Benefits Specialist

Newton Public Schools

Newton (MA)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Newton Public Schools Ed Center in Newton, Massachusetts, seeks a Benefits Specialist to manage benefits for active employees and retirees, coordinate open enrollment, and support HR operations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 2–5 years HR experience, with strong communication, data analysis, confidentiality, and organizational skills. Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace is essential; Master’s in HR or HR certification is preferred and experience with HRIS systems is a plus.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and 2–5 years HR experience.
Ability to resolve a multitude of varying and complex problems with timely follow-through.
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 maintain excellent organizational skills with regard to timelines and deadlines.
High level of confidentiality.
Must contribute to a positive work climate.

Responsibilities

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.
Work with the City of Newton HR Office during Open Enrollment and ensure policy compliance.
Prepare announcements and documentation regarding benefits in a timely manner.
Ensure deduction rates are accurate in HRIS and MTRS systems and deducted from paychecks.
Coordinate with health, dental, and disability insurers for proper coverage and deductions.
Conduct frequent benefits audits using Excel and HRIS data.

Skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in HR or related field

Master’s Degree in HR or HR certification preferred

Tools

HRIS

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

Benefits Specialist

Job Details

Job ID: 5895205
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Aug 20, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Human Resources

Job Title: Human Resources Benefit Specialist

FLSA Status: (Exempt/Non-exempt)

Non-Aligned

Reports to: Director of Human Resources

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton public schools are 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.

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. Works 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.

Qualifications:

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

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

This positions’ primary responsibilities are:

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.

This positions’ other responsibilities may include:

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.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is located in a high volume, fast paced, open-team office environment, where all staff have shared administrative and independent responsibilities.

Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear. Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to view computer screens and work for extended periods of time. Ability to operate a keyboard and calculator at an efficient speed. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

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Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements