Benefits Specialist (40hrs/wk, 260 days)

Benefits Specialist (40hrs/wk, 260 days)BenefitsTO APPLY:Direct Link: Page: note, employers may close jobs on the website at any time.SUMMARY DESCRIPTIONThe Benefits Specialist manages all employee benefit programs, including health insurance, leave administration, wellness initiatives, workers' compensation, and related offerings. This role ensures accurate employee records, compliance with federal and state regulations, and provides responsive support for benefits inquiries. The Benefits Specialist partners with vendors, analyzes benefits data, and contributes to strategic planning to attract and retain top talent. Under general supervision, this position performs complex administrative and technical functions within the Benefits department and other related duties as assigned.EXEMPLARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES- Analyze benefits data and trends to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness.- Prepare and present reports on benefits utilization, costs, and trends for management review.- Support the development of benefits strategies and budgeting through data-driven insights.- Develop and distribute clear, accurate benefits communication materials.- Conduct training sessions and workshops to educate employees on benefits programs.- Promote wellness initiatives and encourage employee participation.- Facilitate information sessions on benefit offerings and serve as a liaison between divisions, departments, and external agencies.- Provide guidance and assistance to HR counterparts to ensure seamless integration of wellness benefits with group insurance programs.- Ensure all benefits programs and leave management processes comply with federal and state regulations, including HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADAA, and ACA.- Prepare and submit required benefits reports and documentation accurately and on time.- Stay current on regulatory changes and implement necessary updates to maintain compliance.- Manage sensitive data collection, maintain data integrity, and perform ongoing audits and reporting using Microsoft Office tools.- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries.- Assist employees in resolving claims issues and provide guidance on benefit options.- Support employees during open enrollment and qualifying life events to ensure informed decision-making.- Build and maintain strong relationships with external vendors to ensure service quality.- Review and negotiate contracts with providers to secure favorable terms.- Monitor vendor performance and recommend changes as needed.- Partner with insurance agents and brokers to coordinate benefits with WCSD plans.- Consult with third-party administrators to ensure accurate program administration and implement improvements when necessary.When assigned to BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, duties include:- Manages daily operations of the District's self-funded group benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance plans, ensuring compliance with plan documents, contracts, and applicable regulations.- Maintains accurate and timely employee and retiree benefits data within the HRIS, ensuring data integrity across eligibility, enrollment, and payroll interfaces.- Processes employee benefit enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and terminations, coordinating closely with payroll, vendors, and third party administrators.- Conducts benefits orientations and provides clear, consistent communication to employees regarding plan options, eligibility, and coverage provisions.- Oversees the Retiree Health Insurance program, including retiree enrollm nts, database management, coordination with PERS, monthly auditing of fund transfers, premium tracking, and management of retiree and dependent life status- changes.- Implements and oversees changes to claims processing and insurance eligibility administration through third party administrators, resolving escalated and complex issues.- Serves as a subject matter expert for complex and sensitive employee inquiries related to medical claims, eligibility, and coverage, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution.- Monitors ongoing program performance, utilization trends, and vendor effectiveness, recommending process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and employee experience.When assigned to LEAVE MANAGEMENT AND ADA, duties include:Administers and manages employee leave programs, including FMLA, medical, personal, and other statutory or contractual leaves, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Board policy, and negotiated agreements.Oversees ADA administration, including t

Created: 2026-02-02