Employee Benefits Specialist - Employee Benefits

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.

• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.
  

Job Summary:

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 in resolving claims disputes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responds to inquiries from district personnel and COBRA participants regarding coverage, elections and deductions in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations
• Calculates data entry and maintains benefit enrollment and payroll deductions on personnel payroll database and external benefit management information systems
• Reviews ePARs to ensure that eligibility and coverage is reflected accurately in the Benefits system
• Reviews and approves benefits changes and elections in Benefits system
• Reviews benefits deductions and enrollment data from uploads to ensure accuracy
• Reconciles payroll deductions to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Maintains and tracks COBRA enrollments and elections and ensures that elections are accurately transmitted to vendors
• Communicate with providers to resolve service issues; coordinate various types of claims, waivers and notices
• Communicates benefit option and enrollment requirements to employees
• Maintains communication with other departments in administration of payroll deductions/payments for services by vendor providers
• Compiles documentation (i.e. doctor’s statements, death certificates, enrollment verification forms, etc.)
• Completes and submits long-term disability packets once employees are eligible for benefits, to include forms for vendor and waiver of life data
• Reconciles ASRS Reports to make certain that eligible retirees receive the correct subsidy amount, and completes and submits reimbursement forms for retired spouses eligible for premium subsidy, to include calculation of premium amounts
• Compiles information for use in compliance with established guidelines
• Monitors leaves of absence to determine benefits eligibility and the collection of premium payments
• Collects premium and past due payments from COBRA participants and employees
• Provides support for wellness programs, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, and ADA-related inquiries as needed
• Assists in generating reports, summaries, or data tracking related to benefits, wellness, leave usage, or compliance
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Interprets and follows policies, regulations, and/or state and federal legal requirements
• Develops and implements streamlined processes to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancy, and improve service delivery.
• Collaborates with administrators to identify and implement improvements in operations and service effectiveness.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills
• Maintains positive and professional relationships with stakeholders, emphasizing high-quality customer service.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Demonstrates adaptability and openness to innovation and change.
• Ability to organize, to prioritize and to meet deadlines with 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

Required Qualifications:

• High School education or equivalent required
• Proficient in using basic software applications including Word, Excel, Google Suite, etc.
• Benefits experience to include knowledge and understanding of benefits practices, regulatory requirements and terminology
• Some knowledge and experience with mainframe computers, job related software applications, and query experience

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to interpret and follow policies, regulations, and/or state and federal legal requirements
• 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
• 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 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

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Most of the work is performed in a standard office within the district’s central administration building
• May occasionally travel to schools or attend off-site training, benefits fairs, or meetings with benefits providers
• Fast-Paced and Detail-Oriented : Especially during open enrollment or policy changes, the role can involve managing multiple deadlines and handling sensitive employee inquiries
• Primarily desk-based with extended periods of sitting
• Heavy use of computers and phones; must be comfortable with data entry, digital forms, and HR software systems.
• Occasionally may need to lift and carry materials (e.g., benefits packets, brochures) for up to 20 pounds

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.