Job Description

Specialist II - Benefits

REPORTS TO: Director I - Benefits and Leave Management

SALARY: $63,579 - $76,600

PAY GRADE: 402

DUTY DAYS: 239

PCN: 26746 and 26750

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION PURPOSE

Provides operational and administrative support to the benefits department, current employees, retirees and their families regarding benefit plan provisions. Researches and provides guidance on correct procedures for processing routine and complex benefit transactions including retirement. Coordinates and ensures all requirements are adhered to per the Affordable Care Act. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who takes pride in accurate work, responsive service, and consistent follow-through in a high-volume public-sector environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Benefit Administration

• Stays abreast of laws, regulations and requirements both adopted and pending affecting employee benefits programs (e.g. ACA, IRS regulations, etc.).
• Administers employee benefit programs such as group health insurance, dental, life, vision, life flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts; and ensures all applicable benefits are offered to all employees.
• Conducts research to investigate and resolve escalated and complex issues by obtaining necessary information from policies, procedures, or practices; provides responses to employees on all benefit-related issues, including but not limited to employee statements, LOAs, benefit deduction issues, direct billing, resignations and retirements.
• Reviews and analyzes premium waivers for disability and life insurance plans to determine refunds to employees upon return to work from leave.
• Processes medical support and other court orders accurately and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Resolves administrative problems with insurance carrier representatives.
• Process medical support orders, split premium applications, Medicare Secondary Payor inquiries, and annual enrollment tasks.
• Supports benefits staff supervision, user guidance, system testing, process improvement, and accurate confidential records management.

Reporting and Compliance

• Administers District ACA initiatives, including process implementation and update testing, administration of ACA Compliance software, maintaining compliance and conducting required reporting.
• Completes ongoing management of Variable Hour tracking and administration for ACA reporting.
• Performs all required revisions and/or corrections for ACA reporting as well as all additional related projects as needed.
• Reviews regulatory changes and escalates in depth reviews as needed.
• Works through weekly error report; sends to Talent Management Staff for correction.
• Monitors separations, remission notices, and processes notification of reinstatements.
• Assists in researching and pulling data from ERP to determine benefits eligibility and premium discrepancies.
• Reviews system data for accuracy and integrity; performs audits as needed.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and performs as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Performs all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and employees.
• Knowledge of general office operations, benefits administration and payroll systems.
• Knowledge of best practices for gathering, analyzing, and meeting business requirements.
• Knowledge of records administration and maintenance techniques and procedures.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Skill in researching and writing, with a strong knowledge of business correspondence formatting, including language, grammar, and punctuation.
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with Microsoft Office 365, especially Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Skill in performing mathematical calculations with accuracy.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and proactively resolve issues.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
• Ability to implement and complete multiple tasks successfully in accordance with established timelines.
• Ability to analyze, calculate, coordinate and disseminate highly technical information.
• Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations.
• Ability to interpret and disseminate benefits information and payroll information to individuals and groups.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive data.
• Ability to use software to access databases, email, create spreadsheets, and do word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Travels to school district buildings, professional meetings, and student homes.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
• Accredited High School diploma, GED, or Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency required;
• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university preferred.
• Certification/License:
• None
• Experience:
• 2-6 years of experience in benefit administration, leave of absence processing, payroll systems, or a related field required.
• Approved Combinations:EducationExperienceHS/GED/TxCHSE6 years (requires at least 4 years in FWISD)Associate's degree4 years (requires at least 2 years in FWISD)Bachelor's degree2 years

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.