Human Resources Benefits Specialist
Processes and maintains files and records for applicants and employees of the district. Coordinates the employee benefits program for the district which includes providing assistance to employees to ensure effective use of benefits.
Qualifications:
- Education/Certification: High school diploma or GED
- Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of administration of employee benefits programs and applicable laws Ability to interpret and disseminate insurance and benefits information to individuals and groups Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and to small and large groups of employees Proficiency in keyboarding and file maintenance Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing Knowledge of basic accounting principles
- Experience: Experience in human resources, benefits administration, insurance administration, or other related field
Working Conditions:
- Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions Repetitive hand motions Prolonged use of computer Lifting up to 20 lbs
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
- Benefits Administration: Administers 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 the insurance carrier's claims office. Assist with benefits orientation meetings and enrollment of new employees in benefit plans. Assist with the 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. Prepare and verify monthly premium reports for all group insurance policies. Balance and submit billing reports to accounting for payment.
- Sick Leave Bank: Organizes and facilitates sick bank committee meetings. Provide sick bank information to new employees. Act as district liaison and provide guidance to applicants to sick bank. Review and modify Sick Bank Bylaws as needed.
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)/Temporary Disability Leave: Process 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. Ensure that qualified employees are placed on FMLA. Work cooperatively with payroll department to process and coordinate all employee leaves and absences, including those relating to workers' compensation claims.
- Onboarding: Process teacher applications and verify certification with the Texas State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC), universities, colleges, and education agencies in other states. Send out GISD New-hire paperwork via DocuSign. Ensure potential new employees have been fingerprinted and have subscribed to FACT clearinghouse. Prepare Board Agenda and make copies as needed. Upon board approval, send out Probationary contracts via DocuSign.
- Various: Respond to unemployment claims and participate in Appeal hearings, as needed. Run New-Hire Attorney General Report and upload to OAG portal. Assist retirees with retirement paperwork. Maintain confidentiality of information.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Equipment Used: Copier, calculator, personal computer, printer, fax machine, and shredder.