Job Description
Position Summary:
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Benefits Representative to
join our Human Resources team. As a Benefits Representative, 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:
• Demonstrates 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.
• 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.
• Assists employees with eligibility and benefit Inquiries to include direction them to appropriate resources,
including higher-level Benefits Counselors, CMS, insurance providers, retirement systems, or labor
organizations, as needed.
• Supports the Benefits Counselor with complex tasks & 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.
• Provides guidance, training, and oversight to student workers and assist in onboarding new staff members,
ensuring they are well-equipped to perform their responsibilities effectively.
• Administer Leave Programs (if applicable): 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.
• Perform Additional Duties as Assigned: Support the Benefits Office with other responsibilities and initiatives
as directed to ensure the seamless operation of
Qualifications
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:
? 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
? Associate’s degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
? 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
o 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.
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.
Salary
The starting salary range for this position will be $20-22/hr. commensurate with experience.
Links
Benefits Representative
Contact Information
| University/Agency
|
Eastern Illinois University
|
| Department/College
|
Eastern Illinois University Human Resources
|
| Contact
|
Alexandria Thomas
|
| Phone Number
|
217-581-3463
|
| Address
|
600 Lincoln Ave,
Charleston, IL 61920
|
| Comments
|
|
