Job Description:

Employee Benefits Specialist

Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district and voted Best Place to Work in Mesa. With over 9,000 employees, we are the largest school district in Arizona. Families have sent generations of students through our schools, as we are the premier educational choice in Arizona.

Base Rate:

$20.76

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New hire experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New hire education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Class/Calendar:

B22, 12 months

Hours:

Full-time (40 hours per week)

FSLA:

Non-Exempt

Benefits:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, matched retirement, health and life insurance

OVERVIEW:

To respond to inquiries from district personnel and COBRA participants regarding benefits coverage, payments and elections in accordance with policies, regulations and/or state and federal guidelines; to ensure correct deduction calculation for elected benefits plans; and assist to in resolving claims disputes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School education or equivalent required
• Above average proficiency in typing, data entry, and 10-key by touch with accuracy; above average test battery; high math aptitude; skill in performing detailed numerical computations
• Benefits experience to include knowledge and understanding of benefits practices, regulatory requirements and terminology
• Ability to interpret and follow policies, regulations, and/or state and federal legal requirements
• Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, Email, etc); basic knowledge and experience with mainframe computers and job related software applications; query experience helpful
• Ability to organize, to prioritize and to meet deadlines with an accurate attention to detail while working with frequent interruptions and minimum supervision
• Ability to perform high-volume detailed work; to independently make sound fact based decisions for daily tasks; to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) and to establish and to maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with district personnel, COBRA participants, and outside agencies
• Ability to operate standard office equipment; knowledge of standard clerical procedures

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to inquiries from district personnel and COBRA participants regarding coverage, elections and deductions in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations
• Calculate, data entry and maintain benefit enrollment and payroll deductions on personnel payroll database and external benefit management information systems
• Review ePARs to ensure that eligibility and coverage is reflected accurately in the Benefits system
• Review and approve benefits changes and elections in Benefits system
• Review benefits deductions and enrollment data from uploads to ensure accuracy
• Reconcile payroll deductions to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Maintain and track COBRA enrollments and elections and ensure that elections are accurately transmitted to vendors
• Communicate with providers to resolve service issues; coordinate various types of claims, waivers and notices
• Communicate benefit option and enrollment requirements to employees
• Maintain communication with other departments in administration of payroll deductions/payments for services by vendor providers
• Compile documentation (i.e. doctor’s statements, death certificates, enrollment verification forms, etc)
• Complete and submit long term disability packets once employees are eligible for benefits, to include forms for vendor and waiver of life data
• Reconcile ASRS Reports to make certain that eligible retirees receive the correct subsidy amount and complete and submit reimbursement forms for retired spouses eligible for premium subsidy to include calculation of premium amounts
• Compile information for use in compliance with established guidelines
• Monitor leaves of absence to determine benefits eligibility and collection of premium payments
• Collection of premium and past due payments from COBRA participants and employees
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities

SUPERVISION

Director, Employee Benefit

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION: The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or marital status.