Benefits Specialist

• Position Type:
  Professional/Human Resources
  
• Date Posted:
  10/20/2026
  
• Location:
  CORE Administration Center
  
• Date Available:
  11/03/2026
  
• Closing Date:
  Until filled

Crystal Lake School District 47 currently has an opening for a Benefits Specialist at the CORE Administration Building. The hours for this full-time position are 7:30 - 4:00. This position is responsible for administering employee benefit programs including maintenance of information in the insurance system, billing and payments, COBRA, and long-term disabilities. Timely answering of insurance inquiries, successfully working with insurance vendors, educating employees on their insurance benefits, staying up-to-date of insurance plan options, cost-cutting measures, and current insurance issues and laws, and organizing district health and wellness initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advise employees and retirees regarding all insurance benefits
• Conduct pre-retirement benefits counseling for retirees
• Coordinate annual Open Enrollment and other insurance meetings throughout the year
• Counsel employees regarding changes to their insurance benefits due to a life changing event and process any necessary changes
• Act as a liaison between insurance vendors, Benefits Administration software company and employees to assist in clarification of insurance questions and concerns
• Process monthly billing statements for all insurance vendors
• Participate in district Insurance Committee and recommend cost savings measures to insurance committee members
• Co-coordinate with insurance vendors to keep information current on the employee benefits website
• Ensure compliance with current regulations and requirements
• Maintain positive and collaborative working relationship with all constituents
• Administer long term disability benefits
• Submit COBRA eligibility forms to terminated employees
• Facilitate district-wide flu shot clinic
• Administer district-wide Employee Wellness Program
• Enter and maintain all insurance information in the Benefits Admin system
• Introduce and administer new insurance products when applicable
• Retain accurate and complete employee insurance records
• Act as a contributing member of the Human Resources Department, including event planning
• Work collaboratively with Business Office to ensure deductions and benefits are accurate

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE (PREFERRED):

• Bachelor's Degree
• Two or more years experience with insurance
• Data entry, advanced technical skills with the ability to master various software programs, proficient with Google suite
• Excellent customer service skills and positive attitude
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrate effectiveness in working independently and within a team environment
• Ability to maintain accurate and thorough records
• Experience with Skyward
• Confidentiality and professionalism

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Requires sitting, standing, bending, walking, and extensive phone use
• High level of flexibility, concentration, and confidentiality
• Flexibility in schedule to ensure coverage of department needs

Annual salary: $70,000 plus experience. Eligible for paid time off benefits and medical insurance benefits