Benefits Specialist

Applications will be accepted Wednesday, February 11, 2026 12:00 AM - Wednesday, February 25, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Job Description

Salem City Schools is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Employee Benefits Specialist to begin on or before March 23, 2026.

Position is responsible for the administration of employee benefits for all administrative, instructional, and support staff. Participates in new employee orientation sessions. Counsels employees on various aspects of benefits including retirement plans of the Virginia Retirement System. Conducts surveys of other school divisions and private industry to assist in maintaining a competitive benefits plan for employees. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Executive Director Human Resources.

The Employee Benefits Specialist also takes direction from the Chief Financial Officer and assists the Payroll Specialist as needed. This is a non‑exempt position as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities;

the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

• Coordinates all aspects of employee benefits and benefit information including health and dental insurance, life insurance, leaves and absences, voluntary benefits and retirement plans.
• Evaluates and compares existing benefits with those of other employers by analyzing other plans. Conducts periodic surveys of other employee benefit plans.
• Researches new trends in benefit plan design and analyzes appropriateness for implementation within current benefit offerings.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Counsels employees on all aspects of the Virginia Retirement System, including providing monthly retirement estimates, explaining plan options, and assisting in the application process for retirement benefits and responds to inquiries on beneficiary changes.
• Advises employees on usage of leave (sick, personal, vacation, leave without pay, jury duty, and professional leave) including the sick leave bank.
• Provides benefits information to retirees on a regular basis including participants in the Retirement Extended Work Incentive Program (REWIP). Advises retirees on plan changes and available options.
• Oversees the administration of the COBRA, FMLA, and worker’s compensation compliance; assures the appropriate notifications are given to employees in accordance with federal regulations.
• Directs beneficiaries and family members to appropriate resources when applicable.
• Reviews and recommends revisions to school division’s policies and procedures as related to employee benefits.
• Installs approved new plans and changes by overseeing and preparing announcement material, booklets, newsletters, and other media for communicating new plans to employees; conducts employee meetings and arranges for enrollment of employees in optional programs; develops and conducts employee benefit seminars and benefit fairs; revises and reissues all communication material on benefits on an as needed basis.
• Facilitates and organizes Benefits open enrollment.
• Serves as the school division’s lead contact for the Employee Assistance Program, the Wellness Program and Flu Shot Clinic.
• Assures school division compliance with legal requirements as related to health insurance and benefits administration.
• Ensures that benefits inquiries and…