Benefits Specialist en Southeast Application Consortium

The Austin Public School District is seeking to hire a Benefits Specialist

Austin Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified professional for the Benefits Specialist position. This is a full-time, year-round role. 

Join a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service and support to our district's staff and students.

APS is a world-class public school system located in Austin, MN. We employ over 800 full- and part-time employees and serve over 5000 students from diverse backgrounds.
 

Position Overview:

The Benefits Specialist role is critical to ensuring the effective implementation and administration of the district’s benefits programs, and related functions. Key responsibilities include: 

1. Leadership and Program Implementation: 

• Lead the implementation and maintenance of benefit programs that align with district goals. 

• Coordinate with staff, external vendors, and consultants to ensure seamless project execution. 

• Establish ongoing support and maintenance plans for benefits systems. 

2. Vendor Accountability and Management: 

• Oversee multiple vendors, including medical, dental, prescription drug, long-term disability, and flexible spending account providers. 

• Ensure compliance with detailed specifications and documentation. 

3. Employee Data Management: 

• Manage processes to ensure accurate collection of employee premiums, data, and plan eligibility. 

• Collaborate with HR staff to identify and implement efficient data collection and reporting improvements. 

4. Compliance and Process Improvements: 

• Maintain compliance with district policies and federal regulations, including HIPAA and data privacy requirements. 

• Identify and implement process improvements to ensure accurate data flow and system calculations. 

5. Open Enrollment Administration: 

• Lead annual open enrollment efforts, including communication strategies, materials development, and vendor collaboration. 

6. Regulatory and Benefits Communication: 

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations (e.g., COBRA and HIPAA). 

• Develop and update employee communication materials, including memos, presentations, and web content. 

7. Workplace and Leave Management: 

• Administer processes related to workers' compensation and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 

8. Financial and Operational Oversight: 

• Assist in preparing and reconciling financial reports and budgets. 

• Work with accounting systems, such as Skyward, to ensure accurate data management. 

9. Employee Support and Vendor Relations: 

• Address and resolve employee complaints in collaboration with vendors. 

• Prepare recommendations for benefits plan design changes. 

10. Additional Duties: 

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support the district's operations. 
   

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field preferred. 

• Experience: 3–5 years of experience managing health and welfare plans, combined with accounting expertise. 

• Strong proficiency in financial systems and regulatory compliance. 
   

As Equal Opportunity Employer, Austin Public Schools is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status or membership or activity in a local commission. The school district strongly encourages anyone interested to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available.