HR Specialist I or HR Specialist II (Benefits Specialist)

• This position is open until filled.
• This position works a hybrid in-office/remote schedule of two in-office days per week and the incumbent must live a commutable distance from San Diego State University.
• The wage is dependent upon qualifications, classification level, and internal equities and is non-negotiable. The wage range is as follows
• HR Specialist I $28.25 - $29.66 per hour, non-exempt
• HR Specialist II $5,546.67/mo ($32/hr) - $5824.00/mo ($33.60/hr), exempt
  

Who We Are

The SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and further the research, education, and community service objectives of San Diego State University, a leading public research university furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the world. SDSURF fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration with integrity and respect for individuals that results in the delivery of superior service to support the university’s strategic aspirations to transform lives.

What Our Department Does

The Human Resources Department supports the Foundation’s mission by providing quality customer service and guidance in the areas of recruitment and onboarding, compensation and benefits administration, training, and employee relations. SDSURF HR strives to create a positive employee experience throughout the entire employee lifecycle. Through strategic partnerships, the Human Resources department helps attract and retain qualified, diverse, and competent talent who are committed to the success of the Research Foundation.

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

As the Benefits Specialist, reporting to the Benefits Manager, you are a contributing force to the organization’s mission, vision, values, strategic goals, and objectives. Your role is responsible for assisting with the administration of all health & welfare benefit plans, as well as retirement and leave of absence programs for the Research Foundation. The Benefits Specialist will also be responsible for performing a variety of administrative and technical tasks in support of the Benefits Team.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

As a key player in the success of the Benefits Team within the HR Department and the Research Foundation, you will be responsible for (but not limited to)

• Serves as point of contact for employees regarding benefits.
• Serves as subject matter expert on health and welfare plans for employees including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, short-term disability, long-term disability, life, accident, voluntary benefits, wellness, and 403b plans.
• Processes qualifying life event enrollment or termination of benefits changes; audits, researches, and corrects enrollment or deduction problems.
• Presents benefits portion of new employee orientation for all benefitted employees.
• Actively participates in all aspects of Annual Open Enrollment.
• Administers retiree benefit premium ACH withdrawal program and processes retiree premium checks.
• Builds and maintains working relationships with the benefits brokers, carriers, and vendors.
• Assists Sr. Benefits Specialist with administering 403(b) and wellness program.
• Assists Benefits Manager with annual VEBA & 403b, and other audits.
• Consults with employees requesting a leave of absence; researches and determines eligibility, and notifies employees of leave rights under applicable Federal, State, and Research Foundation options.
• Creates and distributes required forms, letters and documentation; maintains confidential files and collects all required leave documentation.
• Tracks medical certification, leave accruals, and return to work dates; serves as point of contact for employee on leave.
• Collaborates with HR Business Partners on interactive process dialogs with individuals that have medically necessary work restrictions.
  
  
  

For a complete list of specific duties and qualifications, please review the full position description.

The Skills We Need

REQUIRED Experience and Education

HR Specialist I

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in business, human resources, accounting, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Previous experience working an office or administrative environment.
  
  
  

HR Specialist II

• Bachelor's degree in human resources and/or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• One year of professional human resources work experience.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent experience with leave of absence administration in California
• Recent experience with benefit administration
• HR or benefits certification
  
  
  

Special Skills

• Working knowledge of leaves of absence, Family Medical Leave, California Family Rights Act, Pregnancy Disability Leave and other Federal and State statutory leaves.
• Working knowledge of Health and Welfare plan mechanics including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life, accident, disability, and COBRA.
• Ability to analyze complex benefit plans and information and identify issues.
• Ability to apply independent judgment, discretion, and initiative to address problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, display flexibility and handle multiple work priorities and interruptions while meeting deadlines and objectives.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and display strong data review and reporting skills.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of leadership, employees and peers, and to relate well to others within the Human Resources environment.
• Ability to compose detailed and professional correspondence.
• Ability to maintain standards of professional ethics and composure, and respond proactively to issues with professionalism.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
  
  
  

What You Will Receive

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life and disability insurance plans
• Employer contributed 403b retirement plan
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
• Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
• Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
• Wellness workshops
  
  
  

Additional Applicant Information

• Hybrid in-office/telework arrangement in place. This is not a fully remote position.
• Applicant must live in a commutable distance from SDSU.
• This position is open until filled with an initial review date of 5/27/2024.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with SDSU Research Foundation
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer