Benefits Specialist Job Lynchburg area,Virginia USA,HR/Recruitment

The Employee Benefits Specialist serves as an employee advocate,providing guidance and support to employees across the full benefits lifecycle—from hire through separation. This role administers and supports all University benefit programs, including health and welfare, retirement, education, leave of absence, and wellness initiatives.

This position partners with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure accurate administration, compliance, and a high-quality employee experience. Responsibilities scale from foundational support (Tier I) to subject matter expertise and strategic leadership (Tier III).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administer and communicate employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSAs, retirement plans,education, leave, and wellness.

Conduct benefits orientations and educate employees on offerings and systems.

Assist employees with benefit elections, claims, and life events.

Partner with vendors and carriers to resolve issues.

Maintain HRIS benefits data and ensure accuracy.

Verify premium deductions and support reconciliations.

Support COBRA administration and vendor coordination.

Assist with compliance, audits, and reporting.

Support open enrollment planning and execution.

Develop employee communications and educational materials.

Adhere to Liberty University policies and mission

TIERED RESPONSIBILITIES
Tier II – Benefits Specialist II

Independently administer assigned benefit programs.
Resolve moderately complex issues with employees and vendors.
Serve as primary contact for benefits inquiries.
Co-lead open enrollment execution.
Assist with compliance and audits.
Mentor entry-level staff.

Tier III – Senior Benefits Specialist

Serve as SME for multiple benefit programs.
Lead open enrollment strategy and execution.
Manage vendor relationships and escalations.
Lead audits and compliance activities.
Analyze trends and provide strategic recommendations.
Lead projects and mentor team members.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Tier II

2+ years of benefits experience required;
Bachelor’s degree required.

Tier III

5–8+ years of progressive benefits experience; demonstrated leadership and project experience. Bachelor’s degree required.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite with focus on Excel andWord
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to speak Spanish preferred

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THEJOB
Communication and Comprehension

Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writingto convey clear, well articulated information.
Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order toconvey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business,government and community customers and associates.
Strong organizational skills.
Computer and scheduling skills.

Problem Solving

Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, andapply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

Required to travel to local and campus locations.

May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on akeyboard.
Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to moveabout the campus.
Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order toconduct business.
Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this…