Benefits Specialist

Position Type: Business/HR OfficeDate Posted: 3/11/2026Location: District Office/District WideDate Available: TBDClosing Date: Open Until FilledEngage, connect, make a difference!As a Benefits Specialist, your expertise helps support the people who make our district thrive. You'll manage and administer a full range of employee benefits - from health and dental to wellness and retirement - ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service. If you're detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about helping others understand their benefits, this is your chance to make a real impact. Become an integral part of our team, supporting employees, retirees, and the District with the resources they need. The work you'll do is more than just a job - it's part of something bigger.WHAT YOU WILL DO: Assists the Insurance Consultant and District LeadershipTeam in the development of insurance specifications, and assists in the analysis of bids.Interprets benefit sections in all bargaining unit contracts and determines eligibility. Serves as a resource to the Executive Director of Administrative Services during negotiations with employee unions and organizations.Coordinates and conducts the new hire insurance enrollment process, annual open enrollment periods, and information sessions for benefits.Accurately establishes benefit plan deductions for employee payroll.Responsible for accurate on-line enrollments/changes for insurance benefit elections for all staff members and retirees.Manages the vendor relationship with the benefits platform company and serves as the system administrator.WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Management, or related field.Three to five years of experience in benefits administration required; school district or private sector experience preferred.Current knowledge of Federal and State benefit laws and regulations.Ability to analyze and interpert new statutes and rules, and maintain compliance.Excellent verbal, written and electronic communication skills.Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, G-Suite, HRIS, and benefits tracking system.Strong organizational and analytical skills.Ability to interact and problem solve with employees at all levels of the organization in a professional and effective manner.Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality at all times.Demonstrated time management and organizational skills with the ability to work under high pressure.Proven effectiveness in a team environment and the ability to work independently with limited supervision.SCHEDULE:Monday - Friday8 hours per daySALARY:$70,000 - $85,000This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month position, working 261 days per year.WHAT YOU WILL LIKE ABOUT US:Student focused; community connected.Lakeville Area Schools (Independent School Disrict No. 194) is an award-winning school system and the twelfth largest school district in Minnesota serving approximately 12,000 students in Lakeville, parts of Burnsville and Elko New Market, and portions of Eureka, Credit River, and New Market Townships. There are nine elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools, an area learning center, an online K-12 school, Early Childhood programming, and lifelong learning opportunities through Community Education.Our vision is to inspire a passion for learning in every student with our mission to strive to ensure success for every student personally, socially, academically and civically. We are committed to establishing a school community that values diversity, equity, and inclusivity for all students, staff and families where every person feels welcomed, valued and respected.As an employee of Lakeville Area Schools, you will have access to high-quality and affordable health insurance plans, along with a range of additional benefits designed to support the well-being of you and your family.Your benefits may include:Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave12 paid holidays each yearEmployees are eligible for benefits on Day One of employment.All employees working a 0.75 FTE or 30 hours per week or more are offered full-time benefits including low-cost medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, and legal insurance plans.Teachers are offered health and dental benefits at a 0.50 FTE or more.All staff working 20 to 29.99 hours per week are offered part-time voluntary benefits including low-cost vision and legal insurance.Health benefits include:added networks that give employees access to many medical services at ZERO COSTfree virtual healthcare services that offer access to doctors and licensed therapists 24/7free diabetes care and heart health prevention programsprovider choice with the largest PPO network availablewellness rewards programDental plans include orthodontic care for adults and children.403(b) retirement investment account offerings to help you save for the future with employer matching offered under many collective bargaining agreements.Pension plan that provides income when you retire (for more information, visit PERAfor non-instructional positions and TRAfor instructional/licensed positions).Staff over 30 hours per week are offered employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death (offered to teachers at 0.50 FTE or more).Staff over 30 hours per week are offered Long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury (offered to teachers at 0.50 FTE or more).Tax-free flex spending accounts for health, dental, orthodontic, vision, and dependent care.Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:Everyday life can be stressful and can affect your health, well-being, and performance. Under our EAP, employees and their famiies can receive no-cost, confidential information help for a wide variety of needs and concerns: anxiety, childcare, eldercare family conflict, parenting concerns, alcohol or drug addictions, stress management, and more.Virtual Fitness Services: easily accessible, effective and affordable way to reach your fitness goals any time, anywhere for better health and well-being.Support to help you reach your career goals:Training, classes, and professional developmentFederal Public Loan Service Forgiveness Program. Some positions may qualify for the Public Services Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website atstudentaid.gov.Programs, resources and benefits eligibility vary based on type of employment, funding availability, and collective bargaining agreement with Lakeville Area Schools. Employment information can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document located on our website.FULL BENEFIT GUIDEBOOKCOLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS:There are several collective bargaining agreements at Lakeville Area Schools. Check them out on our website under "Collective Bargaining Agreements"Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities and supports workforce diversityInternal and External applicants apply online Lakeville.pdfBenefits Specialist .pdf

Created: 2026-04-02