Under general supervision, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate administration and support of employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and supporting system configuration and testing within HCM. This role requires strong analytical and technical skills, with a focus on data integrity, process improvement, and service orientation.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Proficient knowledge of employee benefits laws and compliance requirements, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis required.
• Proficient knowledge of HRIS platforms such as Workday, ADP, or similar; Workday preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• Ability to use effective communication skills, both oral and written, including presentations and effective listening skills.
• Ability to exercise a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly ethnic and culturally diverse student and associate community.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to self-direct, self-pace, multi-task and function well under pressure of deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures and assure compliance.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Education & Licenses/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience required.
• 3 years of experience in benefits administration with an emphasis on data analysis required; experience in higher education or a multi-state employer environment preferred.
• Experience working with Workday or similar HRIS platforms is highly preferred.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or similar certification preferred but not required

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Data Auditing & Integrity
• Perform regular audits of benefits enrollment, payroll deductions, and vendor data to ensure accuracy and consistency across systems.
• Reconcile benefit records between Workday and third-party carriers; identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain clean and accurate data in the HRIS by partnering with HR and payroll teams to correct errors and ensure compliance with benefit plan rules.
• Compliance Reporting
• Manage the preparation and filing of compliance documents such as 1095-Cs (ACA), Form 5500s, Summary Annual Reports, COBRA notices, and other federally mandated disclosures.
• Partner with internal and external partners to monitor benefit program compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing reports, gathering documentation, and responding to audit inquiries.
• HR System Configuration & Testing
• Lead the testing and validation of benefit plan configurations and business processes in HR System (Oracle or Workday), with special attention during annual open enrollment or system updates.
• Assist in building test cases and executing testing scenarios to ensure accurate system functionality.
• Collaborate with HRIS to troubleshoot system issues and implement process improvements.
• Partner with brokers and external partners to validate benefit plan set up at year end.
• Plan Administration & Support
• Support the day-to-day administration of benefit programs including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA, HSA, and retirement plans.
• Serve as a secondary resource for associates regarding plan options, eligibility, and enrollment.
• Liaise with vendors to resolve employee issues and ensure timely delivery of services and information.
• Analysis & Process Improvement
• Partner with brokers to analyze benefits-related data and trends to support budgeting, forecasting, and program evaluation.
• Identify process inefficiencies and contribute to the development of streamlined, scalable workflows.
• Assist in the development and delivery of communications, guides, and employee education materials

Education & Licenses/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience required.
• 3 years of experience in benefits administration with an emphasis on data analysis required; experience in higher education or a multi-state employer environment preferred.
• Experience working with Workday or similar HRIS platforms is highly preferred.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or similar certification preferred but not required.

DO YOU WANT A CAREER THAT ALLOWS YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES? DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO TRULY BELIEVE IN THE WORK THAT YOU DO AT WEST COAST UNIVERSITY.

At West Coast University, we have the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare and guide them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.
West Coast University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates