Benefits Specialist II - College of Medicine, Human Resources

Benefits Specialist II

The Benefits Specialist II is a key member of the Benefits Center of Expertise (COE) within the College of Medicine Human Resources Office (COM-HR). Reporting to the Benefits COE Team Lead (Benefits Specialist III), this position provides comprehensive support for benefits and retirement services throughout the employee lifecycle. This includes facilitating individual and group benefits overview sessions for all employee types (faculty, staff, housestaff, postdocs, and OPS) from recruitment and onboarding through qualified status changes, offboarding, and retirement transitions.

This highly visible, customer-focused role requires exceptional verbal and written communication skills, empathy, and a commitment to excellent customer service. The position involves frequent public speaking and engagement with employees at all levels, from entry-level staff to senior administrators. Strong knowledge of state and university benefits, retirement offerings, and experience in employee benefits selection are preferred.

About This Role

Benefits Facilitation

• Conduct one-on-one and group sessions to assist employees with benefits selection and enrollment, including bi-monthly new employee benefits overviews.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on benefits and retirement plans, assisting employees with enrollment and resolving issues, including filing appeals with PeopleFirst when necessary.
• Provide benefits guidance to COM HR business partners and department administrators.
• Meet with prospective hires to review benefit offerings and assist with plan selection and enrollment. This may include working alternate hours and meeting employees at clinical or other remote locations when necessary to ensure efficiency and accessibility.
• Monitor employee exit notifications and provide timely information on coverage end dates, plan portability, retirement options, and leave cash-out processing.
• Respond to and resolve cases in Salesforce initiated by employees, the UFHR Benefits Office, and COM HR department partners. Managing high volumes and ensuring timely, effective communication is critical.

Communications and Standard Operations

• Collaborate with the Benefits COE Team Lead to develop and implement employee communications, presentations, and resources to educate employees on benefits and retirement plans.
• Maintain regular communication with UFHR, the State, GatorCare, and other providers to disseminate updates and changes effectively to COM employees and administrators.
• Develop templates for case management responses and standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency during peak periods.
• Coordinate invitations and materials for benefits overview sessions, ensuring timely follow-up with participants.
• Support employees and departments in accessing relevant resources to meet individual needs while maintaining professionalism.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and suggest improvements based on best practices.

Strategic Recruitment Support

• Partner with COM-HR leadership, other COEs, and HR business partners to support recruitment efforts for strategic hires by providing benefits and retirement expertise.
• Enhance the candidate experience by meeting with prospective employees to explain benefits offerings and guide plan selection.

Record Maintenance, Data Management, and Analysis

• Assist with data collection, maintenance, analysis, and reporting to support the College’s strategic planning and budgeting efforts.

About COM-HR

The Office of Human Resources at the University of Florida's College of Medicine is dedicated to supporting the College's mission by providing comprehensive HR services to faculty, staff, and students. COM-HR focuses on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, enhancing employee engagement, and driving strategic HR initiatives. Our team works closely with department leaders to address HR needs, streamline processes, and promote professional development. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, COM-HR plays a vital role in advancing the College’s goals and supporting its world-class research and clinical programs.

For more information about COM-HR and its services, visit COM-HR.

We Offer Exceptional Benefits:

• Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Generous Retirement Options to secure your future
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off Packages: (includes over 10 paid holidays, as well as paid family, sick and vacation leave)
• Exceptional Personal and Professional Development Opportunities: Access to UF Training & Organizational Development programs, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance through the UF Employee Education Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

About Gainesville, Florida

Home to the University of Florida, one of the nation's top public universities, Gainesville offers vibrant academic and healthcare communities alongside an affordable cost of living, no state income tax, and mild winters. Enjoy the outdoors with over 30 miles of bike trails, freshwater springs, and numerous water activities, plus easy access to beaches and world-class theme parks.

Gainesville combines historic charm with modern amenities, including a great school system, a lively downtown, and a thriving local culture with farmers' markets and craft breweries. Discover professional growth and quality of life in Gainesville—where community, innovation, and work-life balance meet!

For more information, check out: The Guide to Greater Gainesville and Explore Gainesville in 60 seconds

$53,000 - $57,000

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong knowledge of state and university benefits, retirement, and leave programs.
• Experience guiding employees through benefits selection and enrollment processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with case management systems such as Salesforce and data reporting tools.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver empathetic, customer-focused service in a high-visibility role.

To be considered, please upload the following documents with your application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).

This requisition has been reposted. All previous applicants are still under review and need not reapply.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.