Benefits Analyst (LOA)

If youre passionate about building a better future for individuals communities and our countryand youre committed to working hard to play your part in building that futureconsider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online competency-based degree programs WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century one that has received praise from academic industry government and media leaders. Whatever your role working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Professional 307

Pay Range: $66300.00 - $99500.00

Job Description

Job Profile Summary

The Benefits Analyst provides vital support toward ensuring smooth delivery of all WGU employee benefit plans programs and policies. These include retirement healthcare wellbeing EAP life and disability paid time off leaves-of-absence accommodations recognition and other ancillary benefits. Provides personal-touch customer service to WGU employees nationwide. This role operates in a high-paced high-growth environment and demands positive passion and enthusiasm. It delivers critical strategic administrative and transaction support within the WGU People & Talent team. Provides stewardship of processes analysis data reconciliations and auditing reporting communications and project management critical to the design and operation of all benefit plans. Works closely with all areas of People & Talent and various other internal and external contacts.

The Role: We are looking for a highly skilled Benefits Analyst with a focus on leaves and accommodations to join our team. The ideal candidate will be experienced in handling complex leave management workplace accommodations and benefits administration while ensuring exceptional employee experience and customer service. This highly visible role provides personal-touch customer service to WGU employees nationwide through our high-paced and high-growth environment.

Location: This position requires you to be located within 50 miles of Salt Lake City UT with the ability to work 4 days a week in-office at our headquarters: 4001 South 700 East Salt Lake City UT 84107 and one day from home

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

Administer all leave of absence requests and accommodations ensuring compliance with federal state and local laws as well as company policies and procedures.

Collaborate with HR Payroll and other departments to effectively manage leaves and accommodations providing timely and accurate information to employees and stakeholders.

Serve as the primary point of contact for employees inquiring about leave and accommodation options providing comprehensive guidance and support.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with employees and cross-functional teams promoting a positive employee experience and fostering collaboration.

Analyze leave and accommodation data identifying trends and providing recommendations for continuous improvement of policies and procedures.

Lead training sessions and workshops to educate employees and managers on leave and accommodation policies rights and responsibilities.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation related to leaves and accommodations ensuring employee privacy and data security.

Strong knowledge of federal state and local laws related to leaves and disability accommodations including FMLA ADA and multiple state-specific leave laws.

This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities. The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

KSAs

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to proactively engage with individuals at all levels including employees leaders team members and external vendors or advisors.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment exercising influence and leadership when needed.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical information clearly and persuasively in presentations emails reports and discussions.

Skilled in interpreting and applying technical and regulatory information related to HR especially employee benefits leaves and accommodations.

In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with the design management and administration of employee benefit programsincluding insurance renewals retirement plans vendor management government filings benchmarking enrollment auditing training and communications.

Solid understanding of HRIS and related systems including cross-functional impacts with payroll and enterprise platforms.

Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and skilled in working with various data formats and systems to process transactions analyze trends and generate reports.

Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to diagnose root causes identify key drivers and recommend actionable improvements.

Ability to prioritize organize and manage multiple time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced constantly evolving environment.

Creative and innovative thinker with the ability to apply common solutions in unique or evolving contexts.

Strong work ethic eagerness to learn and willingness to take on new assignments.

Commitment to team success and individual growth; actively contributes to a positive inclusive work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience (1 year experience 1 year education)

• Experience

• 2-3 years of experience specifically working with Leaves of Absence or Accommodations

• Ability to manage 75 LOA cases simultaneously

• Knowledge of federal state and local laws related to benefits

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products

• Superb written and verbal communication skills

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions

• Experience in lieu of education

• Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience presenting to groups.

• Experience in a large organizations human resources function.

• HR shared service center experience.

• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems.

• Workday experience

• Progress toward or completion of Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or other HR-related certifications.

• Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical dental vision telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual 11 paid holidays and other paid leaves including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. Its not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.