Student Health Benefits Specialist, Boynton Health

Position Summary

This position provides high-level customer service and subject matter expertise for all programs administered by the Office of Student Health Benefits, serving approximately 17,000 enrollees across the University of Minnesota system. Programs include two student health benefit plans, a full employee benefits suite, a disability plan, and a dental plan.

The role provides advanced counseling, administration, and coordination of benefit programs; ensures compliance and data accuracy; resolves complex eligibility and enrollment issues; and collaborates with University departments, vendors, and billing and registration offices to support effective program operations and outreach efforts.

Overview of Responsibilities

Student & Stakeholder Support 40%

• Counsels and advises students, parents, faculty, staff, and third parties regarding all programs administered by the Office of Student Health Benefits, including the Graduate Assistant Health Plan, Student Health Benefit Plan, International Student programs, Resident Fellow and Intern benefits, and AHC Long-Term Disability benefits.
• Responds to inquiries via email, phone, and in person regarding eligibility, enrollment changes, coverage, billing, and compliance matters.
• Investigate and resolve complex issues requiring independent judgment and in-depth program knowledge.
• Researches, prepares, and presents appeals for review; serve in an advisory role and communicate appeal outcomes as appropriate.
• Promotes a safe, equitable, and respectful environment for addressing concerns.

Benefit Plan Coordination & Compliance 40%

• Serves as a subject matter expert in assigned program areas, providing guidance to students, University departments, and colleagues.
• Audits enrollment and eligibility data for multiple benefit plans (including approximately 5,000 Graduate Assistant Health Plan enrollees), ensuring billing accuracy, visa compliance, and payment verification.
• Investigates discrepancies, determines root causes, implements resolutions, and communicates updates to students and departments.
• Ensures required termination and continuation of coverage notices are issued in compliance with federal mandates.
• Utilizes PeopleSoft HR and Campus Solutions systems to determine eligibility and verify premium assessments.
• Collaborates with Human Resources, Graduate Employment, International Student & Scholar Services, OneStop, and departmental HR staff to ensure policy compliance.
• Oversees timely and accurate processing of enrollments, changes, waivers, and cancellations using Boynton Health platforms (Point and Click, GE/IDX) and vendor systems.
• Serves as primary liaison with plan vendors to resolve IT, billing, enrollment, and operational issues.

Leadership & Operational Improvement 10%

• Provides leadership, training, and oversight to student employees and staff.
• Identifies and recommends improvements to workflows, communications, systems, and benefit processes.
• Implements new processes and oversee projects.

Outreach & Education 10%

• Contributes to the development of official communications, including presentations, enrollment materials, web content, and benefit guides.
• Presents benefit information at campus orientations for domestic, international, graduate, and professional students and their families.
• Collaborates with plan vendors and University departments (Student Finance, Health Services, International Student & Scholar Services, OneStop, HR, Graduate Employment, AHC, RecWell, etc.) to address procedures, policy updates, and emerging concerns.
• Serves in an advisory capacity on internal and external committees as appropriate.
• Performs other duties consistent with the job classification and position description.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four (4) years.
• Office and administrative/benefits experience.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with audiences at all levels of an organization.
• Proficient with computer systems, along with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google products.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other members of the clinical team; Builds and nurtures collaborative relationships.
• Experience working independently in ambiguous and complex situations with excellent critical thinking, judgment, problem-solving and work prioritization skills.
• Experience interacting effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including working objectively with individuals whose lived experiences, identities, attitudes, and behaviors may differ from their own.
• Demonstrated dependability (e.g., time & attendance) and reliable transportation to and from work; available to work on site.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with University business procedures, student insurance policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time and at least limited mobility. Extensive computer/keyboard usage, and fine motor skills for handling files or office equipment. Key physical demands include frequent repetitive hand movements, reaching, talking, and hearing. Occasional walking, lifting light items (up to 10 lbs), twisting and bending. Proficiency in English is required. Use of a telephone and computer terminal is also required. Adequate handwriting and manual dexterity are required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Hourly Pay Range: 22.50-$24.15; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment (40 hours per week)

Position Type: Civil-Service Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.