Hybrid Benefits Specialist Senior - Talent and Culture

Job Description - (Hybrid) Benefits Specialist Senior - Talent and Culture (28509)

(Hybrid) Benefits Specialist Senior - Talent and Culture 28509

Talent and Culture at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Benefits Specialist Senior.

The Senior Benefits Specialist will have primary responsibility for retirement programs, WVU benefit program support, vendor relationship management and longevity program. This Benefits Specialist Senior will coordinate and administer all facets of the West Virginia University retirement plans. The position will counsel employees and administer WVU’s retirement program as well as support the administration of WVU employee benefits programs.

We strongly believe in work‑life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in‑laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

• Design strategies to carry out objectives of the WVU Retirement Benefits Program and implement in coordination with Benefits and Compensation leadership team.
• Identify and address future retirement trends, concerns, and issues on a regular basis.
• Research, calculate, forecast and generate reports and statistical analysis in regard to retirement or as requested.
• Develop and present retirement benefit educational sessions for employees. This may include one‑on‑one counseling sessions. Design retirement enrollment materials.
• Develop, research and review WVU Years of Service retirement calculations/data for purposes of PEIA retiree medical premiums. Verify term date for retiring employees.
• Develop, submit, and update communications, training and resources as needed.
• Responsible for reviewing and keeping all data on retirement web site current and accurate.
• Coordinate with retirement vendors (TIAA, CPRB, etc) to research and resolve any employee retirement questions or concerns.

• Primary contact regarding the WVU Retirement and Phased Retirement (excluding department approval and matters deemed to under the authority of the Provost Office) requirements and processes.
• Coordinator for all Supplemental Retirement Account Activity and inform employees of IRS changes.
• Provide direction to employees on retirement benefit programs. Actively participate on various department, division, and University committees; serve as liaison for retirement, as requested.
• Maintain and provide prompt and accurate data and reports regarding various aspects of retirement benefits use and other associated reports.

• Stay updated on relevant federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to employee benefits, such as the IRS rules, Affordable Care Act (ACA), ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, and ADA. Assist in ensuring compliance with these regulations and maintain appropriate records and documentation.
• Provide recommendations and/or propose changes on federal and state laws and regulations in conjunction with HEPC and plan vendor(s).
• Monitor compliance and recommend/propose changes for retirement plan documents in conjunction with plan vendors.
• Reports leave/service retiree medical credits to PEIA/STRS for purposes of retiree medical credits or additional service credits on behalf of the University.
• Provide information on the University retirement plans: 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan – Mandatory for all eligible employees;
  State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) – Grand‑fathered employees only;
  Phased Retirement Program, and Supplemental Retirement Annuity…