• Job Description

  Req#: 2701

  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.

  Annual Hiring Salary Range: $45,000 to $47,000

  Position Summary

  Rice University Human Resource department is seeking a Benefits Specialist I to join the team! They will be responsible for the administration of assigned benefits programs and providing excellent customer service to benefits-eligible employees, students, and dependents. The benefits specialist will provide information and respond to inquiries regarding benefit programs, such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, STD, LTD, etc. This position will resolve and/or coordinate the resolution of routine issues, and make adjustments and corrections to HR systems as needed.

  The ideal candidate has some related experience in human resources, benefits, or a related analytical or customer-service oriented role, and is a proactive, organized problem solver who enjoys working in a collaborative team environment.

  Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
    • May substitute additional related experience, above and beyond the requirement, on an equivalent year-for-year basis in lieu of the education requirement
  • No experience required
  • Skills required:
    • Proficiency in Excel
    • Attention to detail and accuracy
    • Strong communication skills – interpersonal, oral, and written
    • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle highly sensitive and personal information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion
    • Critical thinking and the ability to identify alternative solutions
    • Strong customer service orientation

  Essential Functions

  • Serves as the primary contact to resolve employee benefits issues/inquiries regarding eligibility, coverage, and enrollment
  • Manages day-to-day activities of all benefits programs
  • Assists employees with enrollment and qualifying life events
  • Maintains employee benefits in the personnel file
  • Assists in health and welfare and retirement audits
  • Delivers presentations and training for benefits-eligible employees or students
  • Completes assigned tasks to assist with the implementation of new / updated benefits plans and programs
  • Reviews, edits, and drafts content for benefits communications as new / updated information is needed (includes website, booklets, postcards, etc.)
  • Manages and/or participates in projects as needed
  • Assists in event planning and execution
  • Performs all other duties as assigned

  Additional Functions

  • May be responsible for the administration of student benefit plan
  • May serve as a backup to the HR Service Center during peak periods; typical duties may include assisting with the review and processing of HCM transactions, assisting new hires and walk-ins, and responding to service tickets
  • May coordinate the university’s wellness program and related events and activities

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Some related experience in benefits, human resources, analytical roles or other closely related field
  • Experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Ability to analyze and present data graphically, quantitatively, and qualitatively, including work with spreadsheets and databases
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software or other computer applications

  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

• About the company

  Rice University is a comprehensive research university in Houston, Texas.

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