Senior Human Resource Specialist - Benefits

Job Description

Are you looking to directly impact the lives of thousands of state employees? Do you thrive in a high performing, fast-paced, project-oriented team environment? If so, the Sr. Benefit Specialist is the job for you!

The State of Utah is seeking an experienced Senior Benefit Specialist to join our Total Rewards team. Reporting to the HR Benefit Manager, this role assists in administering statewide benefit programs and supports a wide range of Total Rewards initiatives. The successful candidate brings hands-on Total Rewards and targeted benefit experience. Strong analytical capabilities, the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders - including regular interaction with the highest levels of state government - are essential functions of the Sr. Benefit Specialist role.

This position operates with limited supervision and requires sound judgment, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex issues while safeguarding the interests of the State.

This job may be filled at either of the levels listed below. (Rate as listed or in accordance with DHRM Rules for current state employees.)

• Human Resource Senior Specialist, $29.94 - $38.00 per hour
• Human Resource Specialist, $26.75 - $34.93 per hour
  
  

This position is currently a hybrid of both in-office (2 days a week required in office) and remote work days. The office is located at the Taylorsville State Office Building, 4315 S 2700 W, Taylorsville, Utah. Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.

Preference may be given to current Division of Human Resource Management employees.

Why Join our Team?

• Impactful Work: Play a pivotal role in shaping strategies that empower state employees to fully leverage their top-tier benefits package.
• Dynamic Team: Become a key player in a highly motivated, team-oriented Total Rewards group, working together to elevate the Total Rewards experience for state employees.
• Career Growth: You will have the opportunity to grow your knowledge and skills in a challenging and supportive team-oriented environment.
• Work-Life Balance: We believe in empowering you to bring your best self to work. In support of this belief, we offer a collaborative environment, flexible work arrangements, and a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support work-life balance.
  
  

DHRM vision: Evolve then elevate the employee experience.

As per DHRM rule (R477-4(5)(1), if you are a current DHRM HR Generalist, the Human Resource Specialist position would be a lateral transfer.

Responsibilities

Subject Matter Expertise & Consultation

• Supports the HR Manager in making strategic and operational benefits decisions.
• Serves as one of the subject matter experts for the statewide benefits package.
• Provides input on consultation, guidance, and recommendations to internal partners and senior leaders across state government.
  
  

Program Development & Management

• Recommend and implement program goals, objectives, and enhancements.
• Develop, revise, and maintain rules, policies, standards, and operating procedures.
• Coordinate program activities and benefit implementations with third-party administrators, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
  
  

Compliance & Research

• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Research market trends and emerging benefit offerings; analyze potential impacts on statewide programs.
  
  

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and interpret benefits-related data.
• Prepare reports and present findings to various audiences, including senior leaders.
  
  

Training & Education

• Develop and deliver training materials, presentations, and instructional resources.
• Mentor and train staff on rules, practices, and procedures.
  
  

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead projects, committees, and work groups; delegate tasks and monitor progress.
• Facilitate meetings and collaborate with executive-level stakeholders.
• Respond independently to inquiries and correspondence, including communication with executive-level officials.
  
  

Operations Oversight

• Oversee workflow to ensure program objectives and deadlines are met.
• Evaluate program operations for efficiency, quality, and compliance, and recommend improvements.
  
  

Qualifications

• Proven experience advising leadership and executive-level stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of benefits regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations.
• Experience leading projects or process-improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive, complex issues with discretion and independent judgment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years hands-on benefit experience. Other closely related HR specialty experience may be used to augment some direct benefit experience.
• SHRM Certification
• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Human Resources or other closely related field
  
  

Supplemental Information

• Employment contingent on passing a background check.
• DHRM rules apply to current State of Utah Employees for promotions and transfers.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.