Assistant Benefits Manager

Department/Location: District Administration
Reports To: Director of Finance & Human Resources
Work Schedule/Term: 12-Month
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Assistant Benefits Manager administers and coordinates the District's employee benefits, leave administration, and workers' compensation programs while providing exceptional customer service to employees throughout the employment lifecycle. This position serves as the primary resource for employee benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), leave administration, workers' compensation, retirement, and employee onboarding related to benefits. The Assistant Benefits Manager ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, maintains accurate employee records, and collaborates with payroll, administrators, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to provide efficient and effective human resources support.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Benefits Administration

• Administers the District’s employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement, and other benefit offerings.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and provides timely, accurate information regarding eligibility, enrollment, and plan provisions.
• Coordinates new hire benefit enrollment, qualifying life event changes, annual open enrollment, and benefit terminations.
• Maintains benefit records and ensures timely and accurate processing of enrollment changes.
• Reconciles benefit invoices and assists with resolving billing discrepancies.
• Coordinates with insurance carriers, brokers, and third-party administrators regarding employee benefits.

Leave Administration

• Administers Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests from initial notification through return to work.
• Coordinates leave administration for medical, personal, military, parental, and other approved leaves in accordance with District policy, negotiated agreements, and applicable laws.
• Monitors leave balances and tracks employee leave usage.
• Communicates leave rights, responsibilities, and documentation requirements to employees and supervisors.
• Collaborates with administrators to ensure consistent application of leave policies.

Workers’ Compensation & Employee Safety

• Coordinates all workers’ compensation claims from initial reporting through claim resolution.
• Serves as liaison with employees, supervisors, medical providers, and the District’s workers’ compensation carrier.
• Monitors claims, return-to-work status, and required documentation.
• Assists with implementation of return-to-work accommodations in collaboration with supervisors.

Human Resources Support

• Coordinates benefit-related onboarding activities for new employees.
• Supports development and distribution of employee communications regarding benefits, wellness, and HR initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Assistant HR Manager regarding benefit deductions, leave impacts, workers’ compensation and other payroll related matters.
• Maintains confidential personnel records related to benefits and leave administration.
• Assists with HR Compliance activities and audits.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible administrative or human resources experience preferred.
• Experience in a school district or public sector environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of employee benefits administration and insurance programs and applicable employment laws.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service while handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information.
• Proficiency with HR software, office productivity software, and district information systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with attention to detail.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, sitting, keyboarding, speaking, walking, document handling, bending and light lifting (up to 25 lbs).
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computer, printer, copier, and phone systems.
• Ability to participate in meetings, training, and school events as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

• Standard office environment with frequent interruptions.
• Frequent interaction with District staff, administrators, department heads, and insurance representatives.
• Periods of high activity during benefit enrollment season, school year start and end.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice