Benefits Specialist II

Performs the full range of professional duties required to support benefits administration, including the performance of complex and/or sensitive activities; provides guidance on and resolves benefit issues; monitors legislative compliance and administrative changes that impact benefits; recommends and implements changes in programming, workflow, policies, and procedures; audits benefits program data and provides reporting for mandated filings and fiscal performance of benefit plans; participates in procurement and contracts processes; collaborates and monitors third-party vendor performance; provides professional development to staff; may manage a large-scale, long-term project.

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

• Certification as an Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA), or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

1. Performs activities related to administration and management of divisionwide employee benefits programs.
2. Documents and resolves escalated employee benefits issues with internal staff and external vendors, including issues that impact eligibility, plan provisions, and technology.
3. Ensures compliance with federal and state laws and regulations related to employee benefit programs.
4. Monitors proposed or existing legislative changes for impact on policies and programs.
5. Researches industry best practices and competitor trends in benefit offerings.
6. Works as a team member and/or leader in developing recommendations on programming, workflow, policies, and procedures for senior management.
7. Documents, implements, and monitors change initiatives to programs and business processes.
8. Prepares written and oral reports, analyses, and presentations for a range of audiences and projects.
9. Creates and tracks benefits program performance metrics.
10. Audits and provides analysis on the fiscal performance of benefit plans, researches anomalies, and identifies cost-saving opportunities.
11. Provides recommendations and advice related to budget development and forecasting.
12. Participates in contracting processes, including the review and preparation of specifications, requirements, terms & conditions for competitive invitation for bid solicitations, and competitive requests for proposal documents.
13. Collaborates and monitors the contractual compliance, performance, and implementation efforts of third-party vendors.
14. Provides guidance on the development of communications and publications that inform and educate on benefit plan provisions.
15. Identifies benefits knowledge gaps and provides professional development to school personnel and central office staff.
16. Performs related duties as required or assigned.