Senior Benefits Specialist - UW Credit Union

Are you passionate about shaping the future of employee well-being through innovative benefits programs and data-driven strategies? UW Credit Union is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Benefits Specialist (internally known as Total Rewards Consultant) to join our People Strategies & Solutions (PSS) team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for investigating and enhancing our benefits and wellbeing programs, supporting the development of UWCU’s Employee Total Rewards philosophies, and leveraging cutting-edge analytics and AI tools. You will work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure a seamless employee experience while also managing sensitive employee issues with discretion.

As a key contributor to our Total Rewards team, you will lead efforts to develop and administer benefits programs, including health and welfare, retirement, leave, and disability programs. Your work will ensure data integrity, compliance, and exceptional program delivery, all while promoting education and engagement throughout the organization. In addition, you’ll play a critical role in managing relationships with brokers and vendors, ensuring that employee needs are met with precision and care.

If you are a proactive problem-solver with a strong foundation in benefits administration and a desire to drive positive change in an inclusive, forward-thinking organization, this is the opportunity for you. Join us at UW Credit Union and help us continue our commitment to delivering top-tier benefits and wellbeing solutions that empower our employees to thrive.

Health & Welfare Programs – 30%

• Liaise and coordinate with benefit brokers, providers, and employees. Build relationships with internal and external providers of benefit plans and systems ensuring accuracy and a positive employee experience in enrolling or using benefit plans.
• Develop and deliver employee education about total rewards programs, coordinating with the Learning and Development team to ensure we deliver a consistent employee education experience across the organization.
• Plan, coordinate, deliver, and promote employee education and wellbeing events on a cyclical basis (examples include vaccination programs, biometric screenings, and benefits fairs).
• Utilize available data and analytics resources to assess the need for new or revised program offerings; make recommendations for changes and implement these changes in conjunction with Total Rewards team members.
• Provides guidance and counsel to Total Rewards Coordinator, HRIS Consultant, PSS team and managers on the requirements and provisions of benefit programs; assist with the resolution of potential problems.
• Manages the process for administration of benefit enrollments, changes, and qualifying events in HRIS. Communicates with the appropriate vendors, reconciles employee benefit enrollment files and invoices.
• Monitors plan limits, eligibility, and other restrictions on plan participation to ensure compliance with both plan provisions and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborates with UWCU benefits broker, vendors, Total Rewards team, PSS team members, and internal stakeholder groups to communicate total rewards updates, benefit offerings and plan resources during open enrollment and throughout the year.
• Assists Total Rewards team in providing consistent and accurate responses to employee benefits inquiries. Handle escalated benefits queries from Total Rewards Coordinator.
• Facilitates Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance activities. Determine employee eligibility for coverage based on measurement period, administrative period, and stability period rules. Facilitates completion and generation of the Company 1095-C forms to employees through vendor.
• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant regulatory matters and ensure benefit policies and procedures are compliant.
• Facilitate monthly and annual compliance reporting as needed.
• Monitor benefit vendor and HRIS files in collaboration with HRIS Consultant, and in conjunction with the Total Rewards Coordinator.

Retirement Plan Administration – 10%

• Supports Total Rewards Manager with educational campaigns, plan workflow, and administration of the UW Credit Union Retirement Savings Plan & Trust 401(k) and 457(b) programs.

Leave, Accommodation and Workers Administration – 15%

• Works with the Total Rewards Coordinator and Total Rewards Manager to administer all aspects of leave, accommodation & workers’ compensation programs. Provides extensive case management & coordinates administrative aspects of the cases & claims. Conducts/coordinates investigations into reported workers’ compensation claims.
• Partners closely with Employee, Manager, PSS Partners, Total Rewards Manager, Legal counsel, medical providers, and other parties on complicated accommodation, leave cases & workers’ compensation claims. Meets regularly with team to review claims’ status & develops strategies for resolution.
• Responsible for the creation & facilitation of leave administration training under the direction of Manager.
• Coordinates with internal & outside auditors to plan for & respond to all auditing activities related to leave management & workers compensation.
• Produces & manages reporting metrics & analytics for all leave cases, accommodations & workers’ compensation claims. Presents reports as requested.
• Participate in the UWCU Safety Committee to proactively manage risk.

Research and Analysis on Benefit Wellbeing Programs – 25%

• Participating in benefits surveys to determine competitive positioning of the organization’s programs/practices.
• Stay abreast of new legislation and trends related to benefits, leaves of absence, and wellbeing programs and initiatives.
• Analyze survey data and make sound recommendations on Total Rewards plan options and cost estimates.
• Research current benefit trends and regulatory/legislated requirements and recommends programs/changes to the Manager of Total Rewards
• Compiles, analyzes, and reports benefit data including employee, benefit plan and financial data for strategic planning and evaluation, best practices, and benchmark surveys.

HR Processes & Projects – 15%

• Partner with all PSS staff to implement improvements as necessary for efficiency.
• Support the HRIS Consultant and Total Rewards Coordinator with any system maintenance and coordination/testing of upgrades or improvements.
• Assist with the design, development, implementation, and communication of new plans, initiatives, and changes to existing programs as needed and during the annual benefits enrollment process.
• Interpret policies, procedures, and regulations for others.
• Propose improvements to systems, methods of work, and analysis to support continuous improvement efforts towards evolving business requirements as well as ensuring compliance with policies and statutory regulations.
• As a member of the PSS team, contribute to the implementation of a comprehensive diversity strategy to guide the organization’s growth, while attracting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce; reinforce the diversity and inclusion message and culture through daily work, fostering collaboration, and seeking opportunities to expand the focus on diversity and inclusion across the organization.
• Participate in PSS Team meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Associate degree in human resources, business administration or related field required.
• 5+ years in Human Resources, Total Rewards, Benefits Administration, LOA Administration required.
• Professional certification at the PHR, CBP, or CEBS level; and/or other wellness-related certification preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with UWCU employees, management, retirees, and third-party vendors.
• Proven hands-on experience and broad knowledge of employee benefits and the administration of them.
• Familiar with and adheres to all pertinent federal and state regulations including FMLA, HIPAA, ERISA, FLSA.
• Broad knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and good judgment in the performance of responsibilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong attention to detail in establishing priorities, completing assignments, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret benefit plan documents.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to represent a professional image.
• Strong presentation, telephone, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Effective and thorough research, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.
• Strong hands-on experience with HRIS systems, payroll systems, electronic record systems, report systems, etc.

Why work for UW Credit Union?

Join one of Wisconsin’s premier financial institutions, a National Top Workplace and multi-year recipient of Madison Magazine’s Best Places to Work, Wisconsin State Journal’s Top Workplaces, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Workplaces to receive:

• 21.5 days of annual time off (accrued per pay period)
• 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
• 2.5 weeks paid new child parental leave
• 2 days paid volunteer time
• 10 paid holidays (including your birthday!)
• 401k company match of up to 5%, plus approximately 4% discretionary match
• Variable bonus reward
• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, including domestic partner eligibility
• Free bus pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• And more!

UW Credit Union is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Minorities, Protected Veterans, Women, and individuals with Disabilities. We strive to cultivate an inclusive workplace that is home to a diverse workforce where employees at all levels model knowledge of, belief in and a commitment to cultural competence.