The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.63/hr - $32.05/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around March 13, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position offers a Hybrid work schedule.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable, and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. In 2018, UC Merced opened the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

To set the course of UC Merced’s evolution, in 2021 UC Merced will enact its first-ever 10-year strategic plan. This plan will guide how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway toward earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted within each campus unit. UC Merced is expected to engage in sophisticated thinking, planning, and implementation of actions that effectively diversify the professoriate and staff, improve campus climate for all campus constituency groups, and strengthen our equity, diversity, and inclusion infrastructure and capacity.

Under the general supervision of the HR Benefits Manager, the Benefits Analyst uses professional benefits concepts to resolve issues that are moderate in scope and impact where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. The Benefits Analyst has responsibility for effectively working within and supporting department and client needs in a wide variety of Benefits Unit functions; including Benefits, Leaves of Absence, Disability Mgmt, Workers Comp, Health Care Facilitation Retirement Services assistance, and other unit assigned services and/or projects as needed. The Benefits Analyst also has responsibility for working with UCPath Center and/or RASC to ensure benefits enrollments and changes are handled according to UC policy and plan provisions.

The Benefits Analyst will actively assist and support scheduled benefits and wellness workshops. The Benefits Analyst will also be a champion of wellness initiatives and execute effective outreach and communications to the campus community for wellness-related topics.

The Benefits Analyst is well-versed in understanding governmentally mandated leaves, and the integration between state and federal laws complying with UC policies, including determining eligibility and administration. General understanding of Workers' Compensation incident reporting, explanation of the process, providing forms for documentation and coordination with injured employees and key stakeholders, including ongoing contact to facilitate case management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Effectively administers and communicates the University's employee benefits programs. Has a general understanding of health & welfare benefits administration, workers' compensation, leaves of absence laws, and UC policies. Works collaboratively with others across the organization to prioritize and complete multiple assignments on time.
• Effectively counsels and provides guidance to employees on information/questions/problem resolution and assists in navigating through systems and/or vendors for diverse populations; including faculty, staff, and retirees as well as their dependents and survivors. Provides information on options, policy features, enrollment, and other health and welfare plan requirements
• Process and manage Leave of Absence requests in accordance with laws and UC policies, and local procedures for the campus. Researches and resolves issues with Payroll Services, UC Path Center, RASC other campus units, and vendors as needed.
• Handles intake of Workers' Compensation claims and ensures compliance with Workers' Compensation regulations and policies. Works with injured employees and department leads on the administration of claims and facilitate return to work.
• Assist in campus Wellness Committee and works collaboratively with the committee to develop and plan wellness activities aimed at improving employee health. Effectively develops, communicates, and champions wellness program goals and achievements. Encourages employee utilization and participation.
• Assist and/or provides training to departments, new employees, and individuals on employee benefit programs. Coordinates and conduct workshops as appropriate. Works effectively in a highly collaborative manner with others across the campus community, prioritizing and completing multiple assignments on time.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Human Resources, Management or another related field.
• One year of directly related experience in a Human Resources function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A master’s degree is preferred, but may not substitute for the required years of experience.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Possesses analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop effective recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
• Has general knowledge of leaves and benefit policies and procedures; knowledge of the functional area and understands how work may impact other areas.
• Demonstrates and applies comprehensive knowledge of the employee benefits function and programs, with an effective understanding of all types of leaves of absence, policies, and procedures, as well as an understanding of state and federal laws as they pertain to employee leaves.
• Demonstrates good writing, speaking, and group presentation skills in order to present complex information in a clear and concise manner to multiple levels in the organization.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced work environment and support multiple functions with fluctuating priorities.
• Expectation to demonstrate the ability to apply a high degree of consistent and effective customer support skills, especially when dealing with frequent benefits/health/wellness-related circumstances that can heighten client anxieties.
• Must possess good computer skills, with knowledge of automated systems and the ability to design and establish a paperless system using workflow software.

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) “other”

Additional information? (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.