Student Benefits Specialist

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants must attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application in a PDF format. Please note that the applicant tracking system does not convert attachments in Word format successfully. 

Position Summary 
The office of Human Resources of Rice University is seeking a Student Benefits Specialist to administer assigned benefits programs and provide excellent customer service to benefits-eligible employees, students, and dependents. This position resolves and/or coordinates the resolution of routine issues and makes adjustments and corrections to HR systems as needed.

The ideal candidate for this position has some related experience in human resources, benefits, or a related analytical or customer service-oriented role. They are initiative-taking, organized, analytical, and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment. 

This position offers a flexible work schedule (minimum of 3 days in the office per week).

Annual Hiring Salary: $48,700 to $49,500

 Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree 
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• One year of related experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education may be substituted above and beyond what is required on an equivalent year-for-year basis. 
• Skills Required
  • Advanced computer skills and demonstrated experience with office software and email applications.
  • Intermediate Excel skills
  • Proven success in following through and completing projects.
  • Excellent organizational skills and diligence
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences. 
  • Excellent customer service and people skills 
  • Ability to prioritize, take initiative, and ownership of projects.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment routinely and independently while making decisions.

Essential Functions

• Respond to student inquiries regarding benefits coverage, eligibility criteria, and enrollment procedures via email, phone, or in-person. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student benefit elections, status changes, and other relevant information. 
• Analyzes policies and program documents for necessary information to provide basic benefits and eligibility information to students and employees.
• Answers incoming calls and written requests for benefit information and transactions promptly and accurately. 
• Generate reports as needed to track enrollment trends, benefit utilization, and other key metrics for analysis. 
• Assists in the annual benefits enrollment process, health, and benefits fairs.
• Conducts annual enrollment meetings.
• Publicizes benefit programs. 
• Stay abreast of changes and updates in benefit policies, regulations, and industry best practices to ensure accurate and compliant administration of Student Benefits.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Additional Functions

• Serve as a backup resource for the Faculty and Staff Benefits Team. 

Preferences

• Banner experience 
• Oracle Cloud experience
• Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
• PHR or SHRM-CP preferred

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies 

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.