Benefits Coordinator

Position Information

This position is a 1.0 FTE that supports the Human Resources Department. The hiring range for this position is $75,900 to $94,890 annually, with the starting salary determined based on relevant experience. This position is fully benefit eligible, please see attached for benefit information.

Nature of Work

The Benefits Coordinator is the District's high-level Subject Matter Expert (SME) responsible for the strategic and technical administration of all health and wellness benefits, leaves of absence, workers' compensation, and the ADA interactive process. While the HR Generalists serve as the first point of contact for the workforce, the Coordinator serves as the primary technical lead and direct support contact for the duration of any specialized benefit or medical event. This role ensures total regulatory compliance with state and federal laws while leading wellness initiatives to promote a healthy and engaged employee culture.

Typical Class Responsibilities

• Oversees and administers the end-to-end lifecycle of all leave types (FMLA, Medical, Parental, MN Paid Leave, etc.); manages medical certifications, eligibility tracking, and coordination with disability providers.
• Serves as the lead direct contact for employees navigating complex life events; provides compassionate, expert guidance on benefit options, leave interactions, and financial impacts.
• Leads the formal ADA interactive process; collaborates with employees, medical providers, and legal counsel to identify, implement, and document reasonable accommodations.
• Manages all health and wellness plans, including medical, dental, life, and retirement; facilitates the District Benefits Committee and coordinates annual open enrollment and COBRA/ACA reporting.
• Manages the District's Workers' Compensation program, including injury intake, claim monitoring, and direct coordination with staff and site leaders regarding recovery and light-duty return-to-work plans.
• Develops and implements District-wide wellness initiatives and health promotion programs to support employee well-being and mitigate long-term insurance costs.
• Acts as the technical lead for benefits data in the HRIS; conducts regular audits to ensure all leave-related pay adjustments and benefit deductions are communicated accurately to Payroll.
• Prepares and submits required state and federal reports (e.g., OSHA, ACA, GASB); ensures all plan documents and summary plan descriptions are current and compliant.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, which may include: District meetings, staff and/or committee meetings, negotiations; staff development sessions, and/or other related meetings.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Training and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional, specialized experience in benefits administration, complex leave management, and ADA/Workers' Compensation.
• Professional certification (e.g., CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP) and experience in a public sector or K-12 environment preferred.

Knowledge Requirements

• Advanced principles of employee benefits administration and insurance models.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state regulations (FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, ERISA, and MN Paid Leave).
• Protocols of Workers' Compensation claim management and "Return to Work" strategies.
• Technical auditing procedures for HRIS benefits modules.

Skill Requirements

• Applying complex legal regulations to individual employee cases with 100% accuracy.
• Managing the intersection of multiple leave types and their impact on pay and seniority.
• Explaining sensitive medical and financial information with professional empathy.
• Identifying and resolving discrepancies in benefit deductions before they impact payroll.
• Coordinating human resource programs and services.
• Advising employees on human resource programs, plans, and processes.
• Conducting research.
• Analyzing and interpreting applicable data.
• Interpreting, applying, and implementing policies and procedures.
• Applying local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Preparing and maintaining records and reports.
• Using a computer and related software applications.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

Physical Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, use of fingers, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally.

Commitment to Equity

At Northeast Metro 916, equity means that everyone has access to what they need in order to learn, grow and thrive.

Northeast Metro 916 will not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age or sexual orientation.