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HR Specialist III - Team Lead

University of Missouri-Columbia
flexible benefit account, parental leave, paid time off, tuition assistance
United States, Missouri, Columbia
801 Conley Avenue (Show on map)
Sep 04, 2025
Hiring Department

Benefits

Job Description

Purpose and Scope

The Office of Human Resources provides leadership in the planning, integration, and implementation of human resource services and programs for faculty, staff, and retirees across all campuses and the health system. Collectively with our campus colleagues, we serve as a strategic and trusted advisor. Pursue continuous improvement through knowledge, collaboration and leadership.

As part of the Shared Administrative Services (SAS) Team, in collaboration with the overall Shared Services Team, this position provides essential support to daily human resources transactional processing, including but not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Tuition Assistance, COBRA, Retirement, Unemployment Claims. The scope includes serving over 50,000 active & separated employees, retirees, beneficiaries and dependents.

Responsibilities

60% Team Leadership and Workflow Management
* Serve as the primary point of contact for team inquiries, providing guidance on processes, procedures, and task-related questions.
* Manage team schedules, approve time-off requests, and track team time on the shared calendar to ensure adequate coverage.
* Understand the key responsibilities of other team members and be prepared to provide coverage and support during periods of absence, which may include performing their tasks or delegating appropriately to ensure essential functions continue without interruption.
* Use available tools to track team workload, provide insights into capacity, and ensure timely and accurate processing of inquiries.
* Lead and facilitate regular team meetings, setting agendas and fostering open communication.

15% Customer Service and Expertise
* Provide customer service on non-routine or escalated matters, requiring subject-matter knowledge aligned with services provided.
* Serve as the knowledge expert regarding all transactional processes and services provided.
* Manage escalated calls, investigate and resolve Tier 2 issues.
* Identify trends and solutions in collaboration with other team leads and cross-functional areas.
* Collaborate with content experts to connect content and processes, ensuring consistent and positive customer experience.
* Create and maintain knowledge articles as needed regarding services provided.
* Use good judgement, apply excellent written and verbal communication skills and continual independent learning of benefit plan offerings, knowledge of HIPAA, and University of Missouri policies is essential to ensure and maintain professional knowledge and provide sound credible advice.

15% Audits and Process Improvement
* Conduct monthly audits of key team processes to ensure adherence to established procedures, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Perform more in-depth quarterly audits to identify areas for process improvement.
* Analyze audit findings, identify causes of any discrepancies or inefficiencies, and develop recommendations for corrective actions to present to the Shared Administrative Service Manager.

10% Continuous improvement and project management
* Ensure teams processes/procedures are aligned with organizational policies/objectives and laws, policies and regulations.
* Continuously identify and analyze opportunities for process improvement and customer service enhancements, ensuring collaboration with cross-functional teams.
* Leverage and utilize technology to effectively capture, track, analyze, and report on metrics and measures.
* Serve as a knowledge expert and contributor to HR projects and committees as requested.

As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.

Shift

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and three years of human resources office experience demonstrating knowledge of basic employment laws, exceptional customer service and organizational skills.

Excel spreadsheet skills with experience with v-lookup and pivot table is preferred, attention to detail, accuracy and ability to follow through independently. PeopleSoft experience is helpful.

Team player with interpersonal, customer service and communication skills. Proven analytic and problem- solving skills. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Works autonomously and uses sound judgment.

Familiarity with university systems and human resources policies or equivalent.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $24.00 - $31.00 per hour
Grade: GGS 009
University Title: Human Resources Specialist III
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Cover letter, resume

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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