Benefits Officer

Page 1 of 2 FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Position Title Benefits Officer Unit Non-unit Group Job Code 080030 Division Human Resources Grade/Lane AA2/G13 Department Human Resources FLSA Status Exempt EEO: Other Professional Staff MSDE Code 25 ROLE The Benefits Officer is responsible for assisting the Benefits Senior Manager with the administration of employee benefit programs and wellness initiatives. In addition, manages the FMLA process, leave administration, COBRA, and retirement processing. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reporting directly to the Senior Manager, Benefits, the Benefits Officer performs the following duties: Manages employee leave programs. Assists in the design, revision, interpretation and application of FCPS personnel policies and procedures related to employee leave, attendance policies and worker's compensation. Resolves issues by advising supervisors and employees on FCPS leave policies and procedures. Participates in the compilation of statistical information and preparation of reports. Ensures FCPS compliance with local, state, and federal employment regulations. Prepares training materials on topics related to ADA, FMLA, and employee leave options. Provides for accurate leave reporting for payroll processing. Ensures FCPS compliance with ADA guidelines. Processes workplace accommodation requests. Manages the FCPS light duty and return to work programs. Supports the workers' compensation and risk management programs. Works with supervisors and employees to ensure accurate reporting and processing of workman's compensation claims. Collaborates with the Payroll Department to monitor correct processing of workers compensation benefit and supplement. Acts as liaison to Maryland State Retirement Agency. Processes employee retirement with MSRA. Serves as advisor to employees and management on Maryland State Retirement matters. Keeps current on legislation related to state retirement and employee benefits. Supports activities related to employee benefits. Serves on Insurance Council and Board Negotiations teams. Provides assistance with employee wellness endeavors. Monitors the FCPS privacy and security program. Participates in new employee orientation and open enrollment events. Assists the Senior Manager, Benefits with maintaining the Employee Benefits Website. Creates efficiencies for personnel practices and procedures. Establishes and executes communication plans to ensure common knowledge base regarding employee benefits, the Maryland Pension System, leave programs, and workman's compensation processing. Designs and conducts seminars on employee benefit related topics. Collects and analyzes data to evaluate project effectiveness. Provides assistance in the automation of human resources functions. Observes, evaluates, and trains support staff. Ensures application of nondiscrimination practices in accordance with state and federal EEO laws as a result of strong topic related working knowledge. Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Manager, Benefits Page 2 of 2 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education/Training/Experience Master's Degree or Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of equivalence in business administration, human resources, health care management or related field. Five years of experience in human resources with emphasis on managing employee benefit programs. Experience in improving and documenting processes. Certification/License Certified as a MD State Retirement Coordinator or willing to acquire within 1 year. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Demonstrated ability to employ analytics to design and adjust initiatives. Knowledge of federal and state legislation related to FMLA, ADA, HIPPA, and workman's compensation regulations. Skill in use of technology to increase work efficiencies. Ability to supervise and motivate a team. Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Regular and predictable attendance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Certification/License: SPHR/PHR designation from Society for Human Resources Management. Education/Training/Experience Five years' experience in a leadership role. Experience working in a public-school personnel office. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of Maryland State retirement/pension plans. Operational knowledge of PeopleSoft HRIS benefits modules. Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements as related to attendance, leave, and worker's compensation. Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs. July, 2022 FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER THIS JOB DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO INDICATE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION. IT IS NOT WRITTEN TO INCLUDE OR BE INTERPRETED TO INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. NOTHING IN THIS DESCRIPTION RESTRICTS MANAGEMENT'S RIGHT TO ASSIGN OR REASSIGN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OR ADD REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME.