Position Summary: Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Benefits Officer to join our Human Resources team. As a Benefits Officer, you will play a key role in supporting university employees by providing guidance on benefit programs, assisting with enrollment and eligibility inquiries, and resolving common benefits-related concerns. This position offers a collaborative work environment, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to develop expertise in state benefit programs, retirement plans, payroll processes, and HR compliance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Delivers exceptional customer service to include providing clear and accurate guidance to employees regarding benefit programs, payroll deductions, program eligibility, enrollment procedures, and termination processes.
Assist employees in selecting appropriate benefit options, ensuring forms are completed correctly, and identifying enrollment discrepancies for resolution with the appropriate stakeholders.
Supports benefit problem resolution by assisting employees in resolving common benefits-related concerns, such as payroll deduction errors or discrepancies, insurance coverage transmittals, and other related administrative issues.
Conducts New Hire Benefits Orientations for new employees in individual or small group settings.
Participates in and fields inquiries at the Annual Benefits Fair for EIU employees.
Assists employees with eligibility and benefit inquiries to include referring them to appropriate resources, including higher-level Benefits Counselors, CMS, insurance providers, retirement systems, or labor organizations, as needed.
Assures proper benefits enrollment by verifying appropriate completion of forms, coding, and entry of information into record systems, resolving any discrepancies and regularly auditing reports and databases for up-to-date information.
Receives and processes employee tuition waivers.
Assists with the preparation of data, reports, and other Benefits/Leave related information for internal and external audit requests, adjustment reviews, and related projects.
Supports the Benefits Counselor with complex tasks and projects such as preparing materials for group presentations on new or modified benefit programs, coordinating open enrollment periods, conducting research, compiling data for audits or reports, and supporting other high-level benefit operations.
Contributes to process improvements to include identifying opportunities for business process improvements and recommend operational efficiencies to enhance the delivery of benefits services.
Administers Leave Programs for assigned employee groups: Manage day-to-day administrative tasks related to university leave programs (e.g., FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, State Officials & Employees Ethics Act (SOHA)), including maintaining documentation, generating reports, updating systems, and facilitating communications.
Develops in-depth knowledge of Eastern Illinois University’s (EIU) benefit plans, policies, and procedures, including the ability to navigate Central Management Services (CMS), the State Universities Retirement System (SURS), and other relevant benefit programs and reports.
Provides guidance, training, and oversight to student workers and assists with onboarding new staff members, ensuring they are well-equipped to perform their responsibilities effectively.
Perform Additional Duties as Assigned: Supports the Benefits/HR Office with other responsibilities and initiatives as directed to ensure the seamless operation of benefits administration at the University.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any one or combination totaling eighteen (18) months from the categories below:
College course work in human resource management, business administration, social sciences, or a closely related field:
90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
Bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
Work experience performing clerical or paraprofessional duties related to benefits and/or insurance benefits in benefits, insurance, retirement, healthcare, or human resources.
Eighteen (18) months of work experience providing basic counseling services to clients and assistance to higher level Counselors or other personnel, working under direct supervision from an assigned supervisor.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with state and federal benefits laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, ACA, COBRA, and workers' compensation policies.
Familiarity with HRIS systems, payroll software, and benefits management platforms.
Experience supporting benefits enrollment periods, audits, and open enrollment events.
Experience working with Central Management Services (CMS), the State Universities Retirement System (SURS), insurance carriers, or similar regulatory agencies.
Understanding of union agreements, collective bargaining provisions, and their impact on benefits administration.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and experience handling data entry, analysis, and reporting.
Work Hours:
The core work hours of this position are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Salary/Pay Rate Range:
The starting salary range for this position will be $22.00-$23.50/hr. commensurate with experience.
Application Deadline: This position will close on or before November 30, 2026. Early Application is recommended.
Required Applicant Documents: The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.
Application
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Benefits Overview:
Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:
Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.
For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php
Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.
The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich, tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest’s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.
The University is located in East Central Illinois, combines the benefits of a community of 20,000 with access to several large cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
Important Information for Applicants:
Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217) 581-3911 or employment@eiu.edu for assistance.
