Benefits Specialist

Muscogee County Schools; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Muscogee County School District in Columbus, GA is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support new and current employees with pension and other benefit plans. You will interpret plan provisions, respond to questions, and ensure compliance with laws while coordinating with the Senior HR Director.

This is a full-time, non-exempt role in the Division of Human Resources. Primary duties include assisting with open enrollments, processing changes, and maintaining benefit records.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of experience or equivalent cert; 2–3 years HR with benefits experience and accounting knowledge.
• Strong communication skills; able to use MS Office and HRIS systems.
• Demonstrates accuracy in benefits processing and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Answer and resolve general/complex benefits questions to assist employees.
• Assist in open enrollments and orientation materials.
• Process enrollment changes and payroll deductions accurately.
• Distribute benefits information and materials to employees.
• Enter data into ADP/payroll systems and maintain records.
• Prepare written materials and reports for reference.

Skills

Written and oral communication

Adaptable to change

Problem solving

Typing

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

HRIS systems

ADP Payroll

MS Office

Job description

Muscogee County School District Muscogee County Public Education Center - Columbus, Georgia Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

The Muscogee County School District has up to 6,000 employees from all backgrounds. We offer opportunities for everyone including support personnel, teachers, leaders, tradespeople, and much more.

Join the Muscogee County School District in "Creating We" in an environment that values the unique experiences and perspectives each of us bring to our community.

WE recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

POSITION TITLE: Benefits Specialist

FLSA: Non-Exempt

SALARY: $17.76 hourly

WORK DAYS: 240

LOCATION: Division of Human Resources/MCPEC

REPORTS TO: Senior HR Director

Primary Function: The job of Specialist, Benefits/HR is done for the purpose/s of providing assistance to new and current employees, retirees interpreting provisions of the retirement defined pension/defined contributions plans and other benefit plans by providing assistance with procedural matters. Ensures compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Conducts informational sessions or workshops on benefit plans. Performs administrative processes for all related benefit plans. Researches, provides guidance for and processes complex benefit questions and transactions.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Educational Level:

High School Diploma/GED

2. Experience:

Minimum one year of experience or equivalent technical/business certificate; 2-3 years of experience in Human Resources with functional experience related to Benefits that includes Accounting is required.

3. Physical Activities:

Routine physical activities that are required to fulfill job responsibilities

4. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Written and oral communication; adapts to changing work priorities; ability to problem solve; typing; computer; MS Office, HRIS systems

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance.
• Answers and resolves general and/or complex benefits questions (e.g. by phone, e-mail or in person, etc.) for the purpose of assisting employee and if unable to assist, directing the employee to the appropriate benefits specialist.
• Assists in preparation (e.g. open enrollments and orientations, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring required materials are available.
• Assists employees, beneficiaries and/or insurance providers for the purpose of verifying eligibility, conveying information and processing accurate payroll deductions.
• Distributes information (e.g. open enrollment, new/change forms, fringe benefit booklets, flyers, identification cards, confirmation letters, payroll deduction sheets, etc.) for the purpose of providing essential information to employees.
• Elevate recurring problems (e.g. system, plan provider, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in resolving systemic problems.
• Gathers all employee information daily from various reports (e.g. New Hire Report, Transfer Report, Termination Letters, MyMuscogeeBenefits.com, etc.) for the purpose of completing required data entry into the specific systems (ADP and Payroll System) ensuring that benefit plans are activated or deactivated accurately and payroll deadlines are met.
• Maintains a variety of benefit information (e.g. provider contracts, payroll files, employee benefit records, etc.) for the purpose of providing an up-to-date reference and audit trail for compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, seminars, and retirement banquets as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. reports, memos, letters, death claims, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.
• Processes a variety of benefit information for the purpose of completing enrollment/changes and leaves of absence within program guidelines.
• Reconciles enrollment forms and billings to employee records (e.g. health, dental, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate eligibility and timely bill reconciliation and payments and complying with contract provisions.
• Records employee payments and weekly deposits for employees for the purpose of ensuring accurate payment and/or deposit information.
• Resolves conflicts with insurance providers for the purpose of verifying eligibility, conveying information and processing changes.
• Responds to Human Resources for the purpose of production of documents as requested for the law firm and outside requests for employee information to be reproduced.
• Updates information on New Employee Orientation (e.g. videos, insurance rates, etc.) for the purpose of allowing employees to make informed choices when enrolling in benefits.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient, effective functioning of the work unit.

The Muscogee County School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Chandra Henry , Lead HR Staffing Specialist
• Email: [e-mail]

Job Details

Job ID: 5954476

Application Deadline: Oct 22, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted: Yesterday

Starting Date: Immediately