Retiree Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:  Benefits Specialist I

Position Overview:  The Benefits Specialist I provides administrative and technical support in the day-to-day administration of employee and retiree benefit programs. Responsibilities include assisting employees with benefit inquiries, maintaining accurate and confidential records, processing benefit-related transactions, preparing reports and correspondence, and supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and negotiated agreements.

• Location: Center for Education Services
• Compensation: Grade 7 Step 1 with a starting hourly rate of $20.40.  Potential future earnings for this position on the ESP Salary Scale are $20.40 - $36.90
• Schedule: 8 Hours/Day
• Work Year: 12-Month
• Reports To: Coordinator of Human Resources: Employee Benefits
• Benefits: Employee Benefits Summary

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Must hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum three (3) years of experience in Human Resources, employee benefits administration, or a related field.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to interpret policies, procedures, contracts, and benefit plan documents.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Workspace.
  • Ability to learn and effectively utilize Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), benefits administration systems, and payroll software.
  • Ability to accurately enter, review, reconcile, and maintain data and records.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Ability to handle confidential employee, medical, benefits, payroll, and personnel information appropriately.
  • Ability to communicate complex benefit information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Attendance: Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Accommodations: Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of successful Human Resources or employee benefits experience, preferably including experience with:  Workers' compensation administration; Health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits; COBRA administration, Medicare and retiree benefits; Retirement programs; Leave administration; Employee wellness programs.
• Experience working in a public sector, educational, or school system.

Role Responsibilities:

• Employee and Retiree Benefits
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for employee and retiree benefit inquiries received by telephone, email, and in person.
  • Provide accurate and timely information regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, coverage, changes, and applicable deadlines.
  • Assist employees with enrollment and qualifying life event changes.
  • Assist with new employee benefit orientations and enrollment activities.
  • Assist with retiree benefit administration and provide information regarding applicable programs and requirements.
  • Coordinate with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefit providers to resolve employee and retiree benefit issues.
• Records and Data Management
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential employee and retiree benefit records.
  • Process and maintain benefit-related transactions in HRIS, benefits administration systems, payroll systems, and other applicable databases.
  • Reconcile benefit enrollment and deduction information and identify discrepancies for correction.
  • Maintain electronic filing systems for benefits, retirement, leave of absence, workers' compensation, correspondence, and other Human Resources records.
  • Ensure records are maintained in accordance with applicable retention requirements, Board policies, and privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Compliance and Administration
  • Assist with the administration of employee benefit programs in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, Board policies, negotiated agreements, and plan documents.
  • Assist with required benefit-related notices, correspondence, reports, and documentation.
  • Assist with compliance activities associated with benefit programs, including COBRA, Medicare, retirement programs, and other applicable requirements.
  • Maintain current knowledge of benefit programs, procedures, deadlines, and administrative requirements.
  • Identify and communicate benefit-related issues or discrepancies to the Coordinator of Human Resources: Employee Benefits.
• Workers' Compensation and Leave
  • Assist with the administration and processing of workers' compensation claims and related documentation.
  • Maintain accurate workers' compensation records and files.
  • Assist with leave-of-absence administration and related documentation in coordination with Human Resources staff.
  • Maintain confidentiality of information associated with employee leave, workers' compensation, and benefit matters.
• Reporting and Communication
  • Prepare routine reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, forms, and other documentation related to employee benefits, retirement, leave, and workers' compensation.
  • Assist with data collection, reconciliation, and preparation of information for audits, reports, and benefit program reviews.
  • Communicate benefit information clearly and professionally to employees, retirees, administrators, insurance carriers, retirement agencies, third-party administrators, and other external partners.
  • Respond to inquiries in a timely manner and appropriately escalate complex or unresolved matters.
• Employee Engagement and Wellness
  • Assist with planning and conducting employee wellness activities, benefit fairs, open enrollment activities, retirement education programs, and other employee benefit initiatives.
  • Assist with developing and distributing benefit-related communications, resources, and educational materials.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate a courteous and professional demeanor to all employees, retirees, insurance carriers, retirement agencies, third-party administrators, and other external partners.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned to support Human Resources and Benefits operations.

Environmental Factors & Physical/Mental Requirements: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions listed below.

• Mobility: Work is primarily performed in an office environment.  Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a computer and other office equipment.  Ability to move throughout the office and building as needed.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively using sight, hearing, speech, and reading.
• Stress Management: Ability to maintain emotional composure and professionalism while managing multiple priorities and interruptions.
• Physical Demands:
  • Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport materials weighing up to 20 lbs. on a regular basis.
  • Must be able to bend, crouch, stoop, reach, walk stairs, and climb as necessary.
  • Must be able to safely operate powered equipment.
• Working Conditions: May be exposed to frequent interruptions, moderate noise levels, and a fast-paced office environment.