Benefits Specialist

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS), one of Minnesota’s largest and most diverse school districts, is seeking a detail‑oriented and customer‑focused Benefits Technician/Specialist to join our Human Resources team. This role plays a key part in supporting the district’s employees by ensuring they receive accurate, timely, and comprehensive information about their benefits.As a Benefits Technician, you will serve as a primary point of contact for staff regarding health insurance, retirement plans, leave programs, and other district‑provided benefits. You will process enrollments and changes, maintain employee records, assist with open enrollment activities, and help employees navigate benefit options throughout their employment lifecycle. This position requires strong communication skills, exceptional organizational ability, and a commitment to providing high‑quality service to SPPS employees.By joining SPPS, you become part of a mission‑driven team dedicated to supporting the educators and staff who serve more than 30,000 students across our community. If you are passionate about helping people, thrive in a collaborative environment, and excel at managing detailed administrative work, we invite you to apply for this important role.Minimum QualificationsOne year (45 credit hours) of post-secondary coursework in business or personnel administration, management information systems, computer-based technology or a related field and two years of experience in a benefits, human resources or insurance billing unit performing work that involves explaining benefits programs, benefits eligibility criteria, insurance billing or related topics. (Equivalent combinations or education and/or work experience will be considered.)Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesWorking knowledge of the principles and practices of benefits administration.Working knowledge of database structure, spreadsheet design, benefits administration and insurance billing.Working knowledge of data collection and analysis methods and procedures.Working knowledge of benefits billing and other human resources information systems.Working knowledge of the theory and principles of data management.Working knowledge of federal and state laws governing data privacy.Considerable skills and ability in the use of: software databases, spreadsheets and processing applications.Considerable skill in performing mathematical computations requiring attention to detail.Considerable ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Working ability to perform research, prepare reports and maintain records.ResponsibilitiesThe essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:Assist with new hire benefits overview during onboarding.Administer COBRA insurance for employees resigning or separating from the District.Meet with employees and retirees to determine benefit eligibility by applying applicable bargaining unit (BU) contract language, reports and tracks new enrollees to third party administrator notifies insurance carriers of changes in insurance coverage.Mainitain BU guidelines with current insurance rate tables. Update rate charts as new contracts are settled.Prepare monthly insurance billing, audits, balances and adjustments by downloading data from and importing necessary records into sophisticated spreadsheet formats, ensure that bills from insurance carriers reflect appropriate status of members.Coordinate, facilitate and provide evening monthly retirement seminars and update retirees for annual open enrollment process.Prepare monthly LIS (Low Income Subsidy) report monthly.Prepare various government reports, such as Reinsurance Association, Federal Form 5500, Medicare Second Payer and related reports.Generate complex customized reports using various software packages, perform uploads and downloads of data.Coordinate insurance refunds (both contractual and miscellaneous).Establish and file member records and maintain employee and retiree data base for benefits administration.Generate correspondence to retirees regarding discontinuance of the District health insurance contribution due to Medicare eligibility or other eligibility factors or relating to the collection of unpaid premiums.Work in coordination with the Business Office and TPA on the processing of insurance payments.Provide information and assistance to employees and retirees by telephone, mail or in person, to resolve problems or answer questions regarding insurance needs, insurance billing questions and related issues.Serve as liaison between covered member and insurance carriers to ensure proper enrollment, and deductions are taken.Assist in the annual insurance open enrollment periods.Maintain employee benefits records relating to insurance coverage and leave of absences.Contribute to the District's Strong Schools, Strong Communities efforts by partnering with other staff to contribute to student achievement and the alignment and sustainability of resources.Perform other duties as assigned.Pay, Benefits and Work ScheduleThis position is a 12-month position working 40 hours a week.Pay range for this position is: $27.15 - $33.61Maximum hiring step = step five (5)The full salary schedule is listed in the CCEA contract. Salary information for this job posting can be found at this link (https://www.spps.org/about/departments/human-resources/labor-agreements) and by selecting the \" CCEA (Classified Confidential Employees Association)\" Labor agreement.Benefit information for this position can be found at this link (https://www.spps.org/about/departments/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summaries-by-bargaining-unit) and by selecting the \"CCEA - Full Time\" link.This posting will close on March 19, 2026 at 11:59pm.How to ApplyTo be considered further, please apply for this position and attach a resume and cover letter to your online application.The Human Resource Department will review your application materials and contact you regarding the next steps.To attach additional documents to your online application, click on the \"Additional Attachments\" link from the applicant homepage and upload your documents as attachments. Valid file extensions for attaching a document include .doc, .txt, .rtf, and .pdf.Essential FunctionsEssential functions are job duties that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disability Amendments Act (ADAAA). The essential functions are typical duties as outlined under Responsibilities.Regular and reliable attendance.May be exposed to various cleaning products.Other InformationVeteran's Preference - If you are an eligible veteran applying for a job where veteran's preference applies and wish to claim Veterans Preference you must submit a legible copy of your DD214 to the Human Resource Department with your employment application. If your claim is approved, five or ten additional points will be added to your final passing score.Criminal Background Investigation and Reference Checks - Reference checks and a criminal background investigation will be completed as a condition of hire for all new employees and for former employees who have not been employed by the District for more than six months.Equal Employment OpportunitySaint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.Equity StatementSPPS is committed to an equitable workforce where all employees represent this commitment through equitable practices in their job position.