Senior Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Benefits Specialist | $30.77 per hour | Monday–Friday | Contract

What Matters Most
•Competitive Pay: $30.77 per hour
•Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm
•Location: Houston, TX 77004
•Direct Hire opportunity with career growth and stability
•Comprehensive benefits package, subject to employer eligibility and plan provisions
•Opportunity to support employee benefits and wellness programs within a university environment

Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Benefits Specialist to support the administration of employee benefits programs at a respected university in Houston, TX. This position is responsible for benefits enrollment, claims processing, retirement coordination, leave administration, and employee benefits counseling. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of state and federal benefits regulations, experience working with retirement and insurance providers, and the ability to manage complex benefits processes independently. This role also supports employee wellness initiatives, benefits communications, and new-hire orientations while ensuring compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:
•Administer employee and retiree benefits programs, including medical, life, disability, retirement, and supplemental insurance; coordinate with the Employees Retirement System (ERS), Teachers Retirement System (TRS), and insurance providers.
•Counsel employees regarding benefits enrollment, retirement options, insurance coverage, and leave policies while ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.
•Process Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), workers' compensation, sick leave pool, disability claims, retirement applications, and other leave-related documentation.
•Coordinate new-hire benefits orientations, open enrollment activities, flexible spending accounts, benefits communications, and employee wellness programs.
•Maintain accurate benefits records in HRIS systems, reconcile benefits accounts, prepare reports, process claims, and provide guidance to university departments regarding benefits procedures.

Qualifications and Requirements:
•3–5 years of related experience in employee benefits administration, human resources, or a closely related field.
•Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs, retirement systems, FMLA, workers' compensation, disability benefits, and applicable federal and state regulations.
•Experience with HRIS platforms, preferably Banner, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
•Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, customer service, and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
•Experience working with ERS, TRS, or benefits administration in higher education or a public-sector organization is highly desirable.

Benefits and Perks:
•Competitive Pay: $30.77 per hour.
•Medical, dental, and vision benefits, subject to employer plan eligibility
•Professional development, training, and career growth opportunities

Your New Organization:
Join a respected Houston university committed to supporting its employees through comprehensive benefits, professional development, and wellness initiatives. This organization promotes a collaborative, service-oriented environment where employees contribute to the success and well-being of the university community.

Your Career Partner:
The Reserves Network, a veteran-founded and family-owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal-opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.

The base pay for this position is $30.77 per hour, excluding benefits, bonuses, or other compensation. Your final compensation will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, location, and internal pay equity. Please note, hiring at the top of the range is uncommon to allow room for future growth.

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