Benefits Specialist @ Human Resources

Job Summary

The Benefits Specialist supports the administration of assigned employee benefits programs by performing a variety of complex, procedural administrative duties. Under general supervision, the incumbent uses established policies, procedures, and guidelines to maintain accurate benefit records, reconcile and process plan billings, and deliver exceptional customer service by resolving employee inquiries promptly.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Processes and maintains health, dental, vision, basic life, voluntary life insurance, and legally
• Mandated benefit information, enrollment documentation, and dependent changes.
• Ensures compliance with Board policies and federal guidelines such as HIPAA, COBRA, Workers' Comp, and various leave benefits such as STD, LTD, and FMLA.
• Updates and maintains benefits-related procedures as necessary.
• Timely response to all employee inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, and courteous resolution.
• Assist in various research requests, including timely responses to audit inquiries; may assist in developing and preparing reports, letters, and spreadsheets.
• Conduct benefits orientation and training activities for new hires, employees newly eligible for benefits, and open enrollment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of benefit plan billings, collections, and premium refunds.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Marginal Responsibilities

• Assists with preparation of various governmental reports and filings. .
• Assists with day-to-day administration of 403(b) plan, including but not limited to, distributions, corrections, adjustments, and loans.
• Attends off-site, job-related seminars, workshops, and meetings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Demonstrated knowledge of relevant laws and regulations applicable to health benefits administration, FMLA, ADA, and the Affordable Care Act. Strong skills as they relate to Excel and Word.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A minimum of two (2) years of benefits experience.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong organizational skills with ability to multitask complex projects at a time.
• Computer-based analytical skills (Excel, Word, and other HR/Benefits software as needed); must be able to formulate formulas for spreadsheets, data manipulation, and queries.
• Facilitate meetings with groups of employees or customers.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Problem analysis and problem resolution at both tactical and strategic level.
• Understanding of the payroll and premium collection process.
• Knowledgeable of relevant District policy as well as State and Federal laws.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, maturity, and good judgment and be capable of communicating professionally, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse range of individuals.
• Professional level of confidentiality in handling employee information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Prolonged Sitting: Remaining in a stationary position—primarily at a desk or workstation—for up to 75-80% of the workday.
• Repetitive Motion: Frequent and accurate operation of a computer keyboard, mouse, and financial calculator to input data and reconcile billings.
• Visual Acuity: Close visual acuity required to view a computer terminal, analyze large spreadsheets, and read extensive policy manuals.
• Communication: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word to accurately and clearly convey benefits information to employees.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Works in an office environment. Commuting between buildings required as deemed necessary. While

performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, walk, stand and reach.

EQUIPMENT / TOOLS/ MATERIALS USED

Standard office equipment including, but not limited to personal computer, copier, fax, scanner, telephone, etc.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Assigned to a minimum 260 day work calendar; 40 hours per week;

compensation and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Tuition Reimbursement) as provided by the Board of Education.