JOB DESCRIPTION

PuyallupSchool District

PAEOP Level V

Benefits Coordinator

______

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this position is to be the primary resource for all Puyallup School District employee health and welfare benefits. This position provides information and assistance to various individuals, administrators and associations; processes leaves of absence; reconciles monthly transmittals; and prepares information and presents at new employee orientation meetings. This position researches and monitors compliance with benefits related programs and issues including federal regulations and District policies.

Essential Functions:

  • Communicates with employees to provide information related to a variety of benefits plans; consults individually with employees as needed. Coordinates and conducts new employee orientations; provides information and assistance to employees requesting leaves of absence.
  • Provides information at retirement seminars to assist employees in making retirement benefit decisions.
  • Responds to questions concerning benefits matters; assists employees in filling out forms; calculates employee and employer contributions and verifies pooling.
  • Audits premiums and contributions to vendors to ensure compliance with contractual, administrative and legal requirements.
  • Administers COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, SECTION 125 and 403(b) programs.
  • Responds to inquiries from staff, auditors, federal agencies, vendors, etc. to provide information and appropriate referrals.
  • Composes and produces professional quality correspondence and prepares materials for distribution to employees.
  • Maintains manuals, electronic documents and records to provide up-to-date reference and audit trail information.
  • Coordinates with off-site webmaster to place benefits information on the District website.
  • Maintains files for vendor contracts.
  • Processes all salary insurance and long-term disability claims.
  • Coordinates annual open enrollment activities and processing.
  • Performs various calculations to determine rates, deductions and pro-rated information.
  • Performs computer data input using BusinessPlus and COBRA systems; maintains associated system tables.
  • Maintains various benefits files for current and prior employees.
  • Generates reports, reconciles billing statements and makes corrections to accounts.
  • Handles employee concerns regarding payment of claims and coverage issues.

Other Job Functions

  • Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Community college and/or vocational degree with study in job related area with need to occasionally upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions; experience working with benefits and insurance required with knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, Section 125 and 403(b). Proficiency and experience with a variety of computer programs.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Ability to organize and set priorities

Ability to coordinate complex programs or multifaceted projects

Ability to set up and maintain confidential filing system

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet deadlines

Ability to understand and carry out detailed oral and written instructions

Ability to prioritize job duties

Ability to work effectively under pressure

Ability to handle interruptions and inflexible deadlines

Ability to attend to detail and follow tasks through to completion

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form

Ability to learn district benefits practices and procedures, including payroll and human resources systems

Knowledge of computerized systems

Ability to compose and produce professional quality correspondence

Data entry skills (Excel preferred)

Ability to accurately perform arithmetic calculations

Ability to work alone outside of normal office hours

Ability to translate contract language of collective bargaining agreements for payroll and benefit calculation purposes

Skill in operating a variety of office machines, including a ten-key calculator

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff

Skill to work with individuals regarding their benefit status in an understanding and patient manner

Ability to maintain confidential information and deal sensitively with individuals in stressful/difficult situations

Ability to exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions

Knowledge of District department and programs

Knowledge of District policies, state and federal education laws

Working Conditions

Office position; requires visual concentration on detail and precision; must meet inflexible deadlines; frequent contact with staff members and providers; must maintain confidentiality; prolonged visual use of computer; occasionally must deal with distraught, angry or upset employees.

Licenses/Special Requirements:

Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance. Must pass district clerical testing, and additional testing upon interview. Must have valid driver’s license.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Director of Human Resources

June 2010