Benefits Specialist

Under general direction, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for overseeing the administration and management of all types of leaves, including short term disability (STD), long term disability (LTD), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), California paid leave, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), military leaves, and other leave types. The Benefits Specialist also performs a variety of other human resource functions within the areas of benefits administration. Essential Functions Leave Administration: Administer all employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA, parental leave, medical leave, personal leave, and other leave types. Full cycle reasonable accommodation processes as needed in collaboration with HR and legal teams. Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and return-to-work procedures. Coordinate with HR, payroll, benefits, and third-Party administrators to ensure accurate leave processing. Maintain up-to-date and confidential records of leave requests, approvals, and communications. Track leave balances, pay time reporting, timelines, and deadlines; provide regular updates to management. Assist in developing and updating leave-related policies, procedures, and employee communications. Conduct audits to ensure leave records are accurate and compliant. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws, as well as company policies. Benefit Administration: Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, providing guidance and support. Maintain and update benefits data within the HRIS system; ensure accurate record‑keeping and reporting. Support the preparation and distribution of required benefits documentation (Summary Plan Descriptions, compliance notices, benefits statements). Support audits, filings, and other regulatory reporting requirements. Assist in planning and executing annual open enrollment, including employee communication, website and system updates. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.). Serve as backup for daily administration of a designated Benefit Plan portfolio, such as health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, FSA/HSA, disability, wellness programs, etc. Serve as backup for billing and invoicing. All other duties as assigned. University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree (two (2) years of full‑time experience in a same/similar position is equivalent to one (1) year of completed post‑high‑school education). One (1) year of experience in HR leave administration, benefits administration, or related HR function. Preferred Qualifications Strong working knowledge of leave administration and laws, including STD, LTD, FMLA, CFRA, and related job protection rights laws. Excellent customer service skills with strong compassion and empathy. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong problem‑solving skills. Strong organizational skills and ability to multi‑task to meet deadlines. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite. Banner and Argos experience. Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion. Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting. Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in work. University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. Physical Requirements Requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand/wrist motion while using a computer keyboard and phone. Occasional standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, and reaching. Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds. Hiring Range $24.00 – $28.00 per hour. Compensation is based on scope and responsibilities, candidate qualifications, internal equity, and market considerations. Background Check Statement All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening. AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement : University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years. Anti-Discrimination/EEO Policy Statement University of the Pacific is an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity. The university does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of employment benefits, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability. All hiring decisions are based on merit, selecting the most qualified individual for each position. #J-18808-Ljbffr