Benefits Coordinator, Payroll and Benefits - UT System Administration

The Benefits Coordinator position exists to help administer benefit plans for the 14,000 benefit eligible employees of the University of Tennessee. Based upon extensive knowledge of the State of Tennessee insurance programs, this position introduces new employees to the group insurance plans through orientation sessions for groups of 10 to 50 employees and then further provides information to all employees by multiple communication methods throughout the year, especially during the annual enrollment period. This position also answers questions from benefits staff on other campuses. In addition to communicating with employees, the position is responsible for entering insurance coverage information in both the University's DASH system and the State's Edison system.

The Benefits Coordinator provides comprehensive customer service and subject-matter expertise related to State of Tennessee benefit plans for University of Tennessee system employees. This position serves newly hired and current employees across the Knoxville, UT Ag, UWA, and Graduate School of Medicine campuses by explaining benefit eligibility, enrollment procedures, coverage options, costs, and compliance requirements. The role is highly detail-oriented and requires extensive interaction with university systems, state systems, and external partners to ensure accurate benefits enrollment, payroll deductions, and reconciliation.

Employee Education and Customer Service

• Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding state benefit plans, insurance eligibility rules, dependent eligibility, enrollment timelines, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements.
• Provide individual customer service through new hire orientation presentations, phone consultations, walk-in traffic, email correspondence, and written communication.
• Explain insurance coverage options, premium costs, network coverage, and plan changes in a clear and professional manner.
• Respond to employee inquiries with accuracy, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

Enrollment Processing and Auditing

• Review and audit insurance enrollment forms to ensure compliance with university, State of Tennessee, and vendor requirements.
• Verify eligibility, completeness, and accuracy of all enrollment documentation prior to processing.
• Enter employee insurance enrollments into the university’s DASH system to ensure correct payroll deductions.
• Enter employee insurance enrollments into the State of Tennessee’s Edison system to establish coverage documentation and transmit data to benefit vendors.

Data Reconciliation and System Expertise

• Reconcile insurance coverage data between DASH and Edison systems to confirm consistency and accuracy.
• Identify and correct discrepancies to ensure accurate payroll, billing, and coverage for employees.
• Maintain a working knowledge of university payroll processes and state billing practices related to insurance coverage.
• Ensure the university is billed correctly by the state for insurance premiums.

Issue Resolution and Advocacy

• Serve as a liaison between the University of Tennessee and the State of Tennessee Office of Benefits Administration.
• Resolve complex benefits issues requiring interpretation of insurance rules and policy.
• Advocate on behalf of the university and its employees in daily interactions with state benefits staff in Nashville.
• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with state insurance administration personnel.

Records Management and Compliance

• Maintain permanent records of all insurance enrollments for the University of Tennessee system.
• Scan and upload enrollment documentation into DASH and Edison systems as required by the type of enrollment.
• Ensure records are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with university, state, and legal requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Vocational or technical training in a related field.
• A combination of five (5) years of experience in insurance, benefits administration, and/or human resources.
• General knowledge of the health insurance industry.
• General knowledge of rules and regulations governing health insurance plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individual employees, groups of employees, and insurance staff through verbal, written, and electronic methods.
• Proficiency with computer software applications, particularly Microsoft Office products.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to meet varying University of Tennessee deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
• Public speaking experience, including presenting information and responding to questions from large audiences.
• Experience communicating insurance plans, policies, and regulations to a diverse clientele.
• Specific knowledge of University and State of Tennessee health insurance plans and policies.
• Specific knowledge of federal laws governing employer-provided insurance plans, including coverage rules and requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Specific knowledge of university human resources and fiscal policies.

• Experience with employer human resources and payroll systems; Oracle experience

   

   

Application Process

For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. 

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for this position is budgeted for $21.63 per hour to $ $26.44 per hour ($45,000 to $55,000 / annually)

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more.  Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax.  For more information on the University of Tennessee benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/ 

 

The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.