Benefits Analyst

SUMMARY

Responsible for performing technical/para-professional employee benefits program functions and duties; provides information and assistance to employees on benefits programs and services; coordinates issues with employees and service providers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides assistance and information to MPS staff on employee benefits programs, services, policies & procedures; exercises the highest degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Administers the MPS employee benefits program, including employee counseling, technical research and issue analysis; coordinates benefits programs, including health and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement, employee leave programs and other benefits programs.
• Assists employees with processing and completion of technical documents; provides instruction and assistance on enrollment forms; addresses questions regarding benefits, policy and procedures, and other personnel issues within scope of authority.
• Assists with processing and tracking of FMLA, ADA, STD and contractual personal leaves; provides updates and assistance to supervisors and staff.
• Facilitates open meetings to communicate information on employee benefits and enrollment programs.
• Audits payroll to verify proper account deductions for benefits costs; audits FMLA leave deductions; monitors compliance with regulations and standards governing benefits programs.
• Maintains and updates benefits database; reviews and evaluates reports, updates databases and files, and corrects data as needed; calculates deductions and tests SAP configuration for benefits programs.
• Researches and resolves employee issues, and communicates information on status and changes; researches individual records to resolve issues and correct errors.
• Performs administrative functions for the benefits programs; processes transactional information; performs experienced technical records management duties; performs data entry and record updates for employee tracking, records maintenance and database management.
• Processes invoices, purchase requests, and contracts for the Total Compensation department.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and

procedures.

• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• Accesses highly confidential documents relating to the bargaining process and maintains strict confidentiality of document content and meeting discussions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To successfully perform job, incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed are representative of the knowledge and skills.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

• Two (2) years of college level coursework in Business Administration, or related field; AND
• Two (2) years of employee benefits support experience; OR
• an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal regulations, and accounting requirements for employee benefits programs.
• Claims processing and payment policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of public sector personnel administration and effective customer service.
• Principles of confidential records and file management.
• Specialized software applications, including Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
• State and Federal laws, statutes, rules, codes and regulations governing HR functions.
• Organizational and functional responsibilities of HR Department work groups.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying state and Federal rules, ordinances, codes and regulations.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating benefits issues, programs, policies and procedures.
• Interpreting and explaining technical employee benefits policies and procedures.
• Answering questions, advising staff, and resolving problems regarding benefits programs, plan design, coverage, and claims issues.
• Prioritizing multiple tasks, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Working within deadlines to complete projects and assignments.
• Collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports.
• Entering data into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Providing effective customer service.
• Reviewing documents and extracting relevant information.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and clients.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• • Minnesota Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to walk, stand and sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.