Employee Benefits and Leave Specialist

Job Title: Employee Benefits and Leave SpecialistReports to: Deputy Superintendent of Human ResourcesDept./School: Human Resources/Central OfficePrimary PurposeCoordinate the employee benefits program for the district. Maintain records and provide assistance to employees to ensure effective use of benefits.Implement district leave program according to established policies, rules, and regulations. Process and provide timely notification and communication to employees and supervisors regarding leaves and absences.QualificationsEducation/Certification:High school diploma or GEDSpecial Knowledge/SkillsKnowledge of administration of employee benefits programs and applicable lawsKnowledge of administration of leave programs and applicable lawsAbility to interpret and disseminate insurance and leave benefits information to individuals and groupsStrong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsProficiency in keyboarding and file maintenanceAbility to use software to develop spreadsheets, databases, and do word processingKnowledge of basic accounting principlesExperience____ years of experience in benefits administration, insurance administration, or related fieldBenefits AdministrationMajor Responsibilities and Duties:Administer employee benefit programs such as group health insurance, dental, life, and medical reimbursement.Handle employee benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, and courteous resolution. Act as liaison between employees and insurance carrier’s claims office and resolve administrative problems with insurance carrier representatives.Assist in conducting benefits orientation meetings and enrollment of new employees in benefit plans.Assist with annual open enrollment process, including making group presentations and preparing, distributing, and receiving materials and forms. Process all employee benefit enrollment and change forms within required time limits to meet payroll deadlines.Leave AdministrationProcess all long-term absences according to established guidelines including determining eligibility for various leave programs (e.g., family medical leave and temporary disability leave) and providing employees with appropriate and timely notice.Counsel with employees and supervisors concerning leave benefits and provide employees with accurate information related to absences such as deductions from pay, medical certification requirements, return-to-work dates, and fitness-for-duty requirements.Work cooperatively with payroll department and risk management to process and coordinate all employee leaves and absences, including those relating to workers’ compensation claims.Records, Reports, and CorrespondencePrepare and verify premium statements for all group insurance policies. Balance and submit billing statements to accounting for payment.Maintain all benefits-related records including statistical data relative to premiums and cost. Assist with required data entry and preparation of reports.Assist with preparation of benefits handbook, including word processing, coordinating printing, and distribution.Maintain and distribute insurance forms and supplies to campuses and other district buildings.Maintain employee leave records, including confidential medical information in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations and district policies and procedures.Prepare employee leave correspondence, forms, and reports according to district standards and requirements.Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.Maintain confidentiality of information.OtherFollow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNone.Mental Demands/Physical Demands/ Environmental DemandsTools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripheralsPosture: Prolonged sitting. Occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twistingMotion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse. Occasional reachingLifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hoursMental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress