Benefits Specialist

Newton Public Schools; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Newton Public Schools is seeking a Human Resources Benefits Specialist to administer benefits for active and retired employees and support HR operations at the Ed Center in Newton, MA.

The role involves benefits administration, data analysis, open enrollment coordination, and collaboration with the HR team and unions. Bachelor's degree and HR experience required; Master’s preferred. Eligible for benefits and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field required.
• 2–5 years HR experience.
• Excellent communication and employee relations skills.
• Strong data analysis, confidentiality and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with benefits administration and open enrollment.

Responsibilities

• Administer benefits for active employees and retirees.
• Coordinate open enrollment and ensure policy compliance.
• Provide customer service to employees and retirees.
• Maintain benefit deductions and HRIS data accuracy.
• Support onboarding, recruitment and other HR duties.

Skills

HR knowledge and experience

Communication skills

Employee relations

Confidentiality

Data analysis

Open enrollment coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

HRIS systems

Job description

Newton Public Schools Newton Public Schools - Ed Center - Newton, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Department: Human Resources

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Non-Exempt, Non-Aligned

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

SUMMARY

The Human Resources Benefits Specialist has the primary responsibility for the administration of all benefits offered by the City of Newton for both active and retired employees. They will work collaboratively within the HR team and Newton Public Schools to provide support for other day-to-day operational HR services and designated projects. Additional support may include onboarding, recruitment, diversity, staffing, and other HR related areas.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of two (2) to five (5) years Human Resources experience
• Ability to resolve a multitude of varying and complex problems with timely follow-though
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates outstanding employee relations skills
• High level of initiative and collaboration
• Attention to detail at macro and micro levels
• Solid computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Experience with data analysis, manipulation, and management
• Must be able to maintain excellent organizational skills with regard to timelines and deadlines
• High level of confidentiality
• Must be able to contribute to a positive work climate

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's Degree in HR related field, or HR certification (SPHR/PRH) preferred
• Experience working in an educational setting, working with unions and associated contracts, and proficiency in HRIS systems

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide customer service to employees, administration, and retirees via phone, emails, and in-person in a timely manner
• Administer all aspects of offered benefits to active employees and retirees including changes, enrollments, and terminations. Benefits include: health, dental, life and disability insurance, FSA, annuities, and COBRA
• Work closely with the City of Newton Human Resources Office during Open Enrollment periods and to ensure compliance of the City of Newton's benefits policies and procedures
• Ensure that announcements and documentation regarding benefits are produced and distributed in a timely manner to all active employees and retirees
• Ensure that all deduction rates are accurate and updated in the City of Newton's HRIS and the Massachusetts Teacher Retirement System (MTRS) computer systems and those accurate amounts for all benefits are deducted from employee's paychecks and retiree pension checks
• Work closely with representatives from the health, dental, and disability insurance companies to ensure proper coverage and deductions for active employees and retirees
• Conduct frequent benefits' audits to ensure the accuracy of enrollment, terminations and deductions for active employees and retirees.
• Utilizing Excel spreadsheets, data reports from the HRIS system, to analyze data for impact with regard to department and organizational objectives
• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance
• Prepare documentation for sick leave bank applications, monitor process
• Provide consultation on routine legal and regulatory standards such as FMLA, Wage & Hour and ADA
• Responsible for implementing other job related duties as needed
• Consulting via phone, email, and in-person on a wide array of responsibilities, including policy and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, employee relations, onboarding, and other human resources functions
• Ensuring that all pre-employment requirements are met, including the verification of required licenses, background checks, completion of all necessary paperwork and input of information into HRIS system which will require a high level of attention to detail

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to operate computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large or small school building
• Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual's qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Job Details

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $71,000 to $75,000 Per Year

Job ID: 5935900

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Yesterday

Contact Information

• Caitlin Lewis , Director of Human Resources
• Newton Public Schools - Ed Center
• Email: [e-mail]