School Benefits Coordinator

City of Westfield•Westfield, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Benefits Coordinator is an administrative position in the City of Westfield Personnel Department. The role assists with oversight of employment practices and general employee benefits management, with a primary focus on benefits administration for Westfield Public Schools employees and additional support for City employees. The coordinator helps employees understand and enroll in benefits, maintains employee databases and files, and assists with insurance billings. The position calls for objective, impartial interaction with employees while responding to their questions and concerns. The coordinator works under the direction of the Assistant Personnel Director and/or Personnel Director. Work is generally conducted in the Municipal Building and is largely sedentary, involving frequent keyboard, telephone, and office-equipment use. The role requires travel throughout the office and building, routine reading and analysis of documents, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, with some pushing, pulling, or reaching above desk and file drawers.

Requirements

Associate degree in public administration, benefits administration, human resources management, or a related field, with at least three years of responsible related work experience; or a bachelor's degree in such a field with some related work experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Ability to interact positively and effectively with personnel at all levels of authority.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
Clear and concise written and oral communication skills.
Ability to collect, enter, analyze, and evaluate complex data; create and test hypothetical models; prepare reports and recommendations; and orally defend results.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and apply percentages, ratios, and similar concepts to practical situations.
Working knowledge of integrated human resources and payroll databases.
Working knowledge of word-processing and spreadsheet software.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including personal computers and keyboards.
Ability to travel throughout the office and Municipal Building.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and perform some pushing, pulling, or reaching above desk and file drawers.
Ability to frequently use hands to operate keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and process administration of retirement benefits, health and dental insurance, life insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending, OBRA, and other voluntary benefits.
Assist with City employee benefits administration, with a primary focus on Westfield Public Schools employees.
Implement new benefit programs and arrange and conduct employee information presentations and enrollments.
Calculate and enter benefit data into the City database, review monthly audits for accuracy, initiate necessary changes, and help ensure correct payroll deductions.
Work with the Westfield Public Schools Human Resources Office to ensure accurate communication and handling of new-hire and benefits information.
Serve as a Personnel office contact for benefits and training matters for school and City employees, including communicating with benefit organizations, organizing benefit knowledge and training fairs, and answering relevant municipal and public questions.
Meet with new employees and retirees to explain benefits and coordinate plan selection and enrollment; prepare enrollment forms or ensure proper enrollment.
Coordinate employee fringe-benefit activities with appropriate offices.
Compile operational statistics and gather benefits- or training-related data as required.
Assist with maintaining, generating, and annually filing required reports for the Director and other departments or non-municipal agencies.
Assist with general Personnel Department work, ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and strict confidentiality of personnel data and information.
Update the Personnel/Employee Benefits website with necessary information.
Reconcile, finalize, and submit school employee deduction reports through the MTRS enrollment database, coordinating directly with MTRS as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Personnel Director or designee.