Benefits Specialist I - Center for Education Services

id='p14991_'>Benefits Specialist I - Center for Education Services JobID: 14991

Position Type:

Secretarial/Clerical/Employee Benefits Specialist I

Date Posted:

8/12/2026

Closing Date:

08/19/2026

Additional Information: Show/Hide

Job Description: Benefits Specialist I

Position Overview: The Benefits Specialist I provides administrative and technical support in the day-to-day administration of employee and retiree benefit programs. Responsibilities include assisting employees with benefit inquiries, maintaining accurate and confidential records, processing benefit-related transactions, preparing reports and correspondence, and supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and negotiated agreements.

• Location: Center for Education Services
• Compensation: Grade 7 Step 1 with a starting hourly rate of $20.40. Potential future earnings for this position on the ESP Salary Scale are $20.40 - $36.90
• Schedule: 8 Hours/Day
• Work Year: 12-Month
• Reports To: Coordinator of Human Resources: Employee Benefits
• Benefits: Employee Benefits Summary

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Must hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

• Experience: Minimum three (3) years of experience in Human Resources, employee benefits administration, or a related field.

• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, contracts, and benefit plan documents.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Workspace.

• Ability to learn and effectively utilize Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), benefits administration systems, and payroll software.

• Ability to accurately enter, review, reconcile, and maintain data and records.

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to handle confidential employee, medical, benefits, payroll, and personnel information appropriately.

• Ability to communicate complex benefit information in a clear and understandable manner.

• Attendance: Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

• Accommodations: Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of successful Human Resources or employee benefits experience, preferably including experience with: Workers' compensation administration; Health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits; COBRA administration, Medicare and retiree benefits; Retirement programs; Leave administration; Employee wellness programs.
• Experience working in a public sector, educational, or school system.

Role Responsibilities:

• Employee and Retiree Benefits

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee and retiree benefit inquiries received by telephone, email, and in person.

• Provide accurate and timely information regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, coverage, changes, and applicable deadlines.

• Assist employees with enrollment and qualifying life event changes.

• Assist with new employee benefit orientations and enrollment activities.

• Assist with retiree benefit administration and provide information regarding applicable programs and requirements.

• Coordinate with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefit providers to resolve employee and retiree benefit issues.

• Records and Data Management

• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential employee and retiree benefit records.

• Process and maintain benefit-related transactions in HRIS, benefits administration systems, payroll systems, and other applicable databases.

• Reconcile benefit enrollment and deduction information and identify discrepancies for correction.

• Maintain electronic filing systems for benefits, retirement, leave of absence, workers' compensation, correspondence, and other Human Resources records.

• Ensure records are maintained in accordance with applicable retention requirements, Board policies, and privacy and confidentiality requirements.

• Compliance and Administration

• Assist with the administration of employee benefit programs in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, Board policies, negotiated agreements, and plan documents.

• Assist with required benefit-related notices, correspondence, reports, and documentation.

• Assist with compliance activities associated with benefit programs, including COBRA, Medicare, retirement programs, and other applicable requirements.

• Maintain current knowledge of benefit programs, procedures, deadlines, and administrative requirements.

• Identify and communicate benefit-related issues or discrepancies to the Coordinator of Human Resources: Employee Benefits.

• Workers' Compensation and Leave

• Assist with the administration and processing of workers' compensation claims and related documentation.

• Maintain accurate workers' compensation records and files.

• Assist with leave-of-absence administration and related documentation in coordination with Human Resources staff.

• Maintain confidentiality of information associated with employee leave, workers' compensation, and benefit matters.

• Reporting and Communication

• Prepare routine reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, forms, and other documentation related to employee benefits, retirement, leave, and workers' compensation.

• Assist with data collection, reconciliation, and preparation of information for audits, reports, and benefit program reviews.

• Communicate benefit information clearly and professionally to employees, retirees, administrators, insurance carriers, retirement agencies, third-party administrators, and other external partners.

• Respond to inquiries in a timely manner and appropriately escalate complex or unresolved matters.

• Employee Engagement and Wellness

• Assist with planning and conducting employee wellness activities, benefit fairs, open enrollment activities, retirement education programs, and other employee benefit initiatives.

• Assist with developing and distributing benefit-related communications, resources, and educational materials.

• Professionalism: Demonstrate a courteous and professional demeanor to all employees, retirees, insurance carriers, retirement agencies, third-party administrators, and other external partners.

• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned to support Human Resources and Benefits operations.

Environmental Factors & Physical/Mental Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions listed below.

• Mobility: Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a computer and other office equipment. Ability to move throughout the office and building as needed.

• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively using sight, hearing, speech, and reading.

• Stress Management: Ability to maintain emotional composure and professionalism while managing multiple priorities and interruptions.

• Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport materials weighing up to 20 lbs. on a regular basis.

• Must be able to bend, crouch, stoop, reach, walk stairs, and climb as necessary.

• Must be able to safely operate powered equipment.

• Working Conditions: May be exposed to frequent interruptions, moderate noise levels, and a fast-paced office environment.