Specialist- Employee Benefits

Plano ISD; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Plano ISD is seeking a Benefits & Risk Support Specialist to provide customer service and clerical support for the Benefits department, handling unemployment and workers’ compensation claims, and maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

The role requires a high school diploma, strong computer skills (Word, Excel), ability to interpret district policies and laws (FMLA, COBRA), and the capacity to manage files, open enrollment tasks, and coordinate with payroll and third-party

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in HR, customer service, benefits, or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide exemplary customer service to employees and other customers regarding benefits and leave.
• Research and respond to unemployment and workers' compensation questions.
• Maintain and organize employee files and documentation.
• Process claims and assist with open enrollment and leave management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable policies and laws.

Skills

Independent work

Policy interpretation

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Email systems

Communication skills

Basic math

Confidentiality

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Laserfiche

Database management

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Pay Grade: 780 (Minimum $22.20/hour) Work Days: 226

Primary Purpose

Provide customer service and support for the Benefits department, including claims for unemployment compensation and workers' compensation. Maintain personal and departmental confidence through professionalism and confidentiality. Assist with special projects, providing clerical support to the Benefits department.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to work independently; exercise judgment; excellent decision-making skills
• Ability to interpret and implement insurance, district policies, procedures and legislation pertaining to Benefits and leave
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, e-mail systems, Internet/web navigation, database management, and file maintenance
• Excellent keyboarding skills
• Basic math skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - both oral and written, with ability to communicate complex programs and concepts to individuals with diverse educational and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to deal with all people using tact, patience, and courtesy and to work well with all levels of Plano ISD staff as well as outside customers
• Strong organizational skills
• Emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines effectively and continuously, with frequent interruptions
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and ethical standards

Experience: At least three years experience in either human resources, customer service, benefits, legal, risk management, administrative, or equivalent field (in a public education setting, preferred)

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Program Management

• Develop expertise in all benefits and leave tasks and concepts and become familiar with basic concepts related to interface with payroll
• Provide exemplary customer service support to employees, supervisors, family members, applicants, and other customers regarding employee benefits and leave through interpretation of plan documents, policies and procedures.
• Thoroughly research and follow through on questions from customers
• Work in partnership and build rapport with the schools and other departments
• Maintain knowledge regarding District policies and Federal and State laws related to unemployment compensation and workers' compensation, including but not limited to the Texas Labor Code and the Texas Workers' Compensation Act
• Review and respond appropriately to unemployment compensation claims. Prepare, maintain and update unemployment files. Coordinate and participate in unemployment telephone hearings scheduled by the Texas Workforce Commission.
• Review and respond appropriately to workers' compensation claims. Communicate with employees regarding workers' compensation rules and procedures, instructions for obtaining immediate medical care, and work status updates. Report claims, complete forms required by the State of Texas, and provide requested information to third‑party administrator.
• Maintain and organize files and documents (paper and electronic). Assist with scanning all documents and maintaining Laserfiche files.
• Maintain knowledge and communicate to employees' information regarding District policies and Federal and State laws related to benefits, including but not limited to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Section 125 Cafeteria Plans (flex plans), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), and others that may be enacted into law
• Maintain accurate and complete records on forms, spreadsheets, and other databases
• Maintain and organize employee files and documents (paper and electronic) and assist with scanning all documents
• Perform all tasks related to employee benefits for new hires, changes in status, annual open enrollment, and separations from employment, including but not limited to accurate record keeping, timely action, and accurate premium calculations
• Process claims for life insurance
• Perform all tasks related to employee leave, including but not limited to accurate record keeping, timely action, and up‑to‑date medical certification
• Perform all tasks related to leave bank, including but not limited to accurate processing and record keeping, and meeting deadlines for payroll department processing
• Assist with intake calls for the Employee Crisis Fund
• Assist with ADA identification and review process
• Maintain secure destruction of confidential files, as set forth by the records retention policy
• Develop proficiency in use of benefits management software used by the district
• Contribute to team effort by assisting other departmental areas, and cross train to provide back‑up assistance for other individuals in the Benefits & Risk Management department
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information
• Attend training relative to job duties as determined by supervisor
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible, and serve as a role model for all District staff
• Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Plano ISD and follow directives from supervisors
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor

Equipment Used

• Computer, copier, fax, printer, scanner, telephone, 10‑key calculator

Working Conditions

Mental Demands

Ability to multitask; work with frequent interruptions; be a self‑starter when need arises; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); maintain emotional control under stress; maintain a positive attitude while dealing with problems and complaints; reading; ability to perform basic math; ability to meet established deadlines

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling; prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions; prolonged sitting; Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional travel to various Plano ISD sites

SM031326