Benefits Specialist - Human Resources

Location: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 12875
Full/Part Time: Full Time

Org Marketing Statement

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cybersecurity, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 35,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world. UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UTSA Today or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

In 2024, the UT System Board of Regents authorized UT System to begin integrating UTSA and UT Health San Antonio into one unified institution, establishing a world-class university that integrates academic, research, and clinical excellence to build a profoundly impactful university of the future. Driven by a vision for growth and impact, this merger will expand capacity to offer robust undergraduate and graduate programs, attract top-tier faculty and staff, develop innovative initiatives, and elevate transdisciplinary research to address the evolving needs of the region.

Posting End Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 1/1/2025. At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Salary Range: $45,000/Annualized, commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: 40 hours per week, exempt.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume is required.
• Cover letter is preferred.
Reference information for 3 points of contact.

Essential Functions

Job Summary

Provides professional-level customer service support to all employees and retirees related to benefits such as insurance, retirement, and leave programs and ensures compliance with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Responsible for providing timely and accurate information to employees.

Core Responsibilities

• Assist with specific leave administration programs, such as the sick and family leave pools and emergency leave as well as the associated documentation and procedures.
• Manage the Benefit Administration System (BAS) Activity Table in PeopleSoft to ensure timely event processing while adhering to payroll deadline dates.
• Respond to escalated benefit inquiries and provide assistance via email, phone, video, chat, and maintain the ticket system.
• Research employee transfers and validate transfer reasons from outgoing university or state agency.
• Assist with the administration of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) program; ensure monthly process runs successfully, review data anomalies, and update employee data.
• Manage Family Medical Leave (FML) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). cases; ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, address employee inquiries, track cases timely, and oversee related PeopleSoft/Absence Management processes.
• Assist with special projects when required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Two years of professional employee benefit administration experience to include:
  • Experience with insurance, retirement, and leave programs.
  • Experience with FMLA and ADA case management.
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and analytical skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in work and documentation.
• Ability to identify process improvements and to recommend and implement efficient solutions.
• Ability to prioritize work to meet strict deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to self-manage work.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficient with HRIS and benefit systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA, ACA, ADA, FMLA, and related Federal and State privacy laws, guidelines, regulations, and standards applicable to an academic and/or workplace setting.
• Ability to assess and interpret individual client needs and to make appropriate referrals to internal or external sources.
• Ability to diffuse emotional or volatile situations while maintaining objectivity and professionalism.
• Ability to analyze, problem solve, organize and manage multiple priorities, and effectively follow up in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships through strong interpersonal skills including consistent demonstration of solid professional judgement.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR) or Society for Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or related.
• Fluent in both spoken and written Spanish and English.
• Experience in higher education with knowledge of UT System group benefits.
Proficient with PeopleSoft and the PeopleSoft Benefits Administration Module and Absence Management Module.

Additional Information

• UTSA is a tobacco free campus.
• This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Working Conditions

Working Environment:

• Office environment.
• Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions, or other business-related events.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required, only occasionally.
• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally.

This position primarily works remotely in Texas but may work on campus on an infrequent basis (approximately four days or less per month). When an employee is required to work on campus, travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility. Applicants must be adaptable and open to working in both environments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.