Metro

Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Human Resources, the Benefits Coordinator supports the Human Resources Department by administering and managing the district’s employee benefits, insurance, and leave programs. This position ensures that all benefit-related processes are accurate, efficient, and compliant with state and federal regulations, including new requirements such as the state paid family leave program. The role provides expertise and consistency across benefits administration while fostering clear communication and support for employees. In addition to managing benefits and leaves, the Benefits Coordinator promotes employee understanding and engagement with available programs, contributing to a positive, well-informed workplace culture. Overall, this position plays a key role in helping the district attract, support, and retain high-quality employees through effective and compliant benefits administration.

Salary Range: 70,000 – 95,000

Application Process
To be considered for the position, submit online application at www.sspps.org.  Posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Reports to:  Executive Director of Human Resources

Job DutiesAdministers and manages all employee benefit plans, including health, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts (FSA), ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations such as FMLA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave program, maintaining thorough documentation and timely reporting.
Provides expert guidance and support to employees and retirees on benefit options, enrollment, eligibility, and claims, fostering understanding and trust in District programs.
Oversees the administration of employee leaves of absence, including FMLA, paid family leave, and long-term disability, ensuring proper documentation, tracking, and communication throughout the leave process.
Processes and audits benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations to maintain data integrity across HR, payroll, and carrier systems.
Prepares, reviews, and reconciles benefit invoices and payroll deductions, ensuring accuracy, correcting discrepancies, and maintaining fiscal accountability.
Coordinates annual open enrollment activities, developing employee communications, informational sessions, and system updates to ensure a smooth and transparent process.
Maintains effective working relationships with vendors, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators, addressing service issues and ensuring high-quality support for employees.
Researches and evaluates benefit options and plan design changes, providing data-driven recommendations to improve competitiveness, employee satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.
Prepares reports and analyses on benefit utilization, costs, and trends to assist in forecasting, budgeting, and strategic decision-making.
.Develops and maintains clear, accessible benefit communications, including guides, summaries, and website content, to promote employee understanding of available resources.
Supports the accurate and compliant administration of retirements, resignations, and terminations, including COBRA notifications, HCSP processing, and retirement plan documentation.
Serves as a resource for payroll and HR staff, providing guidance on benefit deductions, eligibility, and compliance issues.
Assists in developing and maintaining benefit-related policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with collective bargaining agreements, legal standards, and District objectives.
Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Minimum education and experience required to perform adequately in position could reasonably be attained only by completing the following:High school diploma or GED.
Requires a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in human resources, business Administration,
Organizational Development, Education or a closely related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, with a demonstrable focus on employee engagement and/or onboarding program development and implementation, and an understanding of benefits administration, OR seven (7) years of an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the work. Public sector or school district experience is preferred.
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) preferred.
Certification as a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), SHRM Certified Professional
(SHRM-CP), or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) preferred.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: (Identify licenses/certification required upon hiring):Valid driver’s license
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE WORK
Knowledge
•             Thorough knowledge of employee benefits administration, plan design, compliance, and vendor management.
•             Strong understanding of federal and state laws governing employee benefits and employment practices, including FMLA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave.
•             Familiarity with benefit plan terminology, cost structures, budgeting, and cost containment strategies.
•             Knowledge of HRIS, payroll, and benefits administration systems and their integration with other HR functions.
•             Understanding of general accounting principles as they relate to benefit billing, payroll deductions, and reconciliation.
•             Awareness of collective bargaining agreements and their implications for benefits eligibility, leave administration, and insurance provisions.
•             Understanding of best practices in employee communication and onboarding as they relate to benefits education and awareness.
Skills
•             Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret data, identify trends, and support decision-making.
•             Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefit information clearly.
•             High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and organization in processing benefits and maintaining records.
•             Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration systems, including reporting and data analysis.
•             Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with employees, retirees, unions, and vendors.
•             Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.
•             Effective public speaking and presentation skills for benefits meetings, orientations, and employee sessions.
Abilities
•             Interpret and apply complex benefit regulations, policies, and labor agreements accurately.
•             Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
•             Adapt to changing regulations, systems, and organizational needs while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
•             Assess processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
•             Exercise sound judgment and provide effective guidance in benefits and leave-related situations.
•             Foster a supportive and service-oriented environment within the HR Department.
•             Work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining accountability for independent tasks.

Physical Requirements:  General Environmental Conditions: Work is performed under normal office conditions and there are minimal environmental risks or disagreeable conditions associated with the work.  The typical noise level is considered to be moderate.
General Physical Conditions: Work can be generally characterized as:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Benefits at South St. Paul Public Schools:HealthPartners coverage for medical and dental
403(b) retirement with district match
TRA or PERA Retirement Association benefits
Flexible spending account
Paid time off and leave benefits
Complete benefits details available through Human Resources. Benefits vary by position and contract.