Benefits Specialist

SUMMARY: Administer all employee benefit programs for the district. This role serves as the district expert for all benefit matters, ensures efficient administrative processes and high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, effective critical thinking and problem solving skills, strong data management capabilities, and a keen eye for accuracy and confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned.)

• Serve as primary contact for benefits' enrollments, changes, terminations, and inquiries from staff, applicants, and the public, providing clear communication, accurate documentation, and compassionate and timely guidance.
• Serve as primary contact for benefit vendors to process leave programs accurately.
• Maintain accurate employee records, databases, and digital files in compliance with district policies and legal requirements.
• Lead open enrollment periods and onboarding processes, including preparing and updating orientation materials.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating all information as it pertains to an employee's deductions.
• Processes Unemployment Claims, including managing disputes and appeals.
• Coordinate with finance and human resource personnel to maintain accurate personnel tracking.
• Perform enrollment reviews and benefits reconciliation problem solving.
• Develops and amends forms and procedures for the enrollment of employees into the benefits programs.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and uphold professional integrity at all times.
• Prepare correspondence and informational communications for staff.
• Prepare reports and HR-related documentation and analyse data as requested for annual requirements, financial reporting, and district needs; fulfill relevant data requests where appropriate.
• Works with Central Administration in developing and refining policies and procedures on employee benefits programs.
• Performs other duties as needed for the Business Office.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of policies and laws regarding personnel and benefits administration.
• Familiarity and understanding of health, dental, life, unemployment, and disability insurance programs, and other employee benefits programs.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of staff.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all HR functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and effectively navigate spreadsheets.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.
  
  

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field, with course work in business, math, and payroll or benefits concepts.
• Previous human resources experience in a school, university, or nonprofit setting preferred, but not required.
  
  

Terms Of Employment

• $28 to $34 per hour.
• Competitive benefits including health, dental, and paid sick and vacation leave.
• Monday - Friday; 8 hours daily; year-round; in-person office setting.
  
  

Maine State Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) authorization required, which cost $70. Website: http://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/fingerprinting/index.html