Benefits Specialist

Position Type:
Business Services

Date Posted:
4/15/2024

Location:
District Office

Closing Date:
UNTIL FILLED

Additional Information:


TITLE: Benefits Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: Classified Technical Professional Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance

SUMMARY:
The benefits specialist will assume responsibility for the day-today operations of the benefits administration, insurance contract analysis, and program administration. The benefits specialist will assist in developing, implementing, administering organizational policies and procedures and ensuring compliance of all personnel actions with relationship to policies, regulations, and administrative procedures of the District, state, and federal governments.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Analyze and interpret contracts and schedule of benefits in health, life, dental, disability, retirement, leave bank, leave of absence options; pre-tax and reimbursement program; provide information regarding all benefit plans, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislative changes affecting employee benefit programs.
2. Conduct new employee orientation sessions regarding all insurance programs, benefits, payroll deduction, handbooks, etc., when appropriate.
3. Counsel employees regarding employee benefits.
4. Coordinate benefits between insurance companies and District for employees needing assistance.
5. Conduct annual open enrollment and enroll employees in programs on an ongoing basis.
6. Make changes in benefits for employees.
7. Maintain employee insurance records.
8. Establish payroll deduction schedule for dependent premiums and employee premiums maintained in the payroll computer system.
9. Notify insurance companies of enrollment, deletions, and changes in insurance status of employees, along with changes in beneficiaries.
10. Prepare monthly reports for all insurance companies and for payment of premiums.
11. Complete and verify employer insurance statements in all disability and death claims.
12. Maintain computerized records, collect, and analyze data related to employee benefits.
13. Correspond with employees on questions and/or concerns and act as liaison between employees and all appropriate health care and insurance company contract vendors, including district insurance agent.
14. Maintain and process insurance benefits in compliance with COBRA, HIPPA, and FMLA regulations.
15. Receive and analyze monthly payment from Arizona State Retirement System regarding insurance premiums subsidy for employees who are either retired or receiving long term disability benefits.
16. Counsel and advise employees as to entitlements and requirements under Arizona State Retirement System.
17. Reconcile and maintain accuracy and data entry of Insurance Flow Through bank account.
18. Administer Retirement reimbursement insurance work program.
19. Assist with the administration of the Districts 457 Plan.
20. Attend in-service training for continued professional development.
21. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:
Bachelors Degree in Business Administration or related field.

EXPERIENCE:
Two years responsible experience in a personnel position which required use of judgment and independence in the performance of duties.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Bookkeeping knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with employee benefits and benefit providers.
• High level of English proficiency for completing tasks, telephone communication, and preparation of written correspondence including skills in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and applications.
• Ability to analyze data and information.
• Knowledge of insurance guidelines and regulations.
• Knowledge of COBRA, Family and Medical Leave Act, Health Insurance, Portability, and Accountability Act, Section 79 Income, and Section 125.
• Knowledge of legislative changes affecting employee benefit programs.
• Knowledge of the Arizona State Retirement System.
• Ability to work with detail and with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment to set priorities and make decisions.
• Ability to use discretion in handling confidential information.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The working environment is the normal office setting.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Twelve-month year, Professional Exempt, employee benefits in accordance with Board policies.

EVALUATION: Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on evaluation of classified staff.