BENEFITS MANAGER

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Benefits Manager plans, coordinates and manages all Washoe County School District (WCSD) benefit programs for active and retired employees. These programs include medical, dental and vision programs; employee wellness, employee assistance programs and other facets of the District's self-insured program. Work includes planning, organizing, claims review, contract management for contracts with medical, dental, vision and other providers, management of budgets, and coordination on fiscal issues with the Office of Business and Financial Services. Performs related duties as required.
EXEMPLARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively leads strategic planning for all benefits offerings of the District's various benefit programs, including self-insured medical/dental plans, Section 125, vision, life insurance plans, and voluntary supplemental benefit programs.
• Helps maintain the sustainability and affordability of the District's self-insured benefits programs and coordinates with the Office of Business and Financial Services, consultants and others on annual rate analyses and financial projections.
• Plans, manages, and administers WCSD's health and life insurance benefits programs, including plan design and changes, for programs such as employee, dependent, and retiree medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment and long-term disability.
• Oversees and manages the annual open enrollment period each year, including the distribution of materials, communicating changes to employees, working with vendors to ensure on-site meetings are timely and sufficient. Works with other members of the Human Resources department to process changes within deadlines.
• Researches, analyzes, and makes recommendations on new, existing, and proposed programs for employees/retirees to identify the most appropriate sustainable benefit programs and to identify costs or projected savings related to benefit plans and design; roll-out of new programs including communication, education, and coordination with appropriate staff or partners.
• Plans, manages, and administers WCSD's Employee Assistance Program.
• Collaborates with insurance broker and/or consultants to market, negotiate and secure contracts for benefits. ?Manages related vendor relationships.
• Maintains an in-depth knowledge and expertise in employee benefits services, makes recommendations on pending legislation regarding benefits, conduct benefits research, responds to benefits issues, and answer benefits queries.
• Supervises assigned staff which includes staff selection; assigning, scheduling, and reviewing work; providing training in proper work methods and procedures; writing performance evaluations; implementing discipline and conflict resolution procedures when necessary; assure efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of work outputs; monitor and direct progress to achieve goals and objectives.
• Supervises wellness coordinator and provides oversight of wellness program including budget development and administration of programs.
• Maintains and monitors appropriate budgeting and expenditure controls ensuring timely contracts, purchase orders, billing and audits are completed.
• Receives and responds to the difficult and complex benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution. ?
• Ensures the HRIS system provides accurate functionality for benefits administration.
• Writes policy statements, procedure memos and directives regarding proper administration of health and life insurance programs for the WCSD.
• Maintains and supports a high level of customer service to peers, employees, retirees, and partners.

• Works with appropriate district staff and the Group Insurance Committee, associations, and benefit consultants with regards to benefit changes, changes in plan design, and bidding of benefit programs.
• In partnership with the Purchasing Department, negotiates provider contracts. Responsible for contract management and oversight of all benefits vendors including medical, dental and vision providers and in partnership with the Purchasing Department, is responsible for the regular selection process of providers in accordance with District policies and regulations.
• Prepares and presents benefit-related matters to Board of Trustees.
• Completes insurance policy applications as needed and maintains and updates all underwriting information for renewal purposes.
• In collaboration with Human Resources leadership, ensures initial training and continuous education of district health and wellness benefits are delivered regularly.
• Monitors enrollment of employees and eligible dependents.
• Ensures District's compliance with Internal Revenue Code, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other federal and state requirements for benefit programs.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education/Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
1. Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or closely related field;
-AND-
2. Six (6) years of professional experience in benefits and/or wellness administration, including three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.
Knowledge of: Federal and state laws and regulations applicable to health and related benefit programs including ERISA, DOL and IRS requirements; specific functional expertise in benefit design and administration including strategic management of benefit programs; and principles of supervision.
Skill at: Benefits analysis including analysis of claims trends; strategic planning; contract management; presentation skills to governing boards, management and staff; communicating with people in writing as well as verbally; staff supervision and interacting effectively with a wide variety of professional personnel.
Licenses/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Nevada driver license with a driving record acceptable to the District.
THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR

The Washoe County School District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, political affiliation, or the presence of any sensory, physical or mental disability in any of its educational programs/activities, employment or employment opportunities, or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The District prohibits discrimination against any youth group listed in Title 36, as a patriotic society, (i.e. Boy Scouts of America) from access to public school facilities use.? The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.