Job Summary:

The Benefits Specialist manages the implementation and administration of benefits and retirement programs for the district and provides support to district employees. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilties:

1. Manage the district’s insurance program; oversee compliance with statewide program for school employee benefits (SEBB). Act as liaison with Health Care Authority and insurance brokers for benefit implementation. 
2. Implement modifications to the health benefit plans due to State and Federal regulatory changes under SEBB. If optional benefits allowed, oversees Benefit Committee elections and brokers’ recommendations.
3. Oversee the communication of all benefit changes to staff and vendors.
4. Create processes and procedures to ensure accurate information flow between Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting and SEBB. Resolve issues as necessary.
5. Oversee the enrollment process for employee insurance benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance plans. Ensure the timely and accurate production of benefit option information; verify benefit premium data. Direct benefit and retirement communications to staff, vendors, carriers, brokers, and outside agencies.
6. Respond to questions from staff by providing technical information on benefit plans, retirement plans, individual employee concerns regarding benefits and leaves.
7. Respond to and resolve complex benefits-related questions and problems; perform or assign background research as necessary.
8. Interpret negotiated agreements as to their effect on employee benefits and retirement; provide information, statistics, and counsel as requested to support the collective bargaining process.
9. Coordinate with technical support staff as necessary to maintain information systems and ensure the accuracy of information and calculations.
10. Manage the eligibility, payment, and record-keeping processes for employee retirement.
11. Manage the ACA program. Keep current on regulations and communicate changes to staff.
12. Maintain knowledge of current rules, regulations, legislation, technology, and procedures governing benefits, leaves, and retirement; provide information and training to other staff regarding legal requirements relating to benefits, leaves, and retirement.
13. Prepare and process various documents including correspondence, memos, reports, etc. to provide information to district and community.
14. Ability to compose, edit, and format documents using different software programs.
15. Maintain documents, files and records (e.g. administrative records, personnel records, etc.) for the purpose of providing up-to-date reference and audit trail for compliance.
16. Respond to all clientele in a cordial, courteous manner, answer telephones, relay messages, provide information, interprete District and school policies and procedures, and facilitate communication among parties and/or provide direction.
17. Understand, interpret, and communicate applicable collective bargaining agreements.
18. Assists other district office personnel for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
19. Prepare custom reports as requested by administrators and others.
20. Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Experience in benefits management preferred
2. Knowledge of employment retirement, health and benefits plan administration; knowledge of federal and state laws in areas of practices.
3. Ability to exercise independent judgment within scope of assignment
4. Possesses the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality for the purpose of complying with applicable laws and district policies/procedures.
5. Ability to remain flexible and work effectively under pressure.
6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
7. Ability to attend to details, identify discrepancies, and perform research to resolve problems.
8. Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using correct grammar, spelling, and English usage.
9. Ability to effectively manage resources and projects.

Physical Demands:

Work is indoors in an office setting.  The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:

1. Significant hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard.
2. Generally this job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. 
3. Surrounded by some noise and disruptive sounds.
4. Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds.
5. Some stooping; minimal kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling

The following policies have been adopted and are reflected in our employment practices:

The Omak School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  This holds true for all district activities, programs, and employment opportunities. 

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX/RCW28A.640/RCW28A.642 Officer, as well as, Compliance Coordinator for State Laws RCW 28A.640 Sexual Equality and RCW 28A.642 Discrimination Prohibited Officer, Brittney Richter, brichter@omaksd.org, P O Box 833, Omak, WA 98841 (509) 826-7687, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, John Holcomb, johnholcomb@omaksd.org, P O Box 833, Omak, WA 98841 (509) 826-8342. This organization complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Persons who may need some accommodation in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Office. Omak School District is a drug and tobacco free workplace.

For more inforation on Omak School District’s Affirmative Action Plan, please visit the “District Information” section located under “our District” on the Omak School District website at www.omaksd.org. This organization requires a successful applicant to provide employment eligibility and verification of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.