Benefits Specialist

Company: University of Wisconsin System
Location: Madison
Posted on: January 15, 2022

Job Description:

The is in search of a dynamic individual to join our team. This position primarily supports the programmatic functions of the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) within a team environment and works collaboratively with Trust Funds staff, staff at UW System institutions, the UW Service Operations, UW 403(b) SRP investment company representatives, consultants, outside financial planners, and other stakeholders to achieve UW 403(b) SRP objectives. This position reports to the UW 403(b) SRP Administrator.
POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides accurate, timely, and comprehensive benefit information and counseling to institutional human resource professionals and employees to assist in understanding benefits eligibility, selection, and enrollment rules and completes and processes benefit enrollments and changes to ensure up-to-date benefits data.

• Receives, responds to, and resolves complex employee benefits questions, feedback and problems from employees, HR leadership, and campus partners through various mediums
• Advises current and prospective employees and human resources staff on 403(b) Program benefit eligibility, options, and applicable timelines according to established policies and procedures
• Researches eligibility and enrollment rules, plan documents, contract statutes, and administrative codes to provide correct benefit resources and materials to human resources professionals and employees
• Develops and facilitates employee benefit trainings and associated resources and materials
• Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing complex benefit information
• Receives, processes, and audits benefit enrollments and changes according to established policies and procedures
• Identifies opportunities for operational improvements and recommends changes to leadershipThis position assists the UW 403(b) Program Administrator with program problem resolution and program monitoring; in achieving continuous programmatic administrative improvements/efficiencies; and with communicating pertinent information to stakeholders regarding the UW 403(b) SRP. Responsibilities include 403(b) Program benefit education, outreach to UW System institutions, meeting with internal and external clients regarding specific event or campaign material development and helping support the UW 403(b) SRP Advisory Committee by researching, drafting, copying and distributing meeting materials as assigned, and taking meeting minutes.
  MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
  Major responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to: Collaborate with institutions, UW Shared Services, UW 403(b) SRP investment companies, and employees in resolving issues, answering 403(b) program questions, calculating contribution limits, confirming and assisting with enrollments, reporting termination dates to companies and ensuring compliance with federal laws and plan guidelines. Coordinate and assist in system wide meeting planning and preparation, including in-person and virtual formats. Provide support to the UW 403(b) SRP Advisory Committee by assisting with arranging meetings, preparing and distributing meeting materials, researching issues and providing written reports and summaries and preparing meeting minutes. Update UW 403(b) Program webpage and work with UW institutions to ensure links on UW institution websites are up-to-date and information about the 403(b) Program is current and correct; work with SRP recordkeepers to make sure SRP companies' microsites for participant information provide helpful and current information. Work with consultants and stakeholder groups on educational initiatives to address the needs and interests of UW employee groups regarding the UW 403(b) SRP. This activity includes defining target groups and appropriate communication techniques, setting timelines and expected outcomes, creating required materials, and coordinating with other staff and with providers, as appropriate. Work collaboratively to revise and develop documents for proper administration of the 403(b) Program including, but not limited to, reports, contact lists, manuals, training materials, business process documentation for proper administration of the UW 403(b) SRP, as needed. Assist with 403(b) enrollment promotion campaigns, under the direction of the 403(b) Plan Administrator and in collaboration with vendors and institutions. Work collaboratively with the UW 403(b) Plan Administrator and staff to resolve contractual and administrative issues. Request information from various sources, including queries, collect and tabulate materials/data gathered, and assist in preparing reports for various audiences as necessary. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Minimum of three years of professional experience with computers in a Microsoft office environment and using basic office equipment.
• Ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and good human relations and problem-solving skills in the application of established procedures.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, both verbal and written, integrity and attention to detail; ability to create professional documents, presentations, emails and communication memoranda.Ability to process, protect, and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials. Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines. Ability to proactively evaluate the workflow of projects and activities. Ability to carry out work assignments and follow through on assigned tasks with consistent accuracy and detail and to maintain focus while working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Demonstrated ability to learn, embrace, and master other computer technology/software programs, including website utilities software, such as WordPress, as needed, including UW specific programs, such as the Human Resources System (PeopleSoft). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders and work in a team environment utilizing advanced problem-solving skills, tact and conflict resolution techniques. Ability to research and analyze complicated issues and materials with the ability to present clear and concise summaries or, if needed, arrive at effective and workable solutions. Organized thinker with exceptional attention to detail. Demonstrated understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of students, faculty and staff. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  
• Experience working with the UW System or state
• Advanced experience with Excel
• Experience with an Enterprise Reporting System like PeopleSoft (Human Resources System)CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  The UW System is required to conduct a criminal background and sexual harassment check for final candidate(s) prior to employment.WORK LOCATION
  The office location is 780 Regent Street, Madison, WI 53715.-- This position has the potential to be performed in a hybrid work schedule (combination of remote work and in-office).-- With the expectation that you should be able to come into the office several times a week when needed.COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  The Benefits Specialist (official title: Benefits Specialist I (Inst)) is a full-time, salaried (exempt) academic staff position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $50,000 - $56,800, commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UWSA comprehensive benefit package, please access , the UW System's on-line virtual benefits counselor. Please see this link for total compensation information: to provide you with total compensation information.
  APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through Sunday, January 30, 2022.
• Go to the--to submit your materials online.
• Select the appropriate applicant portal, either----or-- and click on the position title that you want to apply for.
• Follow the onscreen instructions and be sure to include your salary expectations when asked in our applicant tracking system. In addition, please be sure to upload ALL THREE of the required documents:resume, cover letter, and references as PDF files. Failing to include any of these documents may disqualify your application.
• Your cover letter MUST specifically address how your education and experience relate to the position and qualifications. Be sure to emphasize the areas outlined under "Minimum Qualifications."
• Your reference page should include the names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers for three professional references with at least one being from a current or previous supervisor.
• Include a statement of whether you wish to have your application held in confidence or made available to the public upon request. Please note that in the absence of any statement regarding confidentiality, we will assume you do not wish to have your application held in confidence. The UW System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See
• Submit your application.University of Wisconsin System Administration is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.Questions may be addressed to ,----UW System Human Resources.----University of Wisconsin System

Keywords: University of Wisconsin System, Madison , Benefits Specialist, Other , Madison, Wisconsin