Benefits Specialist I (Administrative Services Specialist II)

Human Resources Benefits Administrator

Responsible for all benefit accounts reconciliation and administration of leave requests related to Family and Medical Leave Act, Workers' Compensation, other leave types (paid and unpaid), and all budget-related matters for Human Resources. This position is may also be responsible for various tasks associated with employee benefits, as assigned.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Essential Functions

Benefits Administration:

• Supports the Benefit Team Lead with deduction entry into Talon, reconciliations of benefits, open enrollment support, and other assigned duties.
• Responsible for the timely, accurate data entry for all benefit functions as necessary to ensure accurate benefit deductions.

Absence Management:

• Advise employees, managers, and human resources professionals on leave policies, processes, and laws; serve as point of contact for FMLA and other leave types (paid and unpaid) and applicable time off, and Workers' Compensation.
• Coordinate leave processes and procedures; verify eligibility based on policies, guidelines, and federal/state laws.
• Oversee the FMLA leave administration process from the initial leave notice to return-to-work; gather and complete required documentation, determining leave eligibility, designating leave as FMLA-qualifying, requesting medical certification, and accounting for intermittent and reduced schedule leave use.
• Advise on time off entries for all leave types; monitor time off entries during leaves to ensure accurate payroll.
• Administer the return-to-work process for employees returning from extended leaves of absence.
• Coordinate with Benefit Team Lead regarding issues relating to pay during leaves of absence.
• Serve as a liaison with vendors relating to Workers' Compensation and disability benefits.

Human Resources Department Development:

• Manages the budget for Human Resources to include, preparing and processing requisitions, preparing, maintaining, and reconciling accounts, and keeping the AVP and Director updated with current balances.
• Participates in administrative staff meetings and attends other meetings and seminars.
• Assists in establishing departmental measurements that support the accomplishment of the department's strategic goals.

Other:

• Serves as back-up for the New Hire Orientation training.
• Assists in maintaining employee records.
• Researches and responds to employee inquiries, where applicable and as directed.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the benefits processes and systems.
• Help with annual benefit open enrollment, benefit fairs, and other HR events, as needed.
• Assist with related process for employee offboarding.
• Participate in meetings and training related to benefits and absences.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Demands

Those typical of an office environment.

Work Hours

Typical hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Special Instructions

Applicants will be required to submit a cover letter, resume, contact information for three professional references, and a copy of unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon hire). Submission of materials is the applicant's responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.

Salary

Commensurate with education and experience. Level P2, Grade 9. Starting salary is $48,070.

Benefits Information

Tennessee Tech offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the initial accumulation of one vacation day per month, one sick leave day per month, and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution OR an equivalency of associate's degree and 2 years relevant experience OR a high school diploma and 4 years relevant experience.
• A minimum of two years of work experience to include demonstrated skills in an office environment, process management, and computer applications.
• Ability to perform with a high level of diplomacy, confidentiality, and trust while projecting a professional and positive image.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including software such as Microsoft Office Suite (such as, but not limited to, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher), on-line systems, and Internet.
• Excellent people skills with the ability to multi-task effectively in a varied, high-volume environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and customers.
• Solid understanding of relevant laws (such as, but not limited to FMLA, Workers Comp, Disability).
• Strong interpersonal skill to interact with employees in sensitive situations.
• Analytical skills, attention to details in data entry, maintaining records, and documentation completeness.
• Knowledge in employee benefits (insurance, retirement, etc.)