Generalist Billing and Vendor

Overview

The Anchorage School District is seeking a Benefits Generalist to provide oversight of benefits eligibility for all ASD employees and to serve as a liaison between ASD, unions, and benefits carriers. Generalists collaborate with Human Resources staff in managing and maintaining employee records and information systems, including confidential information relevant to benefits, employment actions, and collective bargaining. The position requires confidentiality and compliance with laws and procedures.

The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).

The Benefits Generalist provides oversight of benefits eligibility for all Anchorage School District employees, and serves as a liaison between ASD, unions, and various benefits carriers. Generalists collaborate with Human Resources staff in the management and maintenance of employee records and information systems, including confidential information relevant to benefits, employment actions, and collective bargaining. Generalists are responsible for ensuring confidentiality and compliance with laws and procedures.

The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).

The following are required:

• A bachelor’s degree. Equivalent experience, education, and training may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
• Possession of one of the following certifications within 12 months of date of hire:
  Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification, Professional Human Resources (PHR), or Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification or equivalent, such as SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.
• Three years of experience in and knowledge of working with employee benefits.

The following are preferred:

• Thorough knowledge of ASD’s benefit plans/provisions and prior experience with human resources information systems.
• Knowledge of Alaska statutes of the Teachers' and Public Employees' Retirement Systems (TRS and PERS).
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word including high proficiency with spreadsheets and HRIS management tools.
• Experience working within a large organization with a unionized workforce, particularly in a public-school district or public higher education setting.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Prior project management and HRIS report writing experience.

• Audits and reconciles benefits eligibility status for employees and Anchorage School Board members in accordance with current bargaining agreements, generating monthly eligibility reports and premium payments, serving as liaison with third party administrators and applicable union health trusts to review and correct eligibility problems.
• Reconciles vendor invoices, authorizes payments, and works with the Finance Department to address discrepancies.
• Researches and resolves discrepancies between vendors/carriers and employee payroll deductions; works to recoup payments for employees with missed deductions due to errors or leave without pay.
• Reconciles and generates benefits-related monthly reports for year-end audits.
• Reconciles and audits COBRA accounts with knowledge of federal regulations authorizing monthly payments to the appropriate authority.
• Reconciles and audits retiree accounts and generates past-due notices with follow-up cancellations and communication as required.
• Responds to inquiries from employees, administrators, and the general public, interpreting state laws, Anchorage School Board policies, negotiated agreements, and Benefits business practices.
• Responds to inquiries regarding all District-provided benefits such as life and health insurance, death claims, and disability life insurance as needed.
• Assists with coordination of department events including conferences, new employee orientations, job fairs, and open enrollment.
• Assists beneficiaries with the processing of death claims.
• Interprets insurance policies while assisting and answering employee questions.
• Interprets current benefits-related contracts.
• Maintains and monitors a calendar of contract deadlines.
• Reconciles and audits the District’s flexible spending…