Human Resources Specialist (Benefits)

$58,802 - $58,802/Yr

Aurora Public Schools - Aurora, CO

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Aurora, CO

Educational Services

About the position

The Benefits Specialist at Aurora Public Schools is a pivotal role within the Human Resources department, responsible for the administration of the district's health benefits. This position serves as a key technical and informational contact between the district's benefits broker, vendors, and employees, ensuring effective communication and resolution of benefits-related issues. The specialist will handle a variety of tasks including coordinating open enrollment activities, mediating problems involving insurance coverage, and ensuring positive employee relations. Daily responsibilities include researching and resolving district benefit issues, responding to employee inquiries regarding plan provisions, and processing life event changes. The specialist will also manage payroll deductions related to benefits, reconcile payroll benefit deductions, and oversee the management of insurance vendor premium payments. Additionally, the role involves maintaining accurate records for employee enrollments, terminations, and changes in coverage, as well as monitoring compliance with IRS limitations for retirement plans. The Benefits Specialist will also play a role in developing and presenting new employee orientations, assisting auditors with vendor reconciliations, and coordinating the vendor renewal process. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Human Resources webmaster to update the benefits web page and the Technology Specialists to implement software changes for benefit reports. The specialist will also contribute to wellness programs and attend monthly wellness meetings, ensuring that employees are informed and engaged with their benefits.

Responsibilities

• Research and resolve District benefit issues and mediate individual employee and vendor problems regarding insurance coverage and claim disputes.
• Respond to benefits inquiries from employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes, and other general inquiries.
• Review and process eligible life event changes and prepare life insurance death benefit claims for employees and their dependents.
• Review and input deductions and maintain the Oracle benefits side of the payroll system.
• Reconcile payroll benefit deductions, calculate costs, and manage insurance vendor premium payments.
• Record and manage ledgers for any leave of absence and review employee enrollments, terminations, and changes in coverage for data accuracy.
• Review and input data and maintain all 401(k), 403(b), and 457 deductions, including monitoring IRS limitations and reviewing loans and transfer requests.
• Develop and present new employee orientations and assist auditors with vendor reconciliations.
• Coordinate vendor renewal and request for proposal (RFP) process with the District broker and insurance committee.
• Prepare materials for open enrollment and coordinate open enrollment meetings with current vendors.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources webmaster to update and revise the benefits web page and online benefits tutorial.
• Prepare and submit required paperwork for employees qualifying for a Waiver of Premium under the District's life insurance plan.
• Develop and implement software changes for benefit reports, rates, and functionality in conjunction with Technology Specialists.
• Attend monthly wellness meetings and provide input in the development of wellness programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a business field preferred or equivalent years of experience in a Human Resources related position.
• At least 1 year of experience in customer service, benefits, and/or accounting.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal and customer service skills with telephone etiquette.
• Organizational and prioritization skills with basic accounting knowledge.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Operating knowledge and experience with Oracle and general office equipment preferred; required within 6 months after hire.

Benefits

• Health savings account
• AD&D insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan