Senior Benefits Specialist

Senior Benefits SpecialistUnder general supervision administers the employee benefits programs with regard to enrollment, claims processing, premium collections, and other requirements for medical, life and other benefits plans offered to University employees and retirees.• Interfaces with ERS personnel and representatives from provider insurer companies on a variety of benefits matters. Counsels employees on benefits, including retirement options, group insurance and leaves of absence. Interprets and advises employees on policies as well as state and federal laws. Prepares benefits newsletters, summary booklets, retirement handbooks and other articles for publication. Serves as the University's Wellness Coordinator and leads the University's wellness program. Processes applications for family and medical leave, worker's comp, and sick leave pool; reviews supporting documents, approves applications and sets up records; advises administrators on policies and state regulations. Processes leaves of absence without pay and administers the insurance which includes submission to ERS, and processing of disability insurance and supplemental forms. Processes service retirements and assists employees with the completion of application and submittal of forms to Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and Employees Retirement System (ERS). Oversees the preparation of disability applications for short-term, long-term and TRS; provides company with all required documents and completes agency coordinator statements; coordinates with Family Medical Leave, sick pool or other leave benefits. Processes all death claims. Calculates leave dates; submits notices to HRIS and departments regarding any transferable sick and vacation hours to be reinstated to employee record via HRIS; assists beneficiary with claimant's statement. Conducts new employee Benefits orientation; sets up Flex accounts and reconciles accounts with ERS. Processes benefit enrollment for new employees, as well as benefit changes during open enrollment. Coordinates with the State of Texas Coordinating Board and prepares Maximum Exclusion Allowances (MEA's), for those employees who contribute to tax deferred annuity programs. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.% FTE - 1.0Hiring Range - $64,197.37-$81,851.64Education - Bachelor's degree or higher.Required Licensing/Certification - Valid Texas Driver's License preferred.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Knowledge of: Federal, State, Local and County laws. Subject matter expert in a professional discipline or function; understood to be the "go-to" expert on complex methods and procedures. Requires the ability to lead the development or modification of work procedures in the discipline or function for virtually any situation. HR policies, procedures, and practices. Banner and other job-related software systems. Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications. Skill in: Detail oriented. Effective customer service. Problem-solving and decision-making. Multitasking and time management. Analyzing documents. Coordinating work of others. Planning activities. Leading projects. Both verbal and written communication. Ability to: Prepare detailed reports. Work independently. Communicate effectively.Work Experience - Three (3) to five (5) years of related experience.Working/Environmental Conditions - Limited standing and/or walking. Handling light weight objects. Using or carrying equipment. Stoop, bend or lift. May require routine travel.It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures.Open Until Filled (overrides close field) - YesOpen to all applicants.