Are you looking to join an innovative organization that values career development and embraces fresh ideas? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Consider becoming a part of the HR Team at the University of Virginia as a HR Benefits Specialist/ Senior HR Benefits Specialist - Health, Dental and Vision Benefit Plans. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where your expertise and creativity can thrive, and where you will play a pivotal role in shaping our financial an... more details
Are you looking to join an innovative organization that values career development and embraces fresh ideas? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Consider becoming a part of the HR Team at the University of Virginia as a HR Benefits Specialist/Senior HR Benefits Specialist - Health, Dental and Vision Benefit Plans. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where your expertise and creativity can thrive, and where you will play a pivotal role in shaping our financial and employee benefit landscape. UVA HR is a phenomenal place to lead, grow, and deliver impact. It's an organization that values results and teamwork. We like the people we work with and the work we get to do. UVA HR values work-life balance and provides workplace flexibility where possible. The position will be filled at the Specialist or Senior level, depending on qualifications and experience.
As the Benefits Specialist/Senior Benefits Specialist for Health, Dental and Vision, you will play a crucial role in managing the day-to-day operations and plan management of the University’s self-insured health and dental employee benefit programs, monitoring program performance, conducting financial analyses, monitoring plan utilization/performance, and providing strategic recommendations to optimize the health plan offerings. This role serves to ensure the financial health of benefit plans, audits for accuracy, and continuously works to seek programs that benefit the members of the health and dental plans. Functions within this position include research, analysis, auditing, documentation, innovation, and collaboration. This position reports to the Health Plan Manager.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Collect, analyze, and interpret health plan data to assess plan performance, utilization patterns, and cost drivers. Utilize advanced statistical techniques and modeling to identify trends and insights that inform decision-making
- Responsible for the financial health of the Health, Dental and Vision Benefit Plans, including but not limited to budgeting, analysis, forecasting, reporting and data analytics
- Identify new benefits and best in class vendors that support the work-life needs of participants
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives to optimize the design, administration, and management of the self-funded health plan
- Lead vendor contracting, annual renewals and service level agreements ensuring vendor services are consistent with expectations and aligned with established performance metrics
- Facilitate RFP/RFI processes according to protocols in selecting appropriate vendor partners for Health, Dental and Vision Plans
- Serve as the primary lead Workday support team and Finance department it relates to the financials of the Health, Dental and Vision Plans
- Conduct audits and monthly reconciliation of the Benefit Plans’ funds, deductions, and funding
- Research the potential impact of policy and process changes and advises leadership on implementation of best practices
- Operationalize changes to the Benefit Plans by collaboratively designing and implementing processes both internally and with vendors
- Mentor colleagues, creates process documentation, and participates in cross training within the Benefits Administration team
- Perform other duties and projects as required.
We are committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion; BIPOC and other minority groups are encouraged to apply. This position is hybrid; however, position requires in-person attendance at meetings in Charlottesville at least quarterly. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. The successful candidate will pass a background check. This is a full-time position with UVa benefits. Employees benefits package highlights include:
- 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
- Parental and Community Service Leave
- Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately
- Retirement benefits
- Tuition and professional development benefits after the first six months
- Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
For the Benefits Specialist:
Education: High School Diploma, Bachelor's degree preferred
Experience: At least five years of relevant experience
Anticipated salary range: $65,000-75,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
For the Senior Benefits Specialist:
Education: High School Diploma, Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience: At least eight years of relevant experience
Anticipated salary range: $89,000-100,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Related experience to include experience in health plan management, benefits administration, or a related field
- Familiarity with HRIS systems, particularly Workday, and their application in managing financials of Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Strong capability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex data sets
- Strong reporting skills
- Prior experience with vendor management, RFP/RFI processes, and contract negotiations
- Ability to manage the financial health of benefit plans effectively
- Curiosity, critical thinking and attention to detail: Whether it’s to identify a solution to a problem or possibly help implement a more efficient process or procedure, your skills have a place within our organization.
Key Competencies:
- Ability to creatively and proactively problem-solve
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to set priorities and manage deadlines
- Possesses financial aptitude/analytical skills
- Skill in adapting to evolving situations and making informed decisions
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to serve as a primary liaison with vendors, Workday support teams, and finance departments
- Experience identifying new benefits that align with current market trends and employee needs.
TO APPLY
Preference will be given to applications received by June 17, 2024. Please apply through through the UVA job board, Careers at UVA, and search for R0061327. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs’ or through their ‘Jobs Hub’. Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents: resume and cover letter. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration. For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter. References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three references is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.
