Benefits Specialist (18539)

Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail.

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.

Learn more about American University by clicking here .

Summary/Objective

The Benefits Specialist aids with the overall routine day to day administration of the university’s medical, prescription drug, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, legal, pet, auto and home insurance, and commuter benefits. The incumbent resolves routine customer issues with insurance carriers and benefit vendors and performs file transmissions to insurance carriers. On a weekly basis, this position handles approximately 30-35 calls and 40-50 emails regarding benefits issues. As part of benefits team, this position services a client group of approximately 2,700 full-time faculty and staff and 30 retired employees and liaises with the Service Delivery Team members to resolve routine benefits issues.

This position reports directly to the Director, Employee Benefits. This person works as a member of the Benefits Team interacting daily with Human Resources and Payroll employees and members of the university community.

This is a temporary position that will run through March 31, 2024.

Essential Functions

1. Performs enrollment audits of benefit plans against data in HR IM system , including the following b enefit plans: medical, prescription drug, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, legal, pet, auto and home insurance, and commuter benefits . Analyzes invoice data, identifies trends and resolves problems by working collaboratively with benefit vendors and benefits team. Ensures plan policies are applied accurately in processing invoices; research invoices and works with service delivery teams to resolve enrollment discrepancies and provides documentation to vendors for correction of enrollment discrepancies. Reviews general ledger benefit accounts on a quarterly and fiscal year end basis, ensuring vendor payments and appropriate journal entries are posted to general ledger accounts.
2. Assists with new-hire orientations. Performs quality checks of benefits-related data. Assists employees with benefits eligibility inquiries, claim issues and plan changes. Distributes enrollment materials as needed .
3. Support the benefits team with ongoing counseling of employees regarding general benefit inquiries, answering inquiries regarding benefit plan changes during annual open enrollment period and at other times during year as changes are implemented and assist in the preparation of benefit materials for distribution.
4. Participates in special projects as requested by Director, Employee Benefits, as needed.

Work Environment

• The worker normally performs their job indoors in an office environment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time - 35 hours per week.
• Specialist A pay band.
• Non-Exempt.
• This position offers a hybrid work schedule of several days/week of remote work.
• This is a temporay position that will run through March 31, 2024.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in education, training and experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience. Experience with Payroll and HR Information Systems (HRIS).
• Ability to prioritize and organize daily responsibilities to meet all deadlines.
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoAsuccessfulU through themyAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC