Benefits and Compensation Specialist

The Benefits and Compensation Specialist is responsible for administering and managing employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans. This role also involves ensuring fair and competitive compensation structures, conducting salary surveys, and ensuring compliance with relevant labor laws. The position supports the human resources department in attracting, retaining, and motivating employees through effective benefits and compensation strategies.

• Administers employee insurance programs including but not limited to health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans.
• Administers the university's leave programs, including, but not limited to, FMLA and Sick Leave Pool.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits and compensation questions or issues.
• Assesses and conducts job evaluations to determine FLSA classification and market analysis; works with hiring managers to provide appropriate guidance regarding pay decisions, policies, and job evaluation; reviews and approves all staff job offers and job requisitions; creates and/or updates job descriptions.
• Assists in developing compensation strategies that align with organizational goals and promote employee retention and satisfaction
• Prepare compensation reports and analyses to inform decision-making by senior management
• Maintain accurate records of employee benefits selections, compensation data, and other related information

• Performs all other duties as assigned

Direct Reports:

• None

Delegation of Work:

• N/A

Supervision Given:

• N/A

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree

Required Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of related job experience in compensation, benefits, or human resources management

License/Certification

• N/A

None Required

• N/A

• SHRM-CP or PHR certification is preferred
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience with PeopleSoft
• Experience with Pay Factors

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of trends, developments, and best practices and legal regulations in compensation and benefits administration
• Proficiency in HR software and systems

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with confidential information

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements.
• Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing, etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Focus on Customer Service

• Focuses on customer's needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Respectfully ascertains customer's needs and determines appropriate response.
• Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.
• If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request.
• Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner.
• Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services.

Building External Relationships

• Demonstrates the ability to build rapport and develop relationships with external constituents.
• Displays a genuine interest in constituents' ideas and concerns, and pursues mutual interests and aspirations between the university and external constituents.
• Builds trust and forms alliances through shared respect and cooperation.

Work Leadership

• Leads the work of assigned staff.
• Assigns projects and tasks with clear instructions and understanding of work to be performed.
• Mentors and guides by sharing expertise, knowledge of work rules and procedures, and best practices.
• Follows up to ensure tasks and projects are completed within reasonable timeframes.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities. Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success. Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.