Lead Benefits Specialist

Lead Benefits Specialist

Performs a variety of benefits-related tasks associated with initial, continuation and termination of insurance coverage for all employees of the Peoria Unified School District (PUSD). Essential duties and responsibilities generally include the following:

• Performs a variety of functions related to employee benefits
• Assists employees with benefit concerns and questions
• Responds to requests for clarification and provides guidance and direction to employees
• Contacts insurance providers
• Forwards specific issues and questions related to individual employee concerns
• Assists retirees and COBRA participants with maintaining their coverage
• Monitors eligibility for benefits offerings
• Assists new employees with information related to benefits, choices, and enrollment
• Monitors and maintains records on workers compensation injuries and claims
• Assists employees with return-to-work plans and compensation while off work for injuries
• Acts as district liaison between PUSD and Valley Schools with regards to injured works and claims
• Educates and promotes employees wellness with the Well Styles wellness program
• Facilitates wellness meetings with sites and Valley Schools Wellness Coordinator
• Assists in planning of Annual Health Fair and wellness classes
• Assist employees with leaves under Family Medical Leave, Long Term Disability Leaves as well as ADA needs or accommodations
• Composes and prepares correspondence and other written communication as necessary to employees to ensure district compliance on all benefit areas
• Collects and maintains records related to insurance benefits
• Maintains, updates, research, and adds new employees to databases related to benefit eligibility and types of insurance chosen
• Adds, deletes, and makes changes requested by employees (qualified life events)
• Assists in the research and evaluation of health care providers
• Assists with facilitating and presenting at benefit enrollment meetings and retirement meetings for employees on weekly, monthly, and annual basis
• Assists with processing and posting of new hire benefit elections for any and all new employees during the initial enrollment period and annual enrollment period
• Back up for creating and processing of bi-monthly electronic eligibility files to insurance carriers
• Assist and back up for creating and maintaining yearly database for annual district enrollment
• Assist with compiling annual lookback data with regards to ACA compliance for all non-fulltime employees
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

Knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the principles of customer service methods
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite applications
• Proficiency with Visions software modules desirable
• Ability to develop unique and innovative solutions to problems
• Independent thinking/Self-initiative: A critical thinker with the ability to focus on the things which matter most to achieving the desired outcome
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the public and others having business with the school district
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications

Minimum qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED, AND two (2) years of relevant, progressively responsible clerical accounting, data entry, customer service, insurance, or closely related experience; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved

Other requirements:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license
• May be required to lift and/or carry heavy, bulky supplies, materials, equipment, and other items weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be required to work outside normal working hours