Benefits Specialist - Dougherty County School Systems : Job Details

Position Type:ProfessionalDate Posted:10/8/2024Location:Central OfficeAdditional Information: Show/Hide10/08/2024POSITION: Benefits SpecialistLOCATION: Central OfficeJOB SUMMARY: The Benefits Specialist is a crucial member of the Human Resources (HR) team responsible for administering and managing employee benefits programs within the organization. This role involves supporting employees in understanding their benefits options, ensuring compliance with district policies and relevant regulations, and handling benefit-related inquiries. The Benefits Specialist plays a vital role in enhancing employee satisfaction and retention by providing exceptional service and assistance in navigating the district's benefits offerings.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:* Technical Degree in Business, Office Technology or related field required' Bachelor's degree preferred;* Proven experience (typically 2-5 years) in benefits administration or a related HR function;* Thorough knowledge of office practices and procedures;* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications;* Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and the Board may find appropriate.SKILLS AND ABILITIES:* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees and benefit providers;* Attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive information;* Ability to engage in the interactive process in reviewing and approving workplace accommodations according to the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) as well as the ability to be creative in researching and identifying alternative workplace accommodations to meet the limitations and restriction needs of the employee seeking an accommodation request;* Knowledgeable of Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations related to Human Resources, ADA, FMLA and best practices;* Routine physical activities that are required to fulfill job responsibilities.PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:* Assists in the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, workers compensation, disability insurance, and other related benefits;* Coordinates with benefit providers and vendors to ensure seamless delivery of services and resolve any issues promptly;* Monitors benefit plan enrollment, changes, and termination processes for accuracy and compliance;* Acts as the main point of contact for employees regarding benefits inquiries and concerns;* Provides detailed information and explanations of available benefits options to new hires and existing employees during open enrollment periods and as needed throughout the year;* Conducts educational sessions or workshops to help employees understand their benefit plans and make informed decisions;* Stays up-to-date with relevant laws and regulations related to employee benefits, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or other local/state regulations, and ensure the organization's benefits programs comply with these standards;* Maintains accurate and confidential employee records related to benefit and leave plans and ensure that data is regularly updated;* Assists with generating reports on benefit utilization, costs, and other relevant metrics to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven recommendations; as well as reports to the finance department;* Collaborates with HR leadership and benefits brokers to evaluate the effectiveness of current benefit plans and explore potential improvements or new offerings;* Assists the annual open enrollment process, including planning, communications, and system updates;* Collaborates with HR and wellness committees to promote employee wellness initiatives and activities;* Identifies opportunities to enhance employee engagement with benefits programs and suggest innovative ideas to improve the overall employee experience;* Promotes cross-training within the department;* Performs other such duties needed or assigned by the Supervisor.REPORTS TO: The Assistant Director of Employee BenefitsSALARY RANGE: Competitive salary and excellent benefits package, in accordance with the DCSS Compensation GuideAPPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applicants will begin on October 14, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.About Us:The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 22 schools (14 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), 4 learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.Important Note:This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.