HR Benefits and Training Specialist

Join the San Juan College Human Resources team and make a meaningful difference in the employee experience! This dynamic position supports employee benefits and leave programs, coordinates mandatory training, and helps bring employee wellness, recognition, and appreciation initiatives to life. Working collaboratively across campus, you will serve as a trusted resource for employees while helping create a positive and supportive workplace. This role is ideal for an organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys helping others, solving problems, and managing a variety of projects. Benefits You'll Love As a Platinum Family Friendly New Mexico Business, we offer: Medical, dental, and vision insuranceGenerous paid leave and holidaysNMERB pension plus optional retirement plansTuition waiverEmployee wellness program and EAPFree SJC gym membership and library services $55,495 - $60,000 DOE Essential Duties Supports the administration of employee benefits under the direction of the Benefits Manager, including processing enrollments and changes, assisting employees with benefits questions, and resolving routine billing or data discrepancies. 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; provides individualized guidance regarding continued benefits options, final pay, and other separation-related matters; addresses employee questions and coordinates follow-up as needed to support a smooth and accurate offboarding process. Maintains records of new hires, changes, and separations of employees; prepares and distributes related personnel information and documentation to appropriate departments to ensure necessary employment, payroll, benefits, and administrative actions are completed. Directs the College-wide coordination and tracking of mandatory employee training, including monitoring completion, maintaining compliance records, and identifying outstanding requirements. Collaborates with departments to establish training requirements and deadlines, communicates expectations, and follows up with employees, supervisors, and department leadership regarding incomplete or overdue training. Administers special projects as directed by the VP of Human Resources and Legal Activities. Plans and executes Wellness events and activities under the direction of the Benefits Manager. 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; provides follow-up assistance to employees with benefits enrollment and related questions; conducts one-on-one benefits meetings as needed; and meets with candidates during the interview process, as requested, to provide general information regarding employee benefits 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. A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources, business administration, employee benefits, or a related field, including experience performing administrative, coordination, or program management responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to independently coordinate multiple processes, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and external benefits providers. Working knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), COBRA, and other regulations related to employee benefits and leave administration preferred. SHRM-CP Certification is preferred. This position will remain open until filled with application review occurring on November 2, 2026.