What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Specialist position at Duke?
Be You.
Duke University is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support the delivery of employee benefits programs across the university and health system. In this role, you’ll provide guidance to employees, process benefits transactions, and help ensure programs are administered accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with HR policies.
You’ll serve as a trusted resource for employees navigating benefits questions and changes—handling complex inquiries, resolving issues, and supporting initiatives like open enrollment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys customer service, problem‑solving, and contributing to a positive employee experience.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 1–2 years of experience in employee benefits or HR
- Proficiency in computer systems and latest office technology
- Practical and extensive experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
- Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting benefits administration and enrollment processes
- Familiarity with HR systems and benefits transactions
Other Requirements
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Ability to analyze issues and propose process improvements
- Ability to handle complex or escalated employee inquiries with professionalism
Be Bold.
Position Description (Essential Duties)
- Act as a customer service consultant handling more complex issues requiring specialized benefits knowledge, escalating cases to a Benefits Analyst when appropriate.
- Assist employees in the completion of all necessary forms to enroll in or make changes to Duke benefit programs.
- Perform benefits administration activities to support 'core' transaction processing including, but not limited to health and welfare benefits enrollment, retirement, and educational benefits.
- Identify communication and operational issues arising during day-to-day administration activities / contact with customers and propose solutions to the Human Resource Information Center (HRIC) Manager and the Benefits Administration and Communcations Manager as appropriate.
- Assist with group presentations explaining details of specified benefit programs for new hire orientation along with other educational initiatives.
- Provide technical support and guidance to HRIC staff, sharing technical and legislative knowledge to ensure staff are up to date.
- Seek to continuously develop and improve levels of knowledge and expertise, coordinating with the Benefits Administration & Communication Manager for training as required.
- Make recommendations for process improvements to continuously improve efficiency and customer service.
- Provide support to Benefits Manager and Plan Managers for special projects, including open enrollment, annual benefit statement production, performing research and other tasks as needed
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not
intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
Choose Duke.
Duke’s Benefits team plays a critical role in supporting the well‑being of employees and their families. As a Benefits Specialist, you’ll contribute to programs that directly impact people’s lives while building your expertise in HR and benefits administration.
Duke offers a collaborative work environment, opportunities for growth, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, career, and future: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $26.64 to USD $42.66. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Salary : $27 - $43