Benefits Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as primary contact for benefits' enrollments, changes, terminations, and inquiries from staff, applicants, and the public, providing clear communication, accurate documentation, and compassionate and timely guidance.
• Serve as primary contact for benefit vendors to process leave programs accurately.
• Maintain accurate employee records, databases, and digital files in compliance with district policies and legal requirements.
• Lead open enrollment periods and onboarding processes, including preparing and updating orientation materials.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating all information as it pertains to an employee's deductions.
• Process Unemployment Claims, including managing disputes and appeals.
• Cook up coordination with finance and human resource personnel to maintain accurate personnel tracking.
• Perform enrollment reviews and benefits reconciliation problem solving.
• Develops and amends forms and procedures for the enrollment of employees into the benefits programs.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and uphold professional integrity at all times.
• Prepare correspondence and informational communications for staff.
• Prepare reports and HR-related documentation and analyse data as requested for annual requirements, financial reporting, and district needs; fulfill relevant data requests where appropriate.
• Works with Central Administration in developing and refining policies and procedures on employee benefits programs.
• Performs other duties as needed for the Business Office.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of policies and laws regarding personnel and benefits administration.
• Familiarity and understanding of health, dental, life, unemployment, and disability insurance programs, and other employee benefits programs.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of staff.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all HR functions.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to understand, apply and use personal computers and effectively navigate spreadsheets.
• Able to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community.
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Able to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.
• Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field, with course work in business, math, and payroll or benefits concepts.
• Previous human resources experience in a school, university, or nonprofit setting preferred, but not required.

Terms Of Employment

• $28 to $34 per hour.
• Competitive benefits including health, dental, and paid sick and vacation leave.
• Monday - Friday; 8 hours daily; year-round; in-person office setting.

Website

Website: http://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/fingerprinting/index.html