related issues. This role coordinates programs through the HRIS system, researches benefit plans and providers to make informed recommendations, and may assist in the development and enhancement of benefit programs. The Benefits Specialist exercises independent discretion and judgment on matters of significant impact, ensuring decisions align with organizational policies, compliance requirements, and strategic HR goals.
Department Overview The Benefit Specialist position is a key member of the Benefits function, which is part of the broader Human Resources department. The function oversees all aspects of employee benefits administration, including health, retirement, leave programs, and more. In addition to core benefits responsibilities, the team collaborates across HR on orientation, research projects, general departmental support, and other organizational initiatives. This collaborative environment ensures employees receive professional, accurate, and timely HR support across the organization.
Job Duties
Manage employee leave programs, including ownership of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) process, ensuring compliance and timely administration
Maintain, update, and manage employee information in the HRIS system, including benefit enrollment and changes, performing accurate data entry, reporting, analysis, and reconciliation
Facilitate new‑hire benefit enrollment and deliver New Employee Orientation presentations
Respond to day‑to‑day employee benefit inquiries, providing professional and timely customer service
Assist with both Retiree and Active employee open enrollment processes, ensuring smooth execution and employee support
Support research, strategic plan design, and implementation of new benefit programs
Perform other duties as assigned, including oversight and coordination of departmental projects and processes
Qualifications / Experience Required Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 3+ years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Qualifications / Experience Preferred Professional‑level HR experience preferred. Experience working within an HRIS (or similar) and utilizing Microsoft Excel in a professional environment also preferred.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations
Highly organized with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Detail‑oriented with the ability to meet deadlines
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and HRIS/database management
Physical Demands Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
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