Benefits Specialist - Human Resources

Benefits Specialist

Join Our Campus Community!

Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming. Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today!

Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW's Benefits Summary.

JOB PURPOSE:

This entry-level role supports the University of Wyoming's employee benefits administration and leave management functions by assisting with daily operations, employee communication, accurate record keeping, and facilitating new employee orientation. The position helps process benefit enrollments, maintain data across systems, and provide front line guidance to employees on eligibility, coverage options, and life-event changes. It also supports the coordination of leave programs—including FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, and other leave types—by verifying eligibility, tracking time away, and ensuring compliance with applicable policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Benefits Administration

• Coordinate daily administration of benefit programs, including eligibility, enrollment, premium billing when necessary, and open enrollment.
• Communicate benefit information to employees, promote wellness initiatives, and provide guidance on insurance eligibility, life events, and coverage adjustments.
• Maintain accurate benefit records, and update partner platforms; generate reports and ensure data integrity.
• Serve as the primary contact for employees, supervisors, payroll, and state partners, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Leave Management

• Coordinate and determine appropriate team referral to leave types (FMLA, ADA, LWOP, sabbatical, workers' compensation).
• Verify eligibility, coordinate and authorize appropriate leave, calculate duration, and ensure compliance with federal/state leave laws.
• Monitor allowable time away and support employees through the return-to-work process.
• Support primary staff with ADA and FMLA administration.

Employee Support & Orientation

• Facilitate New Employee Orientation, ensuring clear communication of eligibility, enrollment deadlines, plan options, and required documentation. Deliver engaging and informative presentations covering medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability programs, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, leave programs, and any other employer-sponsored benefits.

Compliance & Reporting

• Process workers' compensation claims; ensure timely intake, documentation, submission, and necessary follow-up.
• Coordinate and monitor unemployment claims in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring compliance with state regulations and UW policy.
• Process tuition waiver applications and support documents for eligible employees in accordance with program guidelines.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• Attention to Detail
• Independence
• Judgment
• Integrity
• Analysis/Problem Identification
• Collaboration
• Consistency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience: 1 years work-related experience

HR Certification preferred.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Bachelor's in Human Resources

Experience delivering presentations or facilitating training sessions, such as New Employee Orientation

Prior experience in higher education

Ability to interpret policies and procedures and explain them clearly to employees and supervisors

Customer service skills

Familiarity with employee benefit and leave programs or a strong willingness to learn complex regulatory requirements

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position).

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 6/10/2026 will receive full consideration.

WORK LOCATION:

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available for this position.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado's Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie's beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit