Benefits Specialist

PENDERGAST SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Benefits Specialist
EXEMPT: Yes
SALARY LEVEL: Exempt Salary Schedule
LOCATION: Talent Management
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 12-Month
REPORTS TO: Chief Talent Officer

SUMMARY: The job of Benefits Specialist is done for the purpose(s) of performing professional assignments and tasks in the administration of the District’s employee benefit program, including counseling and coordination of enrollment. This includes medical and dental plans, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, wellness, flexible spending accounts and Arizona State Retirement; and oversees the administration of the claims process for workers’ compensation.

SUPERVISES: N/A

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Fingerprint Clearance Card (IVP)/Background Clearance (upon employment)
• Five year experience in employee benefits administration

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One-year supervisory experience working in a benefits environment preferably in a public school setting

Such alternatives to the above required & preferred qualifications as the Superintendent/Designee may find appropriate and acceptable

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers assigned insurance benefit plans including determining an employee’s eligibility and/or contribution level for the purpose of enrolling employees and their dependents correctly, processing claims and maintaining proper documentation
• Assists employees seeking information and guidance concerning various benefit plans and/or workers’ compensation benefits for the purpose of advising them concerning benefit policies, procedures and applicable federal, state and local legislation
• Assists in the development of and changes in benefit policies, office procedures and forms for the purpose of better facilitating the enrollment process and the administration of the benefit plans and workers’ compensation claims
• Administrator/Plan Sponsor of the District's 403(b), 457 Deferred Comp and Roth After Tax Plans for Public Education Organizations qualified under the Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code. Monitors participation and contributions, loans, benefit distributions, rollovers and transfers to the plan
• Maintains the planwithease.com® census/demographic import file. Educates employees about planwithease.com®, providing information about the log-in process, as well as using the system to obtain transaction approvals
• Conducts individual and group benefit orientations for the purpose of informing employees about benefit enrollment, policies, procedures and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations
• Corresponds with employees and supervisors concerning benefits continuation/termination for the purpose of insuring all parties involved are informed and all applicable District policies and state/federal laws and regulations are properly followed
• Investigates and mediates disputes, problems and questions for the purpose of ensuring all issues between employees and benefit carriers are resolved in a fair, timely manner
• Maintains employee medical files for the purpose of ensuring proper documentation
• Prepares calculations for payroll for the purpose of ensuring proper deductions are subtracted from payroll checks for benefits
• Prepares enrollment materials for the purpose of ensuring employees with benefits have proper enrollment forms, provider directories and claim forms
• Processes and maintains current status of leave of absences for the purpose of keeping proper documentation and insuring compliance with District policy and state and federal laws and regulations
• Processes benefit enrollment/cancellation forms and tax-sheltered annuity forms for the purpose of ensuring proper deductions and maintaining accurate documentation
• Attends meetings and seminars as may be required for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information
• Completes special projects as assigned for the purpose of maintaining a highly functional and efficient benefits department
• Oversees the preparation of all necessary state and federal reports (e.g. OSHA 300) for the purpose of ensuring all state and federal laws and regulations are followed
• Oversees the processing of workers’ compensation claims for the purpose of ensuring the employee has proper treatment, and all state, federal and local laws are followed by both the employee and workers’ compensation carrier
• Supports other department personnel for the purpose of providing assistance with other administrative functions
• Perform such other duties and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent/Designee

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Skills are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: Microsoft office; business telephone etiquette, insurance benefits; workers’ compensation; personnel policies regulations and/or laws.

Ability is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined, but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. In working with others, independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: experience in benefits administration including knowledge of laws and regulations concerning HIPAA, FMLA and COBRA compliance.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; providing information and/or advising others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of significant resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is continual opportunity to significantly impact the Organization’s services.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant fine-finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking and 10% standing. The job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.