Working Title: Benefits Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: Minnesota Management & Budget
Job ID : 92300
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/19/2026
Closing Date : 03/02/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Management & Budget / Confidential
Division/Unit : Enterprise Employee Resources / Enrollment & Benefits
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $27.84 - $40.82 / hourly; $58,129 - $85,232 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 217 - Commissioner's Plan
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) is seeking a Benefits Specialist to provide insurance and benefit related services to state employees, their dependents, and retirees. This position will serve as a subject matter expert, making recommendations on policies and procedures that support the functions of enrollment, billing, payroll, and benefits services. This position will assist agency human resources staff in effectively carrying out employee insurance responsibilities, interpreting and advising on policies so they are administered in a uniform way that complies with program requirements and bargaining unit contracts.
Job duties for this position include:
Serving as initial contact for employees, their dependents, former employees, and retirees to explain provisions of insurance policies, labor contracts, and applicable laws
Coordinating and developing internal processes and procedures for data entry, training, enrollment, and eligibility
Providing information, guidance, recommendations, direction, and problem-solving support to agency HR representatives
Auditing benefits applications to ensure compliance with insurance and bargaining unit contracts
Reviewing and processing disability claims
Enrolling qualified beneficiaries in COBRA consistent with federal law and Minnesota statute
Provide recommendations, direction, and oversight to lower-level staff regarding complex employee insurance policies and procedures
Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Candidates must clearly demonstrate all the following qualifications on their resume. Resume tips are available here (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/applicant-help/resume-tips/) .
Two (2) years of experience administering employee insurance benefits (medical, dental, pre-tax, disability, etc.), including enrollment, determining eligibility, payroll, and billing
Experience must include:
Analysis skills sufficient to interpret and understand laws, policies, and standard principles of group insurance (enrollment, billing, payroll, and eligibility) and find discrepancies
Navigating a human resource information system (HRIS) sufficient to enter data and transactions, run reports, and troubleshoot errors (examples of HRIS include Oracle/PeopleSoft, Workday, ADP, BambooHR, etc.)
Computer skills sufficient to draft and send professional emails, documents, and reports; proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Communication skills sufficient to convey complex and/or sensitive information to a variety of audiences, including state employees, MMB staff and leadership, and HR representatives
Customer service skills sufficient to respond effectively to clients and coworkers who have questions about benefits operations and procedures (in person, in writing, on the phone, and through presentations and other correspondence)
Demonstrated respect for diversity and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
A bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, healthcare administration, or public administration may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
MMB values diverse perspectives and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the preferred qualifications. Your unique skills and background might be just what we need!
Experience as a Dedicated Department Insurance Representative (DDIR)
Experience working with employer-sponsored group health plan administration, including enrollment, eligibility determination, payroll, and billing
Proficiency with PeopleSoft (SEMA4), including the ability to analyze system capabilities, research discrepancies, and resolve benefits-related issues
Familiarity with State of Minnesota benefits, including existing insurance programs, retiree plans that coordinate with Medicare, and relevant bargaining language
Knowledge of HR processes such as leaves of absence, layoffs, and new hires
Experience with collective bargaining unit agreements
Familiarity with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and federal HIPAA laws
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of Minnesota Management and Budget that a successful candidate must pass all required checks prior to employment which may consist of the below checks:
SEMA4 records check (applies to current and past state employees only)
Criminal history check
Reference check
Social Security and address verification
Education verification
Conflict of interest review
Other legally or internal policy required checks
A criminal history does not automatically disqualify candidates, and each case will be reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis and in alignment with fair and equitable hiring practices.
Minnesota Management & Budget does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota Management & Budget will not sponsor applicant work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
