Benefits Specialist- Finance Department (Start Date: (1-5-2026)

Lenoir County Public Schools•Kinston, NC

About The Position

A benefits representative is the point of contact for the entire school system regarding employee benefits plans. These programs include retirement, medical, dental, vision, dental, disability, worker’s compensation, 401K and annuities plans. The bookkeeping includes running, balancing and maintaining monthly payroll deduction reports. This position reports to the Finance Officer.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred- Minimum of Associate’s Degree or equivalent in business and/or accounting
Knowledge of NC state benefits programs, Workers’ Compensation and disability programs
Excellent computer skills with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
Ability to provide clear information on benefits policies and procedures
Ability to work independently , perform multiple tasks, and exercise judgment
Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and disseminate information accurately
Ability to function under pressure and maintain a high level of decorum as well as to endure a high work volume and employee demands

Responsibilities

Introduce and sign up new hires to the overall programs during their orientation, when they register for their benefits selections
Coordinate the annual benefits enrollment activities when all employees are asked to update their coverage options, including issuing communications and conducting informational meetings with the employees and vendors
Enroll new employees in their benefits selections
Responsible for ensuring that changes to an employee’s coverage, including adjustments to the number of dependents or modifications requested during open enrollments, and throughout the year
Maintain beneficiary changes, deduction changes and addresses
Process employee garnishments (taxes, educational, child support etc.)
Calculate and analyze charts for costs of coverage for 10 and 11 month employees. (health, dental, vision and life insurance)
Complete Wage Verifications for local and state agencies
Monitor benefit plans to ensure plans are administered in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, and work closely with Third Party Administrator
Act as liaison between insurance carriers and employee’s department in monitoring employee eligibility and approval for disability benefits
Process all Short-Term, Long-Term and Extended Disability Claims
Process all Worker’s Compensation Claims, assist bookkeepers with any questions regarding electronic filing of claims, contact medical units for medical authorization for the employee, and complete approval forms for CORVEL (insurance carrier)
Monitor progress of employees on Workers’ Comp. Liaison for Workers’ Comp Carrier and legal firms
Run, maintain and balance monthly payroll deduction reports. Resolve billing issues and discrepancies
Process all retirements and act as liaison for the employee and the retirement system; assist employee in completing and returning paperwork in a timely manner to the retirement system
Organize and participate in Retirement Seminars
Stay abreast of the complexities of this field of work; be aware of legislative changes that impact our provided plans
Keep employees informed regarding constant changes in benefits elections.
Assist former employees and agencies with former employee data.
Compile Year-End Employee Security Commission Report for DPI (Unemployment Charges)
Perform various other duties and responsibilities as requested or assigned by Finance Officer
Print out monthly Employment Security Commission Report and maintain forms received from personnel for potential charges
Sub for Receptionist
Voluntary Shared Leave Committee