Benefits Specialist – Compensation & Benefits

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.

WP

Salary : $53,395 - $65,645