Benefits Human Resources Specialist

WELCOME TO FRIDLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
Thank you for your interest in Fridley Public Schools, an International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools district. We are the only school district in Minnesota and one of few in the U.S. that offers the full IB Continuum to students in pre-K to grade 12. As a world class community of learners, Fridley Public Schools aims to develop internationally minded students. We challenge ourselves, our students, and our community to become caring and knowledgeable life-long learners who inquire and take action to create a better world.
Our mission is to guide students in the development of learning skills to help them reach their full potential

The successful candidate will be an individual who firmly believes ...

• In the value of diversity and inclusion in enriching the educational experience of all students.
• All students feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
• All learners have the right to a quality education.
• All learners have the ability to learn and attain self-fulfillment.
• All learners need the strategies and tools necessary to strive toward becoming responsible, independent and productive members of society.

Position Summary: Fridley Public Schools ISD 14 is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented and service-focused Benefits HR Specialist to support the district’s human resources function with a primary focus on benefits administration. This role supports a diverse employee population and contributes to a positive and inclusive workplace culture. The ideal candidate will demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment, including the ability to work in a cross-trained capacity alongside the HR Specialist, broader HR team, and finance department to support district operations seamlessly. They will provide exceptional customer service to staff while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and district policies related to employee benefits.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Administer all employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans (TRA, PERA, 403(b), etc.)
• Will support and assist 1095c/ACA
• Support retirees.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries and provide clear guidance regarding options, eligibility, claims, and changes
• Support benefits enrollment processes, including new hire orientation, open enrollment, and qualifying life events
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the HRIS and ensure timely reporting to benefit vendors and agencies
• Monitor benefit deductions and collaborate with payroll to ensure accuracy
• Assist with compliance and reporting requirements, including ACA reporting, COBRA, and other state/federal mandates
• Reconcile monthly insurance invoices and process payments
• Develop and update communication materials to support employees in understanding their benefits
• Coordinate wellness and employee assistance initiatives as part of the district’s overall staff well-being strategy
• Collaborate with district leaders to support retention and engagement efforts through competitive benefit offerings
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with integrity
• Perform additional HR support duties as assigned, including leave tracking (FMLA, personal leaves), worker’s compensation reporting, and data audits.
• Assist with track employee leaves in accordance with federal laws (FMLA), Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (starting January 2026), and the district’s internal leave policies
• Ensure compliance with Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law, including accurate accrual, usage tracking, employee notification, and recordkeeping
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for employees regarding their rights and responsibilities under FMLA, MN Paid Leave, and ESST, including providing timely and clear communication and documentation
• Collaborate with payroll and HR colleagues to ensure proper coding, reporting, and wage continuation during approved leaves
• Stay informed about evolving leave laws and work with leadership to update internal processes and policies to remain compliant
• Develop and maintain documentation, forms, and resources to support efficient and equitable leave management
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum of three (3) or more successful years of experience in benefits administration or human resources
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR information systems
• Commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive work environment
• Basic understanding of federal and Minnesota state leave laws, including FMLA, the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave program, and Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field
• Experience in a public school district or public sector HR setting
• Familiarity with Minnesota public employee benefit programs (TRA, PERA, etc.)
• Knowledge of bargaining units and labor contract language as it relates to benefits

Core Competencies:

• Customer Service Orientation
• Cultural Competence and Awareness
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Confidentiality and Discretion
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Problem-Solving and Initiative

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits administration, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, and retirement plans (TRA, PERA, 403(b), etc.).
• Experience supporting ACA/1095c reporting, COBRA compliance, and retiree benefits.
• Familiarity with leave management under FMLA, Minnesota Paid Leave (2026), and ESST, including tracking, reporting, and compliance.
• Demonstrates professionalism, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to clearly explain benefits and leave options to employees.
• Skilled in using HRIS systems for data entry, recordkeeping, and vendor reporting.
• Detail-oriented with experience reconciling benefit invoices and collaborating with payroll to ensure accurate deductions.
• Able to work effectively in a diverse environment and foster inclusive support for all employees.
• Proactive in developing communication materials and supporting employee wellness and engagement efforts.
• Collaborative and solution-oriented, with a strong customer service focus.
• Knowledge of current employment and benefits laws; ability to stay informed and adapt processes accordingly.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office environment within the district’s administrative offices
• Occasional travel between school sites for employee support or training