Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Compensation:

$52,501

Compensation Type:

Exempt

Employment Type:

Regular

Grade:

E03

Position Summary

Are you eager to make a positive impact by guiding employees through benefits and HR programs that support their well-being and success? Do you thrive in a culture that values collaboration, accountability, and excellence? San Juan College is seeking a well-qualified and highly motivated individual for the full-time position of Human Resources Benefits Specialist.

Why Join San Juan College?

Nestled in northwest New Mexico, Farmington is the hub of the Four Corners region and home to San Juan College and its satellite campuses. Located near destinations like Durango, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Moab, the city offers great weather, more than 50 parks, and endless outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, boating, skiing, and off-roading. With three rivers, four lakes, and a vibrant arts and culture scene featuring museums, galleries, and local theater, Farmington has something for everyone year-round.

San Juan College serves as a regional leader in education and provides quality education to approximately 10,000 students seeking academic credit and non-credit programs through face-to-face and online classes each year. San Juan College is proud to serve a unique and culturally diverse population.

SJC Mission and Values

Our mission at San Juan College is to educate and empower individuals to thrive in an ever-changing world.

San Juan College is committed to serving the needs of our students and the community through a process of continuous quality improvement. San Juan College upholds and affirms the values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

What can you look forward to?

As a Platinum Family Friendly New Mexico Business, San Juan College is dedicated to maintaining a workplace with policies that allow employees and their families to thrive. Below are some of the benefits offered:

Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage options
Generous paid leave plans and holiday pay
Public Employee Pension Plan (NMERB)
Optional 403 (b) Tax Deferred Annuities, 457 and Roth Plans
Flex Spending accounts
Life and Disability coverage
Employee Wellness Incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition waiver
Free SJC Gym Membership
Free Library services

Position Summary

This position assists in the department’s benefits functions and employee benefits processes.

Essential Duties

• Assists in the administration of benefits and compensation; resolves employee benefits issues; enrolls new employees; resolves billing or data errors.

• Provides support to employees in various HR-related topics such as benefits and leaves and resolves any issues that may arise.

• Determines employee eligibility for FMLA and short-term disability benefits; Coordinates, tracks and communicates with employees regarding their FMLA and Short-Term Disability benefits.

• Ensures new employees are enrolled in benefits programs; removes terminated employees and coordinates COBRA benefits.

• Schedules and conducts exit interviews for separating employees; communicates continued benefits options and final pay. 

• Maintains records of new hires, changes, and separations of employees.

• Coordinates training for compliance and employee development.

• Administers special projects as directed by the VP of Human Resources and Legal Activities.

• Assists the Benefits Manager in planning and executing Wellness events and activities.

• Works with retirees on enrollment in and questions related to retiree healthcare benefits.

• Serves on the Employee Enrichment and Appreciation committee (EEAC).  Serves a lead role with EEAC events, including the Thanksgiving potluck, retiree reception, and other campus-wide events.

• Coordinates and facilitates employee awards, including voting and selection of awardees by working with committees, Institutional Research, and other stakeholders as needed.  Serves as the head of the Awards committee.

• Develops and implements strategic communications with employees and retirees regarding benefit changes, open enrollments, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Affordable Care Act, the Wellness Fair, and other benefits-related topics.

• Conducts new employee benefits orientation.

• Ensures compliance with college objectives and with state and federal laws and regulations.

• Serves as liaison between employee and New Mexico State insurance providers and COBRA.

• Assists payroll with research and resolution eligibility and payment of short-term disability benefits.

• Tracks and maintains Sick Leave Bank balance, transactions, and members.

• Prepares benefits information for annual employment contracts.

• Coordinates payment of and tracks all banked overload credits and Embedded Honors credits for all faculty.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of an Associate’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

• Must have sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with having had a similar position for two to three years.

• SHRM-CP Certification is preferred.

The following REQUIRED documents must be submitted with application in order to be considered. Upload all required documents under the Application Questions 2 section for "Additional Documents Required".

• Cover Letter (Required)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (Required)

• List of 3 Supervisor References. (Required)

• Unofficial Transcripts (Optional)

• Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

This position will remain open until filled with the first review of applications occurring on Monday, June 15, 2026.

EEO STATEMENT: San Juan College is dedicated to providing equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic, veteran's status, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.