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West Virginia University · 1 month ago

(Hybrid) Benefits Specialist Senior - Talent and Culture

Morgantown, WV

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

West Virginia University is seeking a Senior Benefits Specialist to join their Talent and Culture team. The role primarily focuses on managing retirement programs, providing support for employee benefits, and maintaining vendor relationships. The specialist will also design strategies and educational materials to enhance employees' understanding of retirement benefits.

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Responsibilities

Design strategies to carry out objectives of the WVU Retirement Benefits Program and implement in coordination with Benefits and Compensation leadership team

Identify and address future retirement trends, concerns, and issues on a regular basis

Research, calculate, forecast and generate reports and statistical analysis in regard to retirement or as requested

Develop and present retirement benefit educational sessions for employees. This may include one-on-one counseling sessions. Design retirement enrollment materials

Develop, research and review WVU Years of Service retirement calculations/data for purposes of PEIA retiree medical premiums. Verify term date for retiring employees

Develop, submit, and update communications, training and resources as needed

Responsible of reviewing and keeping all data on retirement web site current and accurate

Coordinate with retirement vendors (TIAA, CPRB, etc) to research and resolve any employee retirement questions or concerns

Primary contact regarding the WVU Retirement and Phased Retirement (excluding department approval and matters deemed to under the authority of the Provost Office) requirements and processes

Coordinator for all Supplemental Retirement Account Activity and inform employees of IRS changes

Provide direction to employees on retirement benefit programs. Actively participate on various department, division, and University committees; serve as liaison for retirement, as requested

Maintain and provide prompt and accurate data and reports regarding various aspects of retirement benefits use and other associated reports

Stay updated on relevant federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to employee benefits, such as the IRS rules, Affordable Care Act (ACA), ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ADA. Assist in ensuring compliance with these regulations and maintain appropriate records and documentation

Provide recommendations and/or propose changes on federal and state laws and regulations in conjunction with HEPC and plan vendor(s)

Monitor compliance and recommend/propose changes for retirement plan documents in conjunction with plan vendors

Reports leave/service retiree medical credits to PEIA/STRS for purposes of retiree medical credits or additional service credits on behalf of the University

Provide information on the University retirement plans: 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan – Mandatory for all eligible employees; State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) – Grand-fathered employees only; Phased Retirement Program, and Supplemental Retirement Annuity 403(b) and 457(b) and 415 Special Pay Plan and other retirement program to be developed

Collaborate with benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure an effective program

Administration, resolve issues, and optimize service delivery

Make recommendations on vendor communications, training opportunities, or regular touch point meetings with the WVU Benefits team

May be requested to research and resolve topics with benefit vendors as needed

In coordination with Shared Services Center, provide subject matter expertise for Years of Service validation from other State Agencies and with prior WVU service

Responsible for ensuring successful completion of the annual Longevity Payment process which includes ensuring with SSC audits of annual increment YOS, all annual increment verifications and updates as appropriate through the payroll system, and needed research or reconciliation of any longevity payments

Responsible for communications to business offices, supervisors, directors, and deans regarding policy interpretation and practice of longevity payments

Serve as a knowledgeable resource for faculty and staff and other University partners for all WVU benefits programs including medical benefits, financial benefits and work/time off benefits

Provide back up support to the financial reconciliation process of escrow, premiums and other benefits team responsibilities as needed

Assist in development and delivery of communication materials to educate employees about benefits programs and policies. May develop education sessions and workshops to increase employee awareness and understanding

Support other duties and projects as assigned

Qualification

Retirement program supportVendor relationship managementFinancial analysisStatistical analysisSpreadsheet modelingCompliance knowledgeTraining skillsCustomer service knowledgeInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsProblem-solving abilityOrganizational skillsTeamwork

Required

Bachelor's degree

A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the following: Benefit experience. Retirement program support preferred

Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered

All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Experience in varied aspects of analysis of different types of health & welfare, defined benefit, and defined contribution plans (including both qualified and non qualified arrangements)

Working knowledge of federal and state legal and tax considerations including HIPPA, COBRA, Medicare, Medicare Part B, MAP, Social Security and other regulatory matters

Strong competency in financial analysis, statistical analysis and spreadsheet modeling

Strong PC skills including Excel, PowerPoint, Access, understanding and use of relational databases and data file structures, importing/exporting files, report design, creation and data formatting

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community

Ability to analyze and solve problems

Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials

Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information

Excellent training (teaching), facilitation and presentation skills

Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities

Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures

Knowledge of communication principles, media, and marketing techniques

Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures

Program planning and implementation skills

Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to senior management and employees

While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to use a computer. Good knowledge of PC operations and software (Word processing and spreadsheet) are required. Good typing skills are also required

Initiative and motivation to request, accept, and complete tasks as required

Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team of diverse skill levels and expertise from multiple areas; functioning in an optimum role for team success

Preferred

Master's degree

Experience with State of WV retirement program

CBP, CEBS, or SPHR

Benefits

37.5-hour work week

13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)

24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)

18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)

WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits

401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks.

Wellness programs