Benefits and Leave Specialist

Title: Benefits and Leave Specialist Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Executive Director of Human Resources Terms: 214 Days Department: Human Resources Pay Grade: CL6Primary Function Support the administration of employee benefits and leave programs. Process and track workers' compensation claims, and assist the Benefits and Leave Coordinator with FMLA and other employee leave requests in accordance with district procedures and applicable requirements.

Education/Certification: High school diploma or GEDSpecial Knowledge/Skills

Essential Job Functions: Administer employee benefit programs such as group health insurance, dental, life, and medical reimbursement. Handle employee benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, and courteous resolution. Act as liaison between employees and insurance carrier's claims office and resolve administrative problems with insurance carrier representatives. Provide timely notice to employees under the requirements of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Affordable Care Act (ACA) including issuing certificates of coverage for all medical plans for all terminated employees and dependents. Assist in conducting benefits orientation meetings and enrollment of new employees in benefit plans. Assist with the annual open enrollment process, including making group presentations and preparing, distributing, and receiving materials and forms. Process all employee benefit enrollment and change forms within required time limits to meet payroll deadlines. Maintain all benefits-related records including statistical data relative to premiums and cost. Assist with required data entry and preparation of reports. Maintain and distribute insurance forms and supplies to campuses and other district buildings. Assist with employee orientation and present information on leave benefits. Receive and process employee reports of work-related injuries, prepare required workers' compensation documentation, and submit information to the district's workers' compensation administrator within applicable deadlines. Maintain and track workers' compensation claims, including claim status, medical documentation, work restrictions, absences, and return-to-work information. Coordinate updates with the employee, supervisor, payroll, and claims administrator as appropriate. Assist the Benefits and Leave Coordinator with intake and processing of FMLA and other leave requests, including distributing forms, tracking receipt of documentation, maintaining records, and monitoring leave dates and balances. Communicate with employees about required documentation and the status of their workers' compensation or leave paperwork, referring eligibility determinations, accommodation requests, and complex matters to the Benefits and Leave Coordinator. Ensure required work poster compliance annually. Adhere to professional and ethical standards, in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Texas Education Agency Code of Ethics. Develop needed professional skills appropriate to job performance. Maintain confidentiality. Reliable attendance and punctuality. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills. Attend and participate in staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and the Superintendent of Schools.

Work Environment: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors Tools/Equipment Used - Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals Posture - Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling and twisting Motion - Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching Lifting - Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 25 pounds) Mental Demands - Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress Environment - Indoors including but not limited to: classroom, cafeteria, library, or other campus location. Outdoors (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather). Exposure to noise. May work prolonged or irregular hours. A remote location in the event of a declared emergency, temporary closure, or closure. Personal Protective Equipment may be required. The above statements are intended to describe major job functions of this position and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The Superintendent or designee may assign additional duties when deemed appropriate. Special Funding: If my position is funded by grants, federal funding, or other special funding, I understand that my employment is expressly conditioned on the availability of full funding for the position. If full funding becomes unavailable my employment is subject to termination or non-renewal, as applicable. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed to the job description are representative of the knowledge, skills, ability, and physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.