Job Description

Title:   BENEFITS PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Position Type: Exempt

Primary Function:

Manages the daily operation of the benefits program, including administration of all insurance benefits and retirement plans. Works closely with the Payroll Office of the Finance Department. Maintains a high degree of confidentiality and privacy in dealing with employee records and personal information. Serves as the Assistant HIPAA Privacy Official.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Some coursework or Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field preferred; Five years’ experience in employee benefits programs preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be experienced in MS Office Suite applications. Database management experience preferred.
• CBP certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of computer software applications, including MS Office Suite.
• Human Resource Management System experience.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Considerable knowledge of human resource professional management programs and current human resources laws and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of employment benefit programs.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage several different benefits programs effectively in conjunction with other human resources tasks and assignments.
• Considerable knowledge of standard office practices and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of school board policies, procedures, and SOP manual, as it pertains to benefits administration.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, retirees, vendors, outside contacts and all YCSD departments.
• Ability to maintain records, to prepare reports, and to organize complex data.
• Ability to work independently on complicated projects, complete in a timely manner, and report results.
• Ability to compose effective and accurate correspondence.
• Ability to recognize a problem and assist in its resolution.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Exercises initiative and independent judgment in the execution of duties.
• Exercises tact, courtesy and confidentiality in frequent contact with employees, vendors and representatives from outside agencies and organizations.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Responds to inquiries from employees regarding benefits and resolves problems that may arise; plans annual open enrollment and responds to inquiries regarding status changes.
• Coordinates health and dental insurances services with consulting services provider.
• Meets with carriers/vendors to discuss developing benefits needs; surveys other localities and organizations in order to remain competitive in the benefits area.
• Coordinates and leads the benefits committee.
• Remains abreast of current trends in benefits (to include COBRA and HIPAA administration), and retirement plans; researches and recommends new alternatives or modifications to pay practices and benefits.
• Working through third party administrators, when applicable, assists the EAP and flexible spending account vendors.
• Serves as the Assistant HIPAA Privacy Official.
• Conducts group employee informational and individual counseling sessions concerning the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) to answer retirement and life insurance questions.
• Serves as the Assistant Plan Administrator for the YCSD Defined Benefit Retirement Plan.
• Prepares material for inclusion in policy or SOP manual or other documents.
• Provides presentations at new employee orientation sessions and to the School Board on occasion.
• Maintains and updates benefit and retirement records; processes and forwards documents to benefit providers.
• Processes and reviews applications, maintains and updates benefit records, processes enrollment, cancellations, and payroll deductions for employee benefits.
• Coordinates open enrollment by assembling and distributing benefit packages, schedule informational meetings, organize benefit sessions, and provide assistance during the open enrollment process.
• Process all open enrollment paperwork, verify changes have been properly documented, and forward information to benefit providers and payroll department within deadlines.
• Makes presentations at New Employee Orientation sessions by explaining benefit options, policies and procedures and answers any questions regarding retirement, health/dental/life insurance, and other benefit issues.
• Develops, manages, and leads the division’s wellness program.
• Collects benefit option information from new hires and reports deduction information to the payroll department.
• Processes and explains to terminated employees benefits available such as COBRA, life insurance conversion, and retirement system refunds.
• Prepare and send COBRA information to terminated employees. Follow proper procedures to handle COBRA choices by former employees and related family members.
• Contributes to improving the HR website.
• Directs occasional helpers, interns and assistants.
• Performs other duties or special projects as assigned.

Reports to:

Supervisor of Benefits & Compensation

Terms of Employment:

Twelve months a year. Salary according to School Board Pay Plan.

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of non-licensed personnel.

6/18/2024