Lead Benefits Specialist

Peoria Unified School District; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Peoria Unified School District in Glendale, AZ is seeking a Lead Benefits Specialist to manage benefits enrollment, COBRA, and wellness initiatives for district employees. You will partner with the Benefits and Compensation Manager to ensure accurate data and timely communications.

The role involves handling eligibility, processing changes, and supporting ACA reporting during annual enrollment periods. Strong customer service, data entry accuracy, and MS Office proficiency are essential for

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED with two years of relevant experience.
• Experience with benefits enrollment, COBRA and wellness programs preferred.
• Knowledge of ACA reporting and compliance is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Assist employees with benefits enrollment, questions, and changes.
• Coordinate with insurers, retirees, COBRA participants and providers.
• Manage eligibility, enrollment data and benefit records in databases.
• Support ACA reporting and annual enrollment activities.
• Prepare correspondence to employees ensuring district compliance.

Skills

Customer service

Office software

Benefits knowledge

Data entry

Education

High School Diploma or GED with 2 years related experience

Tools

MS Office

Visions software

HRIS systems

Job description

• Location:
  District Administration Center - Glendale, AZ
• Closing Date:
  08/28/2026

Position Title: Lead Benefits Specialist

Department: Employee Benefits / Human Resources

Supervisor: Benefits and Compensation Manager

Term of Employment: 12 months

Salary Classification: 15

Job Summary

Performs a variety of benefits-related tasks associated with initial, continuation and termination of insurance coverage for all employees of the Peoria Unified School District (PUSD).

Essential Functions

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs a variety of functions related to employee benefits, Assists employees with benefit concerns and questions. Responds to requests for clarification and provides guidance and direction to employees.
• Contacts insurance providers. Forwards specific issues and questions related to individual employee concerns. Assists retirees and COBRA participants with maintaining their coverage. Monitors eligibility for benefits offerings.
• Assists new employees with information related to benefits, choices, and enrollment.
• Monitors and maintains records on workers compensation injuries and claims. Assists employees with return-to-work plans and compensation while off work for injuries. Acts as district liaison between PUSD and Valley Schools with regards to injured works and claims.
• Educates and promotes employees wellness with the Well Styles wellness program. Facilitates wellness meetings with sites and Valley Schools Wellness Coordinator. Assists in planning of Annual Health Fair and wellness classes.
• Assist employees with leaves under Family Medical Leave, Long Term Disability Leaves as well as ADA needs or accommodations.
• Composes and prepares correspondence and other written communication as necessary to employees to ensure district compliance on all benefit areas.
• Collects and maintains records related to insurance benefits. Maintains, updates, research, and adds new employees to databases related to benefit eligibility and types of insurance chosen. Adds, deletes, and makes changes requested by employees (qualified life events).
• Assists in the research and evaluation of health care providers.
• Assists with facilitating and presenting at benefit enrollment meetings and retirement meetings for employees on weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
• Assists with processing and posting of new hire benefit elections for any and all new employees during the initial enrollment period and annual enrollment period.
• Back up for creating and processing of bi-monthly electronic eligibility files to insurance carriers.
• Assist and back up for creating and maintaining yearly database for annual district enrollment.
• Assist with compiling annual lookback data with regards to ACA compliance for all non-fulltime employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the principles of customer service methods
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite applications.
• Proficiency with Visions software modules desirable.
• Ability to develop unique and innovative solutions to problems.
• Independent thinking/Self-initiative: A critical thinker with the ability to focus on the things which matter most to achieving the desired outcome.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the public and others having business with the school district.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED, AND two (2) years of relevant, progressively responsible clerical accounting, data entry, customer service, insurance, or closely related experience; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check.
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license.
• May be required to lift and/or carry heavy, bulky supplies, materials, equipment, and other items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours.

Postings current as of 8/16/2026 2:23:05 PM CST.