What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits and Leaves Specialist - Human Resources position at Portage Public Schools?
Benefits & Leave Specialist - Human Resources
Portage Public Schools District
2026-27 School Year
Job Summary:
The Benefits & Leave Specialist is responsible for the administration and coordination of employee benefits and leave programs for the district.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Administers all employee benefits programs, including enrollment, billing, coverage changes, open enrollment, and COBRA administration.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, including ACA reporting and tracking requirements.
- Configures and maintains benefits eligibility.
- Manages all aspects of employee time-off programs, including system setup, accrual tracking, adjustments, calendars, and policy administration.
- Administers leave programs, including FMLA and other applicable federal and state leaves; tracks usage and ensures timely and accurate documentation.
- Coordinates and manages short- and long-term disability claims, serving as liaison between employees, providers, and insurance carriers.
- Maintains confidential medical and benefits records in accordance with privacy regulations and district policies.
- Administers Workers’ Compensation claims, including reporting, tracking, and coordination with third-party administrators and supervisors.
- Calculates and processes retirement payouts and other compensation in accordance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and district policies.
- Prepares, analyzes, and distributes reports from HRIS and related systems as requested.
- Prepares and/or supports the preparation, review, and submission of all applicable state and federal reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements; provides backup support for REP responsibilities as assigned.
- Collaborates with payroll, HR staff, and external vendors to ensure accurate and timely processing of benefits and leave transactions.
- Serves as Title IX representative for district.
- Serve as backup for other Human Resource’s team members.
- Regular and consistent attendance.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Handbook.
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree (Human Resources or Benefits Administration emphasis preferred).
- Proficient computer, documentation and communication skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work cooperatively with employees, the public and other agencies.
- Analytical abilities and independent thinking skills to handle complex details and spreadsheets.
- One to three years of experience working in public school environment preferred.
- HR certification PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP preferred.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please View our job postings and apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps
Who is PPS? Use this link to view our Strategic Commitments
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Meisterheim. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002