Program Specialist - Payroll and Benefits

Payroll/Benefits Program Specialist

LOCATION:

WVSDT Office of Human Resources, Capitol Complex TYPICAL

WORK HOURS:

8:00 AM to 4:00 PM FLSA STATUS:
Full-time Exempt SALARY: $70,793 - $80,793 plus competitive benefits package equal to approximately 35% of direct compensation

JOB SUMMARY:

The Payroll/Benefits Program Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely management of payroll and comprehensive benefits programs for the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition. This position serves as a primary point of contact for staff, ensuring seamless transitions from onboarding through retirement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate the complete payroll cycle for all salaried and hourly staff, ensuring accurate and timely submission, verification, and processing.
• Maintain payroll records by executing timely updates for new hires, terminations, salary adjustment, and payroll deductions.
• Coordinate the processing of new hire payroll documentation, including direct deposit authorizations and federal/state tax withholding elections.
• Serve as primary contact for guiding employees through benefits enrollment and qualifying changes to benefits.
• Lead annual open enrollment by effectively communicating guidelines and ensuring all employee elections are processed accurately and in accordance with established deadlines.
• Administer retirement enrollment by preparing, verifying, and submitting enrollment through the WV Consolidated Public Retirement Board, WV Retirement Plus, and other retirement programs.
• Serve as central point of contact for payroll and benefits inquiries, providing timely, professional, and accurate support to both staff and management.
• Uphold strict data integrity and confidentiality regarding all sensitive payroll, benefits, and personal employee information in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Perform other assignments as deemed appropriate and necessary by the State Board of Education, Associate Superintendent, and the State Superintendent of Schools.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's or Associate degree in Human Resources or a related field; equivalent professional experience, training, or certifications may be considered in lieu of a degree. Minimum of five years of related experience in an organization of similar size; experience in a governmental setting is highly preferred. Experience working with the State of WV benefits agencies and working knowledge of wvOASIS and UKG strongly preferred.

Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and HR best practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position is classified as sedentary work, involving prolonged sitting (6-8 hours daily) at a desk or computer workstation. Occasional demands include standing or walking short distances within the office and lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. This role requires close visual acuity for reading documents and computer screens, clear speaking/hearing for communication, and repetitive wrist/hand motions. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EXPECTATIONS:
The staff member works effectively as a member of the educational team. The staff member demonstrates self-control and exhibits an attitude of mutual respect and tolerance. The staff member demonstrates ethical conduct and good work habits such as punctuality and attendance. The staff member demonstrates self-direction and the ability to use software applications for work productivity and collaboration. The staff member is self-motivated and demonstrates the ability to manage multiple tasks/assignments to accomplish high-quality work to meet demanding deadlines with minimal supervision.

The staff member demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills, and excellent presentation skills using current technologies. The staff member demonstrates ability to work effectively with county personnel and other state/local officials. The staff member understands that travel throughout WV and out of state (including air travel) may be required on an occasional or frequent basis depending on the needs of the Department/WVSDT.

The staff member understands this is a full-time, on-site position based in Charleston, WV. Remote work options are not available for this position. The staff member understands that work assignments may change or be added, as priorities emerge with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and/or West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition (WVSDT).

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP:
Department of Education/West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition (WVSDT) staff are employed upon recommendation of the State Superintendent of Schools and are state employees. No representative or employee of the state is authorized to enter into any employment contract or other agreement. Department/WVSDT staff work under the direction of the WVSDT Superintendent and State Superintendent of Schools for the general…