Employee Benefits Specialist

Position Details Recruitment/Posting Title: Benefits Functional Specialist Job Category: Staff & Executive - Human Resources Department: Benefits Overview Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities. University Human Resources (UHR) supports the Rutgers mission as an institution of prominence, preeminent in research, teaching, service, and clinical care. We strive to provide the highest level of customer service in delivering a comprehensive network of programs, services, and expertise to attract, retain, and develop diverse and highly skilled top talent. Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Benefits Functional Specialist for the Enrollment team within University Human Resources Benefits department. Key Responsibilities Processes and certifies enrollment applications for mandatory pension and voluntary savings plans, including reviewing eligibility guidelines and coverage provisions established by the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits (NJDPB), assisting employees with completing required forms, and verifying both eligibility and accuracy of submitted documentation. Researches and resolves pension and savings plan inquiries escalated from OneSource when issues cannot be addressed during the initial call including investigating complex cases, providing accurate responses, and documenting all actions in the OneSource case management system. Enters pension enrollment data into EPIC, the official system of record for the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits (NJDPB). Calculates and processes retroactive pension contributions for new enrollees and enter deductions into the university payroll system. Calculates pension and voluntary savings refunds manually as needed. Performs financial reconciliation, explains calculations to employees, and enters refund amounts into payroll. Processes pension loans, rollover, and withdrawal requests for active, terminated, and retired employees. Processes compulsory pension plan enrollments as identified in the Unenrollment Report and assist with assigning enrollment tasks to team members. Acts as a liaison with NJDPB, OneSource, payroll, and other internal university units to resolve benefit‑related issues. Processes Termination Memos for NJDPB. Researches and responds to inquiries regarding rehires, pensionable salary, enrollment, termination, leave of absence, and reporting issues. Creates and maintains employee FSA records and performs payroll deduction calculations as needed. Investigates and reconciles checks received from pension financial carriers. Employment Details FLSA: Nonexempt Grade: 03 Salary: Minimum $54,027; Mid Range $68,383; Maximum $82,739 Position Status: Full Time; Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week Work Arrangement: May be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the View email address on click.appcast.io Application System. Benefits Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience in Benefits enrollments or related area. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of Benefits enrollment and related processes, policies, and practices. Ability to accurately prepare detailed, technical, and confidential benefits and payroll deduction transactions. Ability to make accurate arithmetic calculations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Understanding of HR terminology, policies, and procedures. Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to handle and maintain confidential information. Positive, team‑oriented approach to service delivery. Ability to meet deadlines in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment. Experience in the administration of the Alternate Benefit Plan and the Public Employees' Retirement System under the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits. Knowledge of case management and tracking software, specifically Service Now. Strong understanding of pension plan design, regulations, and accounting principles. Proficiency in data analysis and recordkeeping systems. Excellent communication skills to explain complex pension concepts to employees. Pre‑employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at the following web address: #J-18808-Ljbffr