The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Office of Human Resource Services is seeking a Benefits Specialist or Senior Benefits Specialist to assist in the coordination and communication of benefits programs (medical, life, disability, dental, retirement, education benefits, etc.) for the University. This position will provide direct counseling to employees on types of benefits offered and retirement planning. The Specialist will work with appropriate state agencies to resolve benefit issues regarding eligibility, claims, and retirement benefits and ensures compliance with legal and tax requirements.

Benefits: Exempt Regular

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

The ideal candidate will personally connect with the Administration and Finance Guiding Principles which closely mirror UMB’s core values: Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Primary Duties:

• Counsels employees in retirement planning and actual retirement from the University's retirement plans (pension or ORP). Ensure documentation is accurately completed and submitted in timely manner to appropriate agencies. Provides employees assistance in understanding retirement plans, Medicare, and Social Security.
  
• Provides direction and counseling to employees related to benefits offered by the University. Responds to inquiries about benefits and deferred compensation. Follows up with employees as necessary.
  
• Administers benefit processes and policies according to USM/UMB as directed and prescribed by the respective state agency. Ensures benefit action compliance with state rules and laws. Identifies issues and provides recommendations to correct.
  
• Acts as a liaison with state central benefits, state agencies, University System of Maryland (USM), service providers and participants.
• Advocates with benefit agencies on behalf of employees.
  
• Assists in developing, presenting, and disseminating communications information about open enrollment, new employee onboarding, and/or other key benefit events, including the benefits fair.
  
• Participates as a member on committees, projects, or initiatives. Assists in development of project plans and defining scope of work.
  
• Performs benefits analysis, identifies issues, and provides recommendations for efficiency and/or corrections. Follows up with customers to ensure data is accurate.
  
• Advises and instructs customers on benefits and payroll policies and procedures.
  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Senior Specialist:

• Leads benefit initiatives, such as the benefits fair, and may lead special benefit issues such as executive and leadership retirement.
  
• Participates on multi-disciplinary teams/projects and complete long or short-term goals including contributing to the planning, scoping, and completion of projects. Coordinates resources and ensures project or initiative is delivered on-time.
  
• Serves as liaison to community and campus. Supports Human Resources management in the development of strategies, objectives, budgets, and in fostering improvements in policies and procedures. Develops and maintains appropriate metrics/tracking mechanisms to measure results.

Education: Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

Specialist: Two (2) years of experience in Human Resources functions with at least one (1) year in Benefits. May consider a combination of directly related benefits experience and education.

Senior Specialist: Four (4) years of experience in Human Resources functions with at least two (2) year in Benefits.
The selected candidate must obtain the State of Maryland Retirement Coordinator Certification within two (2) months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of all applicable benefits requirements, regulations, and laws.
  
• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems.
  
• Ability to communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.
  
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently.
  
• Accomplishes responsibilities by applying specialized and theoretical benefits knowledge, principles.
  
• Resolves issues and significant matters on behalf of management by utilizing independent judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking.
  
• Contributes to development and evaluation of human resource and benefit offices goals and objectives.
  
• Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance.
  
• May independently manage or administer programs, processes, projects, or resources.
  
• Applies intermediate level knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills.
  
• Decision-making requires significant interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of various alternatives. Independently anticipates needs and requirements to resolve non-routine matters.
  
• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Salary Ranges: Commensurate with education and experience

Senior Benefits Specialist: $75,000 - $85,000

Benefits Specialist: $69,000 - $75,000

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.