Req #: 242003

Department: UW HUMAN RESOURCES

Job Location Detail: Hybrid, at least 2 days in office per week

Posting Date: 12/18/2024

Closing Info: Closes On 01/08/2025

Salary: $5,760 - $6,180 per month

Shift: First Shift

Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701_a11y.pdf)

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Benefits Office, a division of Human Resources, centrally administers all University of Washington benefits, including retirement, healthcare, life, specialized disability products, and a wide range of other optional and voluntary benefits programs for over 30,000 UW faculty, staff, and students.

The Benefits Office has an outstanding opportunity for an HR Junior Benefits Consultant. As part of the HR Benefits, Analytics & Information team, this individual will serve as resource to departments regarding strategies for successful resolution of benefits problems.

We provide premier benefits services, supporting the campus community in maintaining a versatile and competitive environment for hiring, retaining and promoting staff while exercising best benefits practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Junior Benefits Consultant will advise and counsel UW employees by generating required federal forms for Medicare, process supplemental retirement elections, answer customer service inquiries about UW Benefits including retirement plans, insurance (health, dental, life, long term disability), and pre-tax spending accounts. Cover applicable laws, rules, institutional policies, and program requirements. 40%

Provide benefit orientations to new UW employees which overview the employer sponsored benefits available at the University. The Junior Benefits Consultant will present at these Welcome Day orientations, which are conducted virtually once per month and in-person twice per month. In addition to these orientation sessions, the Junior Benefits consultant will work with the Benefits Consultant team to update benefit presentations and pre-recorded on demand benefit webinars annually. 40%

As a member of the HR Benefits, Analytics & Information team, help to develop and implement benefits policy and procedural changes, modifications, and clarifications to existing services and programs for effective benefits administration. Perform in-depth research and analysis of current and proposed state and federal laws, rules, policies and practices to determine impact on benefits office and University. 5%

Serve as resource to UW departments regarding strategies for successful resolution of benefits problems. 5%

Serve as University's liaison between plan providers and employees and retirees. 5% Maintain benefits records including tracking data for deaths; disability claim processing, and other related correspondence. In addition, the Junior Benefits Consultant will be instrumental in implementing the new enterprise Document Management System (eDMS) for Benefits when it becomes available. 5%

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education. • Two years of progressively responsible professional level work in human resources, insurance, pensions or related field.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with complex organizational structures. • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Strong analytical skills essential. • Proficient with technological systems such as Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Audio/Video recording, virtual teleconference software. • Ability to work in a team atmosphere, in a stressful environment needed. • Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in benefits and in the public sector is desirable. • Work with WordPress, Panapto, Microsoft Stream • High proficiency in Excel – including pivot tables, XLookUp, VLookUp, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Hybrid office environment, working under pressure with deadlines affecting workload. Requires flexing work schedule to meet demands of the position.

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.