Benefit Specialist
Full Time
Anne Arundel County, MD
Posted Just posted
Job description
Title Code:
Specialist Support: Benefits
JOB SUMMARY
Performs professional level work overseeing assigned areas of benefits processing and provides customer service support to employees. Duties include system set-up and deduction entry for all voluntary and involuntary benefits, conducting new employee benefits orientation, and providing exemplary customer service. Additional duties include submission of bi-weekly payroll files to vendors, including resolving any payment or eligibility issues for employees. Coordinates set-up of benefits for Leave of Absence (LOA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) employees with third party administrator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs professional level work overseeing assigned areas of benefits processing and provides customer service support to employees. Duties include system set-up and deduction entry for all voluntary and involuntary benefits, conducting new employee benefits orientation, and providing exemplary customer service. Additional duties include submission of bi-weekly payroll files to vendors, including resolving any payment or eligibility issues for employees. Coordinates set-up of benefits for Leave of Absence (LOA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) employees with third party administrator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serves as liaison between active and retiree benefits to assure healthcare transition is processed timely and accurately.
- Responsible for vendor invoice reconciliation by researching deficits, obtaining documentation and making adjustments to ensure alignment with Accounting.
- Exhibits leadership and professional judgment while making decisions based on thorough knowledge of Benefits policies, practices, regulations, and laws.
- Completes special projects outside of the normal course of work, working closely with Assistant Benefits Manager to review, assign, and complete cut-off auditing processes.
- Provides exemplary customer service to inquiries by phone and/or via the Benefits office email box to provide information to employees, supervisors or other authorized parties relative to benefits records, transactions, policies and procedures.
- Completes data entry in HR system adhering to payroll cutoff dates and performs audits to ensure accuracy. This includes new or changed deductions and lifestyle changes.
- Coordinates with life carrier on employee/family death claims and follow-up with beneficiaries as appropriate.
- Coordinates with various benefit vendors to resolve claim or eligibility issues.
- Maintains benefits records for LOA, FMLA, COBRA employee cases. Ensures account set-up with third party administrator. Supports Open Enrollment activities for this group of employees.
- Assists with or conducts new employee benefits orientation (weekly and new teacher processing in the summer) and Open Enrollment support.
- Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education
- Associate's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or applicable field of education from a regionally accredited college or university preferred;
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the applicant to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Experience
- Three (3) years in employee benefits, Human Resources and data management required.
- One (1) year prior experience in K-12 human resources preferred;
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the applicant to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
- Keeps abreast of current federal and state legislation relating to benefits plan administration.
- Working knowledge of human resources and benefits regulations
- Excellent customer service and strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and planning skills.
- Demonstrated ability to support the work of others, providing expertise and guidance.
- Ability to meet and adhere to set deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
- Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).
Licenses and Certifications
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.
- Hold or be eligible for Retirement Coordinator Certification issued by Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) preferred; or
- Within 3 months, obtain Retirement Coordinator Certification issued by Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) required.
- Every 3 years, recertify Retirement Coordinator Certification (Recertify) issued by Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) required.
- Hold or be eligible for Notary Public issued by Maryland Secretary of State preferred.
- Hold or be eligible for Driver's License (DL) Class C Non-Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required; and
- Daily access to reliable transportation.
Driving Requirements
- Driving is required to conduct bona fide Board business that is within the scope of employment in this position.
- Personal Vehicle
CAREER LADDER REQUIREMENTS
Qualification Requirements for Employment in Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:
Qualification Requirements for Employment in Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:
- Two (2) additional years successful experience required.
- Associate’s degree in Business Administration or Human Resources, or Completion of coursework leading towards such degree required.
- Retirement Coordinator Certification issued by Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) required.
Eligibility for Consideration for Advancement from Lower Grade to Higher Grade requires:
- Two (2) years continuous successful experience in the position at the Lower Grade level.
- Mastery of all responsibilities and duties of the position.
- Achievement of Professional Certification, License or evidence of course completion in pursuit of such certification or license, if applicable.
- Evidence of completion of additional training that may be recommended by supervisor and/or participation in approved professional development programs or courses, approved in advance by the supervisor. Successful completion of a minimum of one professional development within the last two years is required. Successful completion of job specific professional developments identified on the job description, performance evaluations and/or the supervisor’s documented recommendation are required.
- Achievement of identified goals as they relate to the needs of the district and as established by the supervior.
- Consistent maintenance of an effective and orderly work environment.
- Consistent compliance with general office procedures such as standards contained in the AACPS Employee Handbook; demonstration of discretion and excellent customer service; regular and punctual attendance; and building dress code, including wearing AACPS ID badge.
- Above Satisfactory overall job performance for the two most recent consecutive years of Performance Ratings.
- Letter of Recommendation written by the supervisor.
Additional Requirements for Advancement from Lower Grade to Higher Grade requires:
- Associate’s degree in Business Administration or Human Resources, or Completion of coursework leading towards such degree required.
- Retirement Coordinator Certification issued by Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) required.
LEADERSHIP ROLE
- Lead Worker
People Lead
- This position acts as the lead for 1 to 5 direct staff.
Lead Worker Duties/Responsibilities
- Facilitates transition between Active benefits and Retiree benefits.
- Performs same type of work as employees the Lead Worker is assigned to lead.
- Instructs employees in specific techniques and technical methods to use.
- Trains employees
- Provides feedback to assist the supervisor’s assessment of the employee’s performance.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
- Standing: under 1/3 percent of the time
- Walking: under 1/3 percent of the time
- Sitting: over 2/3 percent of the time
- Keyboarding: over 2/3 percent of the time
- Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
- Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
- Driving: under 1/3 percent of the time
- As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Vision
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- No special vision requirements
Work Environment
Location
Location
- Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 percent of the time
Noise Level
- Quiet: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
Weight & Force
Lifting and carrying requirements
Lifting and carrying requirements
- Up to 20 pounds: under 1/3 percent of the time
Travel Requirements
- 5% semi-annual day travel within the county to attend Open Enrollment meetings or Benefit Fairs.
JOB INFORMATION
Approved Date:
5/1/2023
Established Date:
2/1/2007
Title Code:
B12479
Title:
SPECIALIST SUPPORT: BENEFITS
Reports to Generic:
Assistant Manager;Manager
Reports to Specific:
MANAGER ASSISTANT: BENEFITS; MANAGER: BENEFITS
ORGANIZATION
Division:
Human Resources (HR)
Business Unit:
Human Resources Operations
Department:
Benefits
Negotiated Agreement:
HR JOB INFORMATION
Unit:
V
Days Worked:
260
FLSA Exemption Status:
Exempt
Grade:
PG10;PG11
Click
HERE
to view salary scale. Scroll down to locate (Unit 5 - Professional Staff).
Essential Job:
Months Worked:
12
Hours Worked:
8
Job Family:
Human Resources
Sub-Function:
Benefits
VR22287
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