| Job Description: |
The Benefits Specialist III serves as the lead subject matter expert for faculty and staff fringe benefits administration within the College of Medicine-Jacksonville and provides advanced-level consultation, compliance oversight, communications, and operational support in a centralized HR environment. This position independently administers complex benefits-related processes and serves as the primary resource for faculty, TEAMS employees, housestaff, postdoctoral associates, and benefits-eligible OPS employees regarding University of Florida, State of Florida, and College of Medicine benefits programs, retirement options, leave administration, wellness initiatives, and employee support services.
The incumbent exercises independent judgment and discretion in interpreting policies, resolving complex benefit issues, analyzing operational processes, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, university regulations, and institutional policies. This position also serves as a liaison between UF Human Resources, departmental leadership, employees, external vendors, and affiliated organizations while supporting strategic HR initiatives, executive recruitment activities, employee engagement programs, and organizational process improvements.
Fringe Benefits Consultation, Administration & Program Management
- Serve as the primary consultant and subject matter expert for University of Florida, State of Florida, and College of Medicine fringe benefits programs for faculty, TEAMS employees, housestaff, postdoctoral associates, and benefits-eligible OPS employees.
- Provide comprehensive benefits counseling and consultation to new hires, current employees, and pending retirees regarding health insurance, retirement programs, leave administration, disability programs, wellness initiatives, life event changes, and other employee benefits.
- Coordinate and administer complex benefits-related processes and transactions in myUFL, including retirement actions, leave payouts, FTE changes, separations, and employee status updates.
- Investigate and resolve complex benefits issues and employee concerns in collaboration with UF Benefits, Retirement Services, Payroll & Tax Services, GatorCare, Florida Blue, and external vendors.
- Serve as the primary source of information and coordination for annual Open Enrollment activities, including communication strategies, employee education, and enrollment support.
- Coordinate and administer wellness-related initiatives and serve as the UF COM-J Wellness Coordinator.
- Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations, university policies, and benefits program changes to ensure compliance and accurate guidance.
Communications, Compliance, Reporting & Analysis
- Develop and implement strategic communication tools, presentations, and educational resources to enhance employee understanding of UF, State of Florida, and College of Medicine benefits programs, policies, and procedures.
- Design, prepare, and distribute benefits-related materials for websites, orientations, Open Enrollment campaigns, and employee outreach initiatives.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with departmental administrators and HR contacts to facilitate effective two-way communication regarding employee benefits matters, policy changes, and status updates.
- Analyze federal and state laws, university regulations, and HR operational procedures to ensure benefits programs and related processes remain compliant, effective, and aligned with institutional objectives.
- Perform complex data analysis, monitor operational trends, evaluate workflow effectiveness, and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies within the centralized HR environment supporting multiple clinical and academic departments.
- Provide training, guidance, and support to departmental administrators and HR personnel regarding benefits administration, HR processes, and compliance requirements.
Strategic Planning, Operational Coordination & Program Support
- Analyze operational workflows, employee utilization trends, and HR service delivery processes to develop strategic recommendations related to benefits administration, employee engagement, and business process improvements.
- Support organizational initiatives related to employee wellness, retention, onboarding, Open Enrollment, and workforce engagement.
- Assist with implementation planning and operational transition activities associated with enterprise HR systems, including Workday initiatives and process redesign.
- Serve as a lead resource within Administrative Affairs regarding benefits administration and employee support functions in a centralized HR/shared services model.
Executive Recruitment, Employee Recognition & Special Projects
- Serve as the lead administrative coordinator for chair and dean-level executive searches, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, affirmative action requirements, and university recruitment procedures.
- Coordinate administrative functions related to executive recruitment activities, including position postings, interview coordination, candidate travel arrangements, reimbursement processing, and communication with applicants and search committees.
- Serve as the UF COM-J liaison with UF Health Jacksonville, UFJPI, and UF COM for employee recognition and service award programs, including UF Superior Accomplishment Awards, UF Health Service Award Gala programming, and Doctor’s Day Activities.
- In the absence of the immigration specialist, serve as a secondary point of contact for immigration-related administrative support.
- Complete special projects and perform additional duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs and Director of Administrative Services.
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