Benefits Specialist (Full-Time)

Position Type:
Non-Union Support/Benefits Specialists
Date Posted:
1/8/2024
Location:
Central Office - Human Resources
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
01/17/2024 OR FILLED
District:
Livonia Public Schools
JOB DESCRIPTION
Livonia Public Schools is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Benefits Specialist. The Benefits Specialist will work independently and collaboratively with brokers, vendors, and other HR personnel to oversee the district's benefit plans. The ideal candidate would be kind and friendly, enabling them to make employees feel comfortable enough to ask questions. Excellent written and verbal communication are also essential for teaching employees about their benefit options and the enrollment process. The candidate should also be comfortable with performing advanced functions in Microsoft Excel.
DISTRICT OVERVIEW:
Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,900 staff members, serving approximately 13,300 students pre-K - post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center, and 1 vocational and transition center in the school district. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $175 million, with a state funding of $9,608 per pupil.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Newly hired public school employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.
As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you:

• Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage:
  • The district's contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law.
  • Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week.
  • Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week.
  • Optional "cash in lieu" of medical insurance for those who qualify.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance:
  • The district pays 100% of the premium for family coverage working 30 hrs/week and 100% of the premium for single coverage working 20 hrs/week.
• Long-term disability coverage:
  • The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members. This includes a completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee.
• Paid holidays; earned vacation, sick, and bereavement days.
• Longevity pay.
• Paid "act of God" days, such as snow days.

Additionally, the children of employees working 20+ hours, living outside the district's attendance boundaries, are eligible to attend Livonia Public Schools via schools of choice.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following is a list of minimum qualifications for this position, any one of which may be waived by the Administration in exercising its prerogative to determine qualifications.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field is preferred, but an associate degree in human resources and professional certification such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist), or GBA (Group Benefits Associate) will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience administering benefit plans is preferred.
• Knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn current state and federal laws pertaining to public employers' offered benefit plans.
• Maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated evidence of positive interpersonal and working relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of the Microsoft suite and systems.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Exhibit a commitment to the District's Shared Vision and Collective Commitments
• Create a welcoming and positive office climate and culture.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, flexible spending plans, Cash In-Lieu of Medical Insurance, and other fringe benefits.
• Coordinate with benefits providers to ensure accurate enrollment, termination, and changes.
• Educate employees on benefits offerings and provide support for benefits-related inquiries.
• Stay current with industry trends and regulations related to employee benefits.
• Generate regular reports on payroll, HR, and benefits metrics for management review.
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends and make recommendations for improvement.
• Serves as an expert in understanding the details of the district's benefit options and collective bargaining agreements to confidently answer employees benefit questions and resolve any enrollment issues.
• Develop and distribute informational materials to explain benefits for newly eligible employees and for the annual open enrollment period (including plan summary documents).
• Work with the benefit administration system representative to convey plan designs, make annual updates to rates and eligibility rules, and resolve any enrollment issues.
• Work with the district's administration and benefits partners on plan renewals and PA 106 bidding.
• Possess a general understanding of FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA and ACA and Section 125 Plans compliance requirements.
• Assign and update employee benefit costs in the payroll system, including processing refunds or invoicing as appropriate.
• Review and process monthly insurance bills and resolve discrepancies as necessary.
• Educate employees on disability plan benefits, the claim process, and how benefits interplay with FMLA leave. Also provide all of the employer information required for claims.
• Process Qualified Medical Support Notices.
• Prepare CMS-L564 forms for employee or family members enrolling in Medicare B coverage through a Special Enrollment Period.
• Execute other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the Directors of Human Resources or designee

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The 52-week work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be commensurate with other non-union professionals with the Livonia Public Schools. The deadline for applications is4:00 pm on January 17, 2024. This position will remain open until the position is filled. The person who is awarded this position will be working with the current Benefits Specialist until July 1st.
APPLICATIONS
All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage. All applicants must also upload a cover letter, professional resume, copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates), and three current letters of recommendation to their online application.
The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, and marital status-Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2566. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on handicap or disability-Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2524.
Attachment(s):

• Benefits Specialist 1-8-24.pdf