At Acero Schools, we are what we believe.

Achievement – We set goals and do what it takes to achieve them.

Community – We contribute to, respect and serve in our communities.

Excellence – We expect our best and strive to make our best even better.

Resilience – We learn and grow through adversity and challenges.

Optimism – We believe in our ability to create the future we envision.

Position Description

Benefits Administrator

Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits

Location: Chicago, IL

Reports To: Deputy Chief of Human Capital

How to Apply: https://platform.teachermatch.org/jobsboard.do?districtId=569404168

Position Overview

Consistent with the strategic priorities of the Acero Schools, the Benefits Administrator performs HR-related duties on a professional level where customer service is paramount and work is expected to be client-focused. The Benefits Administrator position is responsible for directing and planning the day-to-day operations of Acero Schools group benefits programs (e.g. health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, worker’s compensation, life insurance, flexible spending plan, 401(k) plan). The Benefits Administrator provides excellent customer service and quality benefits plans, investigates new benefits programs, improves existing programs, and supervises and monitors benefits administration as well as coordinates efforts with broker in designing employee benefits plans and provides analytical and technical support in the delivery of the benefits programs.  

The Benefits Administrator will be a key team player in Acero Schools’ Human Capital team, whose priority is to provide excellent service to our employees.  This position will be the main contact person for the network in answering benefits-related questions. 

Core Responsibilities

• Coordinates daily benefits processing.
• Executes enrollments, COBRA, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, disability, accident and death claims, rollovers, QDROs, QMCSOs, distributions, loans, hardships, ACA reporting, and compliance testing.
• On-boards new employees and ensures they have an excellent experience.
• Answers any Collective Bargaining Agreement-related questions.
• Oversees maintenance of employee benefits files and updating of employee payroll records.
• Gathers employee data and oversees the processing of monthly billings and is responsible for reconciling all monthly billing statements for accounts payable.
• Prepares regular benefits reports extracting data from the HRIS database for Acero Schools’ management as requested.  Works closely with HRIS vendor to ensure system functionality.
• Works in a professional, client-focused manner suitable to be a HR main point of contact for employees at Acero Schools by providing excellent customer service support to Acero School’s employees.
• Develops communication tools to enhance understanding of Acero Schools’ benefits package.
• In collaboration with the broker, leads design and distributes materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions.
• Creates informational session materials (e.g. PowerPoint presentations).
• Recommends new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of the department and services performed.
• Acts as the adviser to the Human Capital Leadership team in relation to benefits questions.
• Maintains HRIS records and compiles reports from the database.
• Maintains compliance with federal and state regulations concerning employment.
• Other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, related HR projects. 

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree and one year of related benefits or HR administration experience
• Bilingual - Spanish/English (preferred)
• Must possess computer skills and the ability to learn the HRIS Paycor system; must be proficient in Microsoft Office
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment Capability of effective planning and priority setting. 
• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of benefits contract language and plan designs
• Knowledge of all pertinent federal and state regulations, filing and compliance requirements, both adopted and pending, affecting employee benefits programs, including ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, Section 125, workers’ compensation, COBRA, and DOL requirements
• Maintains high confidentiality, integrity, a high sense of personal and professional ethics and has superb attention to detail 
• Is an excellent team player with exceptional customer service skills
• Interprets, applies, and explains policies, procedures and practices of Acero Schools’ Human Resources administration
• Ability to think outside the box and provide feedback to the Human Capital leadership team
• Comfortable being the go-to benefits person for Acero Schools
• Ability to coordinate workflows between the HR team and Payroll; review information for accuracy
• Ability to learn the HRIS system and master all functionalities
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems
• Able to prioritize, communicate clearly, demonstrate sound judgement and decision-making skills
• Exhibits a "no-excuses" attitude regarding project completion.

Physical Demands

The nature of the work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment, and the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Physical demands include the ability to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, and walk around the classroom 60% of the day. In addition, candidates must be able to lift and/or push and pull 15 to 20lbs. for short periods of time, and walk up and down stairs several times a day.

Working Conditions

Majority of work is performed in a general office environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization-sponsored events and meetings.

NOTE: The foregoing list of essential duties and responsibilities is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Acero Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals. Acero Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

www.aceroschools.org