Benefits Specialist

Be You. Duke University is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support delivery of employee benefits programs across the university and health system. In this role, you’ll provide guidance to employees, process benefits transactions, and help ensure programs are administered accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with HR policies. You’ll serve as a trusted resource for employees navigating benefits questions and changes, handling complex inquiries, resolving issues, and supporting initiatives like open enrollment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys customer service, problem‑solving, and contributing to a positive employee experience. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field (or equivalent experience) 1-2 years of experience in employee benefits or HR Proficiency in computer systems and latest office technology Practical and extensive experience will be considered in lieu of a degree An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting benefits administration and enrollment processes Familiarity with HR systems and benefits transactions Other Requirements Strong customer service and communication skills Ability to analyze issues and propose process improvements Ability to handle complex or escalated employee inquiries with professionalism Position Description (Essential Duties) Act as a customer service consultant handling more complex issues requiring specialized benefits knowledge, escalating cases to a Benefits Analyst when appropriate. Assist employees in completion of all necessary forms to enroll in or make changes to Duke benefit programs. Perform benefits administration activities to support core transaction processing including health and welfare benefits enrollment, retirement, and educational benefits. Identify communication and operational issues arising during day-to-day administration activities / contact with customers and propose solutions to HRIC Manager and the Benefits Administration & Communications Manager. Assist with group presentations explaining details of specified benefit programs for new hire orientation along with other educational initiatives. Provide technical support and guidance to HRIC staff, sharing technical and legislative knowledge to ensure staff are up to date. Seek to continuously develop and improve levels of knowledge and expertise, coordinating with the Benefits Administration & Communication Manager for training as required. Make recommendations for process improvements to continuously improve efficiency and customer service. Provide support to Benefits Manager and Plan Managers for special projects, including open enrollment, annual benefit statement production, performing research and other tasks as needed. Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status. #J-18808-Ljbffr