What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Specialist position at Missouri State University?
Position Information
Position Title
Benefits Specialist
Work Location
Springfield Campus
Out-of-State Employment
Out-of-state employment is limited to Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and subject to supervisor approval.
Department
Office of Human Resources
HR Home Department
060103 OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Pay Grade
42
Proposed Salary
$22.59-$23.55/hour
Sponsorship Information
Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees?
No, Position is available to all applicants.
Appointment Type
Full Time Regular
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
General Function
The Benefits Specialist works with employees and their departments regarding the University’s benefits package, such as, among other responsibilities, the state retirement systems, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, voluntary benefits, and the state’s cafeteria plan. The Benefits Specialist processes enrollments, terminations, and changes to enrollments, maintains and updates the University database for specific benefit programs, prepares, reviews, and authorizes related payment reports and benefit-related accounts payable; performs benefit-related audits; and works with vendors to administer all University benefit programs, including, but not limited to, COBRA and retiree continuation plans. The position requires strong analytical, organizational, data entry, and communication skills; a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including the use of pivot tables and charts; the ability to recognize patterns and identify discrepancies in data; and the ability to evaluate processes and identify opportunities for process improvement. The Benefits Specialist works as part of a small team and provides support for additional benefits-related functions, including leave administration and reviewing internal benefits associated with the University’s organizational structure. The position requires the ability to maintain strict confidentiality and understand and comply with HIPAA privacy regulations and other applicable laws and regulations.
Description of Primary Duties
The Benefits Specialist works with employees and their departments regarding the University’s benefits package, such as, among other responsibilities, the state retirement systems, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, voluntary benefits, and the state’s cafeteria plan. The Benefits Specialist processes enrollments, terminations, and changes to enrollments, maintains and updates the University database for specific benefit programs, prepares, reviews, and authorizes related payment reports and benefit-related accounts payable; performs benefit-related audits; and works with vendors to administer all University benefit programs, including, but not limited to, COBRA and retiree continuation plans. The position requires strong analytical, organizational, data entry, and communication skills; a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including the use of pivot tables and charts; the ability to recognize patterns and identify discrepancies in data; and the ability to evaluate processes and identify opportunities for process improvement. The Benefits Specialist works as part of a small team and provides support for additional benefits-related functions, including leave administration and reviewing internal benefits associated with the University’s organizational structure. The position requires the ability to maintain strict confidentiality and understand and comply with HIPAA privacy regulations and other applicable laws and regulations.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
Education/Experience: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred. With a high school diploma or the equivalent, three years of progressively responsible administrative experience required; with a Bachelor’s degree, one year of progressively responsible administrative experience is required. Experience in Human Resources and/or benefits administration is preferred; however, demonstrated proficiency in the skills required for the position is essential.
Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are required, including the ability to communicate professionally and effectively through extensive email correspondence with employees, departments, vendors, and professionals within higher education. Effective interpersonal skills are required. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, is required, including the ability to organize, analyze, and manipulate data using formulas, filters, pivot tables, charts, and other appropriate Excel functions. The ability to recognize patterns, identify discrepancies, interpret data, and use information to support accurate decision-making is required. Strong data entry skills and exceptional attention to detail are required. The ability to learn and use an administrative business system, such as Banner, is required. Must have knowledge of or have the ability to acquire knowledge of relevant employment laws, benefit regulations, FMLA and HIPAA privacy requirements. Must understand the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality when handling employee benefit and personal information. The ability to review existing processes, identify inefficiencies or opportunities for improvement, and recommend or implement process improvements is required. Basic knowledge of and comfort with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and the ability to appropriately use emerging technology in the workplace is preferred. Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, think about employee and benefit issues from the full-picture perspective, and provide accurate and appropriate guidance to employees. Must be able to work effectively as part of a small team and provide support for additional benefits-related functions as needed.
Additional Qualifications
Link to Job Description
https://www.missouristate.edu/Human/JobDescriptions/1339-benefits-specialist.htm
Open Date
09/14/2026
Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)
Special Instructions to Applicants
The first date of consideration is September 28, 2026, and review of applications will continue until position is filled.
If meeting minimum qualifications with education, please include an unofficial transcript with your application. Official transcript required at time of hire, if applicable.
If meeting minimum qualifications with education, please include an unofficial transcript with your application. Official transcript required at time of hire, if applicable.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252.
Background Check Statement
Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.
Posting Detail
Posting Number
20260238FTS
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/88074
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Employee Discounts, Sick LeaveSalary : $23 - $24