PAWTUCKET SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Job Title: Benefits Clerk FLSA Status: Non-Union, Non-Exempt
Position Summary: The Benefits Clerk is a confidential, detail-oriented position responsible for administering employee and retiree benefit programs and supporting related payroll, attendance, and compliance functions. The individual in this role plays a key part in ensuring accurate benefits processing, maintaining data integrity, and delivering high-quality customer service to district employees and retirees. This position reports to the Payroll and Benefits Supervisor, with additional direction from the Controller and Chief Financial Officer.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Administer all aspects of employee and retiree benefits, including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement programs in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as district policies.
Process all benefit-related enrollments, dis-enrollments, and changes in the district’s Human Capital Management (HCM) system and MUNIS (e.g., 403(b) enrollments/stops/changes).
Manage benefits changes for non-working retirees including personal information updates and billing set-up in HCM.
Distribute COBRA notices and election paperwork as required by qualifying events.
Track employee leaves and maintain billing records for employees and retirees who pay premiums directly.
Bill, collect, and record co-shares and premium contributions; coordinate documentation with Accounts Receivable.
Reconcile payroll deductions with enrollment data and vendor billing to ensure accuracy; research and resolve discrepancies.
Maintain all benefits documentation in compliance with records retention policies and data privacy regulations (PII protection).
Prepare and submit data files and reports to benefits vendors and third-party entities, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance and 1095-C reporting.
Participate in annual benefits rollover setup and cost table updates in the HCM system.
Process employment and wage verifications for current and former employees.
Facilitate retirement transitions: support completion of ERSRI forms (e.g., termination certifications, final wage forms, service credit, teacher day counts), coordinate retiree benefits, and support Medicare documentation.
Enter retirement deductions and coding in MUNIS; submit data for post-retirement employment when applicable.
Assist with tracking and communicating wage garnishments and maintain garnishment records.
Process and remit union dues reports as required under applicable bargaining agreements.
Provide benefit-related support during employee onboarding sessions and orientations.
Assist employees with benefit enrollments and ESS system issues (e.g., password resets, time/attendance questions).
Collaborate regularly with City Hall, Human Resources, Payroll, and Finance staff to resolve benefits-related inquiries.
Provide reports and data as requested by the CFO, Controller, or Payroll and Benefits Supervisor.
Serve as a backup for payroll processing when needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the district’s operational needs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; professional demeanor with employees, vendors, and agencies.
Working knowledge of benefits administration practices and relevant compliance requirements.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
Proficient in Microsoft Office or Google Suite; ability to create, modify, and use spreadsheets and documents independently.
Understanding of payroll deduction processes and general accounting principles.
Familiarity with federal and state laws such as FMLA, ACA, COBRA, RIPFMLA, RIRSA, and CCPA.
Ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements, as well as apply policies for non-union employees.
Required Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required
Experience in administrative or clerical support, preferably in HR, payroll, or benefits.
Proven proficiency using databases, spreadsheets, and office software.
Strong math and record-keeping skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience using MUNIS Payroll/HR and Frontline Absence Management systems.
Prior experience in a public school or municipal setting.
Associate’s degree or relevant coursework
CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) certification is a plus.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
Standard office environment; frequent use of computers and communication devices.
Must be able to sit, stand, and walk as needed.
Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
Ability to focus for extended periods on computer-based tasks and interact with others professionally in person, by phone, or electronically.
Compensation:
Salary Range: $55,000 – $65,000 (non-exempt), based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits Package Includes:
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options
Retirement Benefits: Participation in a state pension plan (e.g., ERSRI), plus optional 403(b) retirement savings plan
Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays in accordance with district policy
Life Insurance: Employer-sponsored coverage, with optional supplemental policies
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to counseling and wellness resources
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