Benefits Specialist Manager

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS), located in Topeka, is more than a pension system — we’re a people-focused organization committed to supporting Kansas public employees throughout their careers and into retirement. We provide disability, death, and lifetime retirement benefits that protect those who dedicate their work to serving the public.

Are you passionate about helping employees navigate benefits, leave programs, and major milestones throughout their careers? Do you enjoy serving as a knowledgeable and trusted resource who provides support with empathy, accuracy, and exceptional customer service?

• Lead and coordinate the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition for new employees.
• Schedule first‑day activities with supervisors, IT, and HR staff.
• Accurately create or update new employee records in SHARP and benefit enrollment portals.

• Administer the State of Kansas employee benefits package, including health, life, dental, vision, FSAs/HSAs, and retirement programs.
• Serve as liaison between employees and the State Employee Health Plan.
• Provide guidance on eligibility, life events, continuation of coverage, and benefit changes.
• Coordinate benefit enrollment for new employees and updates for current employees throughout their employment.

• Lead the annual open enrollment process, including planning, communications, informational sessions, tracking, and issue resolution.
• Notify employees of changes that may impact their benefits.

• Provide guidance to staff regarding retirement and resignation processes.
• Assist with questions about retirement benefits, continuation of insurance, deferred compensation, leave payouts, and offboarding requirements.
• Coordinate offboarding steps with supervisors and IT.

• Assist the Human Resources Officer in administering FMLA, including notifications, form review, approvals/denials, and leave tracking.
• Administer the Shared Leave Program, including reviewing applications and tracking approved leave usage.

• Identify potential workplace accommodation needs and communicate them to the Human Resources Officer.
• Provide guidance to employees and supervisors regarding HR processes, policies, and conflict resolution.

• Assist with applicant tracking, interview scheduling, candidate communications, and participation on interview panels.
• Ensure understanding and adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity requirements.

• Provide backup support for payroll, time and leave processing, contract staff payments, database record management, personnel files, organizational chart updates, and phone list maintenance.

• Complete special assignments and projects that support HR operations and contribute to excellent customer service across the agency.

We’re seeking a knowledgeable HR professional with a strong understanding of employee benefits, exceptional customer service skills, and the ability to manage detailed processes with accuracy and care. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, organized, and committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Five years of human resources experience, preferably in a benefits‑focused role.
A degree in business administration, human resources, public administration, or related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.
PHR or SHRM certification is a plus.

Additionally, candidates should have the following:

• Strong understanding of employee benefits, leave programs, and retirement systems.
• Proficiency…