Benefits Specialist

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Job posting number: #7146787 (Ref:BSU37334)

Posted: May 24, 2023

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Responsible for administering all benefit and retirement plans, provide benefit and retirement communications, conduct benefit and retirement presentations and training events, provide customer service and resolve employee benefit and retirement issues; ensure accurate accounting of insurance expenses, manage special benefits-related projects.

Ball State University welcomes applications for a Benefits Specialist.

Job Function:

Responsible for administering all benefit and retirement plans, provide benefit and retirement communications, conduct benefit and retirement presentations and training events, provide customer service and resolve employee benefit and retirement issues; ensure accurate accounting of insurance expenses, manage special benefits-related projects.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; OR Associate’s Degree plus an additional 2 years of related experience; OR High School diploma plus an additional 4 years of related experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, finance, human resources or related field.

Minimum Experience:

At least one year of benefit administration, human resources, or related experience; proficient in Microsoft Excel; excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Experience:

At least three years of experience in benefits, human resources, or related field; experience using Banner and on-line enrollment systems. Knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, PPACA, and IRS Regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Administer all benefit plans in compliance with University policy and procedures. Serve as subject matter expert of plan documents and benefit administration systems while consistently developing policies, procedures and guidelines for benefit processes. Ensure existing benefit policies and programs are in compliance with federal, state, and/or local benefit laws and regulations.
  • Manage benefit communications, developing benefit plan booklets, summary plan descriptions, benefit documents, and communications to the campus community; ensure accurate benefits information is on the department website.
  • Advise employees regarding benefit programs, policies, practices, and procedures. Explain benefit options and required documentation for new hires, qualifying events, open enrollment, and responsibilities for Medicare eligibility.
  • Investigate and resolve benefit issues for employees and their dependents; partner with benefit vendor(s) and/or third party administrator(s) to resolve issues on behalf of employees. Develop and maintain strong partnerships with benefit vendors. Authorize overrides and exceptions as necessary while maintaining compliance with regulations.
  • Develop and conduct group presentations, such as benefits orientation sessions, Open Enrollment, New Faculty Orientation and benefit fairs; conduct and/or record presentations and benefit training sessions as required to provide education on all insurance and tuition benefit programs.
  • Work closely with the Office of University Controller to ensure the accurate accounting of insurance expenses. Review all benefit invoices/remittances for payment. Serve as the point of contact for all billing related reconciliations and inquiries. Calculate and process funding/FICA journal vouchers to ensure appropriate chargeback to the affected department accounts.
  • Review employee appeal requests and make determinations in accordance with University procedures. Work with Director and AVP on escalated exception requests. Communicate final resolution to the employee.
  • Communicate employee benefit elections/changes to appropriate payroll representatives to facilitate the adjustment in employees benefit deductions. Verify that data is accurate in the system and ensure that arrears and appropriate premiums are being withheld.
  • Collaborate with ADA and leave administrators to ensure appropriate administration and termination of benefits for employees not working due to an approved leave of absence.
  • Serve as liaison with funeral homes and beneficiaries through the life insurance claim process for employees and their dependents covered by a University life insurance plan. Review, approve, and submit documentation to ensure appropriate claim payment is made by the vendor.
  • Facilitate timely and accurate employee terminations in the online benefit enrollment platform to trigger the appropriate COBRA notifications and election notices to generate.
  • Maintain confidentiality, good judgement and discretion in all areas of work. Adhere to privacy regulations in accordance with federal (e.g, HIPAA), state and University requirements and/or standards. Maintain a well-organized and confidentially secure work area to ensure compliance with HIPAA.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Manage special projects, program implementations, request for proposals (RFPs), and produce various reports in response to data requests. Conduct benefits related market surveys as needed.
  • Ensure retirement plans are administered in accordance with plan documents and BSU policy; counsel employees ready to retire on the retirement process and retiree insurance options; counsel new employees on retirement savings plan options; provide assistance with retirement plan selection, conduct group retirement presentations to educate employees on retirement plans; ensure employees make plan selections within 60 days of eligibility if required.


At Ball State University, we recognize inclusive excellence as an integral endeavor to fulfill our University’s mission and our strategic plan. We recruit, support, and retain a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. We encourage and reward diversity of thought. We promote a work environment that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity. We pledge to keep Inclusive Excellence at the highest level of institutional importance and as a foundation in all that we strive to do. Our over-arching goal for Inclusive Excellence is to adopt a university-wide Inclusive Excellence approach to academic, administrative support, and service functions of the university. We believe Inclusive Excellence must be infused in every step we take.


Apply Now

Please mention to the employer that you saw this ad on DiversityWork.com

More Info

Job posting number:#7146787 (Ref:BSU37334)
Application Deadline:Open Until Filled
Employer Location:Ball State University
Muncie,Indiana
United States
More jobs from this employer
Institution Website
Close menu