Benefits Coordinator

Grand Rapids Public Schools•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

This position is responsible for coordinating employee benefits and overseeing the benefits team for the district as part of the Human Resources Department. This role also manages the administration of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the District’s Personal Medical Leave programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or five years of recent work experience in the benefits area
Recent experience working with multiple benefits plans required
Demonstrated knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite
Demonstrated excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the demands of the position
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple tasks at the same time and meeting the required deadlines
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to problem solve (listen, identify problems and solutions), collect data, establish, and analyze facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service.
Ability to work collaboratively and be a team player.
Ability to work in a diverse environment and understand cultural competence.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks at the same time, and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
Ability to organize and compile data.
Demonstrated ability to read, organize and produce accurate written correspondence.
Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload, excellent organization skills, including filing and records maintenance.
Demonstrated ability to retain complete and accurate files.
Demonstrated accurate data entry skills.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a school system or a large business entity with complex benefits plans
Demonstrated experience with an automated benefits system, including employee information set-up and maintenance, preferred

Responsibilities

Plan and coordinate the implementation and provide oversight and administration of the district’s benefits programs
Create and update benefit information and materials for employees on all required platforms
Assist employees with benefit questions and concerns
Provide new staff with the applicable benefit package and introduction to the online enrollment system.
Assist all staff with inquiries about employee benefits, initiation of disability and life insurance claims, and benefits eligibility
Develop and implement processes and procedures for monthly reconciliation of invoices to ensure accurate and timely payments are authorized and processed
Develop and implement procedures to ensure employee contributions are accurate and appropriately audited including but not limited to the payment of flex spending accounts
Act as the benefits troubleshooter and liaison between school district and insurance service providers
Processes complex health, vision, dental, disability, life, and other benefit invoices for payment after reviewing for accuracy
Coordinates all employee benefit payment deductions with Payroll
Responds to employee and eligible dependent’s inquiries regarding benefit continuation
Implements other required notices related to benefits, such as Medicare Creditable Coverage.
Prepares and submits benefit-related reports required by law, such as the Affordable Care Act.
Coordinates with third party vendors to supply required benefits notices to all staff.
Oversee voluntary 403(b)/457(b) benefits programs
Coordinate notification to employees of changes in benefit programs
Organize an annual Open Enrollment for employees to make benefit changes
Coordinate with third party administrator for employee leave time
Analyze existing benefits policies/procedures and prevailing practices among similar organizations to establish competitive benefits programs; work with the Purchasing Department and/or District’s insurance broker to create requests for proposals
Prepare, collect, and compile pertinent data for effective collective bargaining and participate in negotiations as requested
Prepare and submit required benefit reports to District officials, companies, state and federal regulatory bodies
Work with the Director of Human Resources and the Budget Office in development of the annual benefit budget
Utilize the District’s benefits sections of the HRIS as needed
Research and keep abreast of current issues in the benefits field, make recommendations for improvements and assist with the development of appropriate policies and procedures
Remain technically competent and knowledgeable of the job expectations, comply with the district’s requirements for professional development
Interact with all stakeholders in positive, supportive professional manner
Perform other related duties as requested