HR Benefits Specialist

Job Summary

The HR Benefits Specialist is responsible for overseeing all aspects of employee benefits administration, ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, and optimizing benefits processes for efficiency and employee satisfaction. This role involves direct engagement with employees, HR partners, and external vendors to manage benefits enrollment, resolve complex claims, and promote awareness of available programs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manages all functions related to employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability insurance, workers' compensation claims, flexible spending account plans, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Conducts benefits presentations for new hire orientation, annual enrollment, and departmental needs. Works closely with DMBA Benefits Administrator for annual enrollment presentations and assists employees with online benefits enrollment.
• Manages Independent Contractor and Honorarium processes, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. Advises departments on classifications, oversees documentation and payments, and provides guidance on tax and legal implications.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and manages reporting requirements related to benefits administration.
• Monitors benefit elections, reviews arrears reports, and ensures accurate processing of salary and benefits changes. Engages with the DMBA to maintain and update benefits information.
• Identifies opportunities to enhance benefits processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen customer service.
• Reviews Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) change reports to ensure correct premium adjustments.
• Provides customer service and advocates for employees in resolving complex benefits claims, eligibility, and coverage issues. Acts as a liaison between employees and benefit vendors.
• Works closely with HR partners, employees, and external vendors to manage benefits-related concerns and promote awareness of available programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification and Experience Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Three years of professional level experience in employee benefits or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated customer service and presentation skills.
• Proficient with MS-Suite of products and Workday.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, compliance, and reporting.
• Experience with HR software systems, including Workday and PeopleSoft preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to analyze benefits data, generate reports, and identify trends.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Tuition benefits for employee and qualified dependents
• Medical and Dental
• Short- and Long-term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Relocation Package

Physical Demands

Air-conditioned office environment with minimal physical effort required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

As an educational institution affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii prefers to hire qualified members of the Church in good standing, as authorized under 41 C.F.R. § 60-1.5 (a)(6). To be eligible for employment, applicants who are members of the Church must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend and receive a clearance from the Church’s Ecclesiastical Clearance Office. Job applicants must be able to meet these conditions to advance through the hiring process successfully. An expired temple recommend will prevent consideration for hire.

Approximate starting salary:

The wage offered could be above or below range based on education and experience as it relates to the job description.

About BYU–Hawaii

Welcome and thank you for your interest in a career at BYU–Hawaii. We offer a variety of employment opportunities, a competitive employment package and an attractive work environment that supports diversity and excellence. Whether you are a current employee of BYU–Hawaii or contemplating joining us, we hope you will find information and services that will help to enhance your personal and professional life.

BYU–Hawaii is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a condition of employment, employees will be required to:

• act in accordance with Brigham Young University–Hawaii’s policies and the Church Educational System Honor Code, including the Dress and Grooming Standards;

• refrain from behavior or expression that seriously and adversely affects the Brigham Young University–Hawaii mission or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and

• be a role model of a life that combines spiritual values and personal integrity with intellectual rigor and academic excellence and to conduct my work in a professional manner consistent with the principles and values espoused by Brigham Young University–Hawaii and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Equal Opportunity

BYU–Hawaii is an equal opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, age, color, sex, disability, veteran's status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations. BYU–Hawaii’s commitment to equal opportunity includes and applies to:

• Recruiting, hiring, and training

• Upgrading, promoting, and transferring

• Discipline, layoff, and termination

• Conditions and privileges of employment

• Compensation and benefits

As an educational institution affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii prefers to hire qualified members of the Church in good standing as authorized under Title 41 CFR § 60-1.5 (a)(6).

Employment Requirements

Applicants who are ​members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend to be eligible to receive an offer of employment from BYU–Hawaii. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must also accept as a condition of ongoing employment that they will hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend, with the understanding that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may adjust the criteria for a temple recommend from time to time. For additional information regarding endorsement related questions, please follow this link: Ecclesiastical Leader Questions for New CES Hires.

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must meet with the University Chaplain to verify that, if hired, they will accept the expectations and conditions described in the University’s Ecclesiastical Endorsement Policy.

Part-time employees of any other Church-affiliated employer are not eligible for concurrent employment with BYU–Hawaii unless specifically excepted.

Applicants must also cooperate fully in and must pass a background check to be eligible to receive an offer of employment from Brigham Young University–Hawaii.