Overview
Benefits Leave Specialist Jobs in Arlington, VA at Arlington Public Schools
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Human Resources announces an opening for the position of Benefits Specialist (Leave Specialist). This is a twelve-month position, Grade E-10.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK
This is a position in the Department of Human Resources that administers all aspects of the Arlington Public Schools leave program, including Family & Medical Leave, Leave of Absence, Worker’s Compensation, Military Leave, Study Leave, etc.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK (May not include all duties performed – These are intended as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
Leads in the day-to-day administration of assigned programs. In conjunction with other Benefits staff, and as part of a team approach to work management, assists with the administration of other benefit programs as a back-up. Learns new benefit program areas as a cross-program trainee.
Serves as a member to the Employee Benefits Committee making recommendations regarding benefit programs and plans .
Along with the Benefits Administrator or other staff, analyzes benefit programs and plan(s) offered by evaluating usage, services, effectiveness, cost and plan experience and other factors, including employee/retiree demography.
Identifies options and makes recommendations for program/plan/policy/procedure changes.
Leads the family and medical (FML) leave process to include answering questions, obtaining required leave documentation, maintaining leave records and communicating leave data to Human Resources/Payroll staff and applicable school staff.
Counsels (informs, primarily) employees regarding benefits while on leaves of absence.
Receives and answers numerous telephone inquiries about school benefit and leave programs available to school employees. Communicates information about such benefit programs via phone, email and internal or external mail.
Calculates and processes payroll deductions and/or salary changes based upon pay status during leave.
Partners with Benefits Team to administer Workers Compensation leave and improve process.
Run reports; track and analyze data related to leave usage and APS leave programs.
Serves as backup to Benefits Administrator for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to paying benefit invoices and processing of benefit files. Stays abreast of Federal and Virginia legislation and regulations, as well as policies and procedures of governing or cooperative bodies affecting leave entitlements and other matters.
Manages return from leave process in conjunction with Payroll and Employment Processing. Generates correspondence in reply to inquiries, prepares presentations, and writes or reviews form letters, and other types of materials.
Performs related benefits administration functions, as assigned or deemed necessary.
Performs related duties as required or assigned.
EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED KNOWLEDEGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of, and skill in using, a range of computer hardware and specialized software, especially HR management systems software, social media and Internet tools, to generate reports, post vacancies online, track applicant processing, assist system users, and perform related information system work at the ‘super user’ level; this includes knowledge of (or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of) APS-specific systems.
Knowledge of benefits programs, such as family and medical leave, health/dental insurance, short/long term disability, as well as Workers Compensation, and associated processes and procedures, to administer, as a program specialist, day-to-day aspects of assigned programs and serve as back-up, as a program generalist, on programs assigned to or led by other staff.
Knowledge of selected provisions of key laws (such as the Family Medical Leave Act, the USERRA, and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act); of critical aspects of governing regulations, official plans and official/cooperative bodies; of APS contracts and summary plan descriptions covering benefits; and of related matters, altogether to inform and counsel employees of leave options and related benefits impact. This includes knowledge of specific APS benefits administration processes and procedures.
Knowledge of automated/manual benefits processing to enter, review or verify accuracy of data in HRMS system, perform audits, run reports, etc. This includes knowledge of, and skill in using, the automated and manual systems of APS, including the benefits modules of the Oracle-based enterprise system of APS and use of an automated leave-tracking system.
Skill in problem solving. Skill in written communication. Skill in oral communication. Interpersonal skills to interact with contacts in a businesslike, customer service-oriented manner by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working in harmony with supervisors, staff, students and the general public.
Skill in using a computer and modern office suite software (such as MS Office) to plan, schedule, communicate, word process, research, calculate and manage data (spreadsheet applications) etc.
Ability and willingness to work under pressure of recurring deadlines related to payroll and during peak periods. Experience working with various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
QUALIFICATIONS:
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
A Bachelors Degree in business administration, human resources (HR), public administration, or a closely related area; or
An equivalent combination of education, experience and training, and
Three years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration, HR management (with substantial elements of benefits administration), or a related field; or,
An equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates must submit an application online and attach a resume, a written statement of interest in and qualifications for this position. Please complete the online Administrative/Technical application on the APS website in the Employment section: www.apsva.us . A minimum of three letters of reference must also be attached. (Reference letters may be sent in separately.)
It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in the School Board Policy 35-4.4, that employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.
APPLY TO:
SALARY:
Salary Based on FY 25/26 Pay Plan
DAYS:
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Title: Benefits Leave Specialist
Company: Arlington Public Schools
Location: Arlington, VA
