Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Employee Benefits

Benefits Administrators are responsible for administration relating to employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing support to employees regarding benefits-related questions and issues; works closely with internal stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation and administration of employee benefits packages, including health insurance, dental, vision, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and other benefit programs.

• Collaborate in the day-to-day administration of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans
• Coordinate benefits enrollment, qualifying events, and changes in benefits eligibility for new hires, life events, and terminations
• Serve as the escalation point for employees regarding benefits-related inquiries; communicate benefits offerings, updates, and changes to employees
• Assist employees with understanding their benefits options; help with claims and eligibility issues; provide guidance on choosing benefits plans
• Liaise with external benefits providers and vendors to resolve issues
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local benefits regulations, such as ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA; assist with annual reporting and audits
• Support the open enrollment process, including assisting with the communication of benefits changes, guiding employees and retirees (if applicable) through the selection process, and ensuring proper system updates
• Develop and maintain internal benefits policies and procedures to ensure alignment with university objectives and legal requirements
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date benefits records, documentation, and reports for auditing and compliance purposes
• Prepare regular benefits reports for management, including usage trends, employee participation rates, and cost analysis
• Recommend and implement new benefits programs; examine possible plan designs and benefits cost changes

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 9
• Minimum – $56,200.00
• MidPoint – $68,800.00
• Maximum – $81,500.00