Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialist Job Summary

Oregon State University Human Resources is seeking a Benefits Specialist. This is a full‑time (1.0

FTE), 12‑month, professional faculty position. The position is part of the Office of Human Resources, which directs a human resources management program, a benefits program, and a training and professional development program for all OSU employees. The Office’s mission is to provide innovative leadership, direction and services to achieve effective management of a quality workforce supporting teaching, research, and public service at Oregon State University.

Benefits Specialists may work with all classifications of employees—including Graduate Assistants, Fellows, Scholars, Professional Faculty, and Classified staff—handling a variety of records processing, administrative, and analytical tasks in support of the Benefits section of the Office of University Human Resources (UHR). The role provides subject‑matter expertise and works with employees on benefits‑related matters, including the Graduate Health Program and PEBB Health.

Qualified Specialists will also provide confidential assistance to the CHRO and Executive Director in collective bargaining: interpreting and explaining policies, drafting proposals, and participating in bargaining meetings.

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an affirmative‑action, equal‑opportunity employer and encourage applications from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who can help us achieve our vision of a diverse, inclusive community. This position is designated as critical or security‑sensitive; a background check is required.

• Analyze operational situations presented by HR partners in service centers, managers, supervisors and department contacts.
• Interpret policies/procedures and bargaining agreements to advise on eligibility, status changes and reinstatements.
• Identify non‑compliance and follow up with departments to correct issues.
• Collaborate with department managers on re‑employment, leaves, summer insurance coverage (benefit tripling process), and deductions.
• Explain and clarify benefits program, options, rules, processes and procedures to HR partners.
• Research and resolve processing issues, reporting results to the Benefits Manager.
• Refer concerns beyond the normal scope of assigned authority to the Benefits Manager.
• Participate in design, testing and implementation of HRIS system changes affecting benefits, including proposed reports, audits, Banner form changes, version testing and training materials.
• Work with HR Officer to track benefits eligibility for employees on FMLA and OFLA leaves.
• Analyze, audit and reconcile discrepancy and deduction reports; identify causes and make corrections.
• Establish departmental tracking or audit systems (e.g., Banner CBNC report, data warehouse audits, monitoring of job forms, triple deduct process, domestic partner imputed value process/reports).
• Utilize reports from PEBB, InTouch, Banner, AWA, Data Warehouse, CORE to determine health insurance eligibility.
• Arrange payment of health premiums and continuation of insurance during approved medical leave.
• Maintain accuracy of high‑volume data entry into multiple databases.
• Process enrollment forms received in office, by email and via Docu Sign.
• Process mid‑year changes to enrollment due to life events.
• Develop schedule of premium rates and employer contributions, enter payroll codes in Banner, and calculate health premium prorates and adjustments.
• Create monthly charge files for Graduate Fellow health premiums to be charged on student Banner accounts by Business Affairs.
• Verify summer session insurance eligibility via core graduation file and process terminations and refunds for ineligible individuals.
• Audit monthly Pacific Source Health Plan census detail reports against AWA data to ensure enrollment accuracy and correct discrepancies.
• Regularly use Banner (SIS, FIS, HRIS), Data Warehouse, AWA, Nolij, Benny Hire, and…