Employee Benefits Specialist (Hybrid Eligible)

To provide consultation, coordination, and assistance on the State's Employee Benefits and related policies and procedures and act as a liaison between providers, state employees and state human resource staff; perform related work. This classification is intended for use by agencies that administer their own agency unique benefits or administer benefits on a statewide basis.

This position has the opportunity to work hybrid (a mix of in-person work from a Boise State University worksite and an alternative work location within Idaho), upon completion of training, complete probation, and discretion from the supervisor. Candidate must be able to work on-site as needed.

Our unique Boise State mindset - Blue Turf Thinking - is not about doing more with less, but doing our work in ways that envision a better future, that see our students and their needs more clearly, that take new approaches to research and to service. Our strategic plan, then, isn't about adding another layer of work. Rather, as a community, we have developed clear guidelines about where we should direct our efforts going forward, allowing us to release labor that no longer serves our community.

Regularly works on tasks that are varied and complex. Applies full range and job knowledge; frequently adapts procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet specialized needs; may serve as lead; performs broad and/or focused assignments under general supervision; originality and ingenuity are often required to help establish procedures in functional area; relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assigned tasks.

60% of the time the Employee Benefits Specialist must:
Serves as a liaison between state employees, state human resource staff members and the various providers as the primary point of contact for employees. The incumbent interprets and provides guidance relating to benefits, coverages and contract provisions to employees, agency management, and human resource personnel. May reconcile and submit reports to insurance companies, coordinate Workers' Compensation audits and premium negotiations, and monitor and recommend guidelines for dealing with unemployment claims.
Interprets, provides guidance, and trains employees, managers and staff on benefits, and related policies and procedures. Coordinates implementation of benefits or related policy and procedure changes; develops benefit orientation and other informational materials and coordinates their dissemination and the promotion of benefits programs. May conduct regular meetings with agency personnel to research and implement methods in which to better respond to questions, issues and concerns of employees and agency personnel and identify ways in which to better educate employees on benefit coverages and procedures.
May perform the following responsibilities: reviews legislation and recommends changes to retirement plan and/or policies and procedures; provide administrative support to the Retirement Plan Administrative Panel and coordinates retirement benefits; coordinates with PERSI on legislative matters, reciprocity issues, and payroll audits; prepares data for Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, and actuarial reporting; coordinates automated system changes with the State Controller's Office and department information systems staff; conducts pre-retirement workshops; prepares retirement plan Annual Report; coordinates semi-annual panel meeting agenda and records and processes minutes; coordinates nomination and election of new panel members; revises employee handbook; calculates and processes payment of retirement benefits and contribution refunds, buy back, and rollovers; evaluates individual eligibility; provides advice and guidance on retirement options; prepares and submits tax forms; compiles Annual Participant Contribution Account.

35% of the time the Employee Benefits Specialist must:
Answer benefit questions; respond to emails, phone calls, and in-person
Assist employees with completing enrollment forms
Track changes to benefit eligibility
Process updates and adjustments for benefit changes
Determine eligibility for the Tuition Fee Waiver benefits
Participation in team engagement; Involvement and collaboration in Human Resource programs across campus
5% of the time the Employee Benefits Specialist must:
Perform other duties as assigned

Good knowledge of: personnel administration practices; group insurance program design, benefit levels.
Some knowledge of insurance funding.
Experience: analyzing statistical and financial reports and data; researching and resolving complex benefit issues; interpreting and explaining insurance contract provisions, policies, procedures and regulations; researching new developments in benefit programs; maintaining a computerized records system.
Experience: developing presentations and conducting group training.

Good knowledge of: group medical, dental, life and disability insurance.
Experience: compiling data and preparing reports.

Experience in HR/Benefit related field.
Knowledge and use of Excel.
Exemplary Customer Service Skills.

Salary of $21/hour, commensurate with experience. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.

Please submit a Cover Letter indicating your interest and a Resume stating your qualifications for this position.