Description :
The Benefits Specialist coordinates and administers all aspects of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans. This role serves as a key resource for employees, providers, and administrators, ensuring benefit coverage, compliance with regulations, and accurate billing. The incumbent is responsible for benefit enrollments, eligibility verification, claims processing, and reporting, supporting a smooth and efficient benefits administration process.
This position reports to the Director of Benefits and Compensation .
Qualifications :
Education : Bachelor's degree required
Certifications & Licenses : SHRM preferred
Experience :
- Experience in benefits administration or a related specialized field required.
- Increasing levels of responsibility in benefits administration is preferred.
- Experience in a K-12 school system is preferred.
Key Competencies :
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (advanced functions).Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet strict deadlines.Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage individuals at all levels of the organization.Ability to multitask, problem-solve, and work independently with initiative and flexibility.Exceptional customer service skills, including handling sensitive situations and challenging interactions professionally.Essential Functions :
Benefits Administration & Employee Support :
Administers employee benefit programs, including new hire enrollments, open enrollment, benefits fairs, and retiree benefits.Assists employees, beneficiaries, and insurance providers with eligibility verification, claim processing, and benefit inquiries.Maintains benefits records and ensures compliance with carrier contracts, regulations, and internal policies.Supports COBRA administration, retirement eligibility verification, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) processing.Provides weekly new employee benefits orientations and assists in retirement workshops as needed.Compliance & Reporting :
Prepares reports to ensure compliance with Affordable Care Act (ACA), COBRA, HIPAA, and other benefit regulations.Generates and distributes 1095-C forms using Munis HRIS functions and external data sources. Submits required reports to the IRS.Reconciles benefit enrollment records, invoices, and employee deductions to ensure accuracy in payments and eligibility.Researches and resolves discrepancies between employees, payroll, benefit providers, and government agencies.Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination :
Manages relationships with benefit providers, including Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and Principal Financial Group.Serves as a liaison between employees and vendors to resolve disputes, clarify benefits, and process claims.Collaborates with HR, Payroll, and IT teams to ensure accurate data and efficient benefits processing.Technology & Process Improvement :
Sets up and manages Open Enrollment functions within the HRIS system.Maintains and updates benefits materials on the ACPS website and internal resources.Assists with system upgrades, vendor transitions, and process improvements to enhance the employee benefits experience.Other Responsibilities :
Supports assigned administrators with special reports and data analysis to aid in decision-making.Provides cross-coverage for other members of the Benefits and Compensation team as needed.Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.Performs other duties as assigned to support a collaborative and effective work environment.Other duties as assigned.Clearances :
Criminal Justice Fingerprint / Background Clearance.Tuberculosis Skin Test.Public Health Compliance
Must follow safety and health protocols.
