Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Director of Human Resources

HAZELWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hazelwood School District is a diverse school district in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, and is the second-largest district in St. Louis County.  Faculty and staff educate students in the district’s 19 elementary schools, six middle schools, three high schools, early childhood education programs, gifted programs, and Opportunity Center (alternative learning). In a culture of high expectations and excellence, our students will become lifelong learners equipped with 21st Century skills for success as global citizens.  

JOB SUMMARY:  Leads and manages benefit-related operations for Hazelwood School District, including but not limited to medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability benefits, the 403(b) and 457(b) programs, and the Workers' Compensation program. Manages self-funded medical/prescription drug plan options and self-funded dental plan.

SHERE AND SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

District-wide impact in ensuring all employees are aware of and understand their available benefits. Proper benefit outreach is a major component of employee retention.  Coordinates the activities of the benefit department to ensure that benefits ofered are correct and in accordance with approved contracts and agreements. Ensures District benefits comply with Federal, State, and local regulations. Ensures proper payroll deductions are entered and is responsible for collecting benefit costs from district retirees and COBRA recipients. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Coordinates employee benefit and medical leave programs in compliance with carrier contracts (e.g., enrolling new employees, explaining benefit options, organizing benefit fairs, mediating benefit eligibility and payment issues, open enrollment, filing claims, return to work, etc.) to provide maximum coverage to employees within contract specifications.
• Support retiree insurance programs related to enrollment, education, premium payment, and claims issues. Coordinates all applicable employee benefits with eligible employees' retirement accounts for the purpose of ensuring that eligibility status is accurate and benefits are applied according to established guidelines.
• Reconciliation and claims reporting of all benefits, including but not limited to 403b/457, health, dental, vision, life, LTD, Medicare plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Workers' Compensation.
• Submit documentation to the Division of Employment Security. Handle phone hearings for the appeal process with the Division of Employment Security Appeals Section.
• Ensure Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance. Ensure the District complies with offering mandated benefits to employees meeting the 30-hour requirement. This includes reviewing and tracking employee hours to ensure ACA compliance.
• Review Summary Plan Documents (SPDs) to ensure they capture benefit changes.
• Design and provide training and support to eligible employees and retirees related to the benefit options offered by the District.
• Coordinate ADA, FMLA, Sick Bank, and LOA employees’ benefits.
• Administer COBRA, sick bank, early retirement, and retiree benefits.
• Participate on the CSD Trust advisory committee to develop and evaluate health plan designs.
• Collaborate with third-party vendors to administer benefits and resolve employee concerns/issues.
• Implement strategies/processes for effective customer service in the benefits department. Coordinate benefit communications.
• Hold general benefit informational sessions for all employees virtually and in person.
• Responsible for all health and dental plan reporting, including monthly claims reporting from carriers, and distribute information to designees 
• Ensure that Hazelwood benefit programs remain in compliance with all state and federal laws. 
• Attend webinars and seminars from carriers. Provide information needed to the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and CFO.
• Keep benefits webpage up to date.
• Oversee Workers' Compensation claims and reports, including coordination of return-to-work status and any reporting requirements.
• Participate in and present new employee orientation (e.g., introducing personnel, payroll, and benefit policies; assisting with enrollment, etc.).
• Support retiree insurance programs related to enrollment, education, premium payment, and claims issues. Coordinates all applicable employee benefits with eligible employees' retirement accounts for the purpose of ensuring that eligibility status is accurate and benefits are applied according to established guidelines.
• Prepares and distributes a variety of reports and related documents (e.g., open enrollment packets, new/change forms, fringe benefit packages, flyers, identifcation cards, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and proof of insurance coverage(s).
• Verifies payroll related data entry and calculations for all benefit changes, employee separations, transfers and/or new employee hires to ensure internal control procedures, compliance and accuracy.
• Research discrepancies and resolve conflicts between employees, payroll, benefit providers, and government agencies to ensure accurate records and maximize eligible payments.
• Do monthly Board follow-up for new hires, transfers, terminations, Leave-of-Absence, and retirement.
• Organizes and coordinates the end-of-year retirement gala.
• Manage the benefit portion of the human resources/payroll system.
• Maintains and implements a district volunteer process, including but not limited to volunteer applications, records, background checks and approval, and identification badges.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the hiring, training, coaching, development, and leadership of a benefit specialist. Works with the benefit specialist to administer and track retiree billing/receivables. 

REPORTS

• Reports to the Director of Human Resources and/or the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum bachelor's degree, preferred in Human Resources, Business, or an allied field.
• Five to seven years’ experience in Benefits Administration and/or Human Resources experience in a school or similar setting.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant State and Federal laws.
• Skills and experience in writing effective communications.
• Knowledge of newer concepts of Human Resource Management.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent personal relations skills working with individuals and groups.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Effective training/presentation skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Long periods of sitting and working at a computer, standing, sitting, lifting, listening, and communicating.
• Lifting and carrying computer printouts up to 30 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Typical office conditions; not exposed to environmental conditions. Travel between district sites or to off-site meetings.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using job related software applications, preparing and maintaining accurate records; and planning and managing projects.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: accounting/bookkeeping principles; business telephone etiquette; common office machines; concepts of grammar and punctuation; and office methods and practices.

ABILITY is required to schedule several activities, meetings, and/or events; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Minimum bachelor's degree, preferred in Human Resources, Business, or an allied field. Five to seven years of experience in Benefits Administration and/or Human Resources.

Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses, Continuing Educ./Training, Clearances: none

 Equal Opportunity Employer 

Salary : $56,845 - $91,542