Benefits Specialist

UCO is seeking a dedicated and professional Benefits Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This role provides employees with expert guidance on benefit programs ensures smooth administration of HR processes and contributes to a collaborative service-oriented HR environment.

Position Classification:

Regular full-time salaried exempt and benefit-eligible staff position. For more benefit information visitWhy Work at UCO

General Schedule:

Position typically works Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location:

This position is located at the University of Central Oklahomas main campus in Edmond Oklahoma. The role requires in-person presence to perform essential duties including direct interaction with students faculty staff and/or the public; access to campus facilities systems and resources; and participation in on-campus activities and events.

Position Overview:

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefit programs and processes providing high levels of customer service and resolving benefit-related issues. This role coordinates programs through the HRIS system researches benefit plans and providers to make informed recommendations and may assist in the development and enhancement of benefit programs. The Benefits Specialist exercises independent discretion and judgment on matters of significant impact ensuring decisions align with organizational policies compliance requirements and strategic HR goals.

Department Overview:

The Benefit Specialist position is a key member of the Benefits team which is part of the broader Human Resources department. The function oversees all aspects of employee benefits administration including health retirement leave programs and addition to core benefits responsibilities the team collaborates across HR on orientation research projects general departmental support and other organizational initiatives. This collaborative environment ensures employees receive professional accurate and timely HR support across the organization.

Job Duties:

• Administer employee leave programs including ownership of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) process ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Administer UCO retirement processes in coordination with Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System (OTRS) processes providing accurate guidance and supporting a smooth transition to retiree status.

• Facilitate new hire benefit enrollment and deliver New Employee Orientation presentations.

• Process and manage Qualified Life Events (QLEs) ensuring timely processing and accurate payroll deductions.

• Administer COBRA processes ensuring timely and accurate processing of required notifications.

• Maintain update and manage employee information in the HRIS system including benefit enrollment and changes performing accurate data entry reporting analysis and reconciliation.

• Respond to day-to-day employee benefit inquiries providing professional and timely customer service.

• Assist with both Retiree and Active employee open enrollment processes ensuring smooth execution and employee support.

• Support research and implementation of new benefit programs.

• Perform other duties as assigned including oversight and coordination of departmental projects and processes.

Qualifications/Experience Required:

Bachelors degree in job related field plus 3 years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred:

Professional-level HR experience preferred. Experience working within an HRIS (or similar) and utilizing Microsoft Excel in a professional environment also preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.

• Highly organized with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to meet deadlines.

• Knowledge of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations and compliance requirements.

• Knowledge of COBRA regulations including qualifying events and notification requirements.

• Knowledge of Qualified Life Event (QLE) rules and their impact on benefit eligibility and enrollment.

• Knowledge of Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System (OTRS) processes and regulations.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and HRIS/database management.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.