(Hybrid) Benefits Specialist Senior - Talent and Culture

The Department of Talent and Culture at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Benefits Specialist Senior.

About the Opportunity
Under the direction of the Director of Benefits and Compensation, the Senior Benefits Specialist will have primary responsibility for retirement programs, WVU benefit program support, vendor relationship management and longevity program. This Benefits Specialist Senior will coordinate and administer all facets of the West Virginia University retirement plans. The position will counsel employees and administer WVU's retirement program as well as support the administration of WVU employee benefits programs.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 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. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
  
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Design, Research, and Implementation

• 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.

Administer University Retirement Programs

• 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.

Compliance

• 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.

Vendor Relationship Management

• 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.

Supporting Other Benefit Programs

• 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.

• Bachelor's degree in human resource development, business, psychology, or closely related field.
  
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the following:
  
  
  
  
  • Benefit experience including retirement program support.
    
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
  
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred
  
• Experience with State of WV retirement program is preferred
  
• CBP, CEBS, or SPHR preferred

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.