Title:

Specialist – HR Benefits

Work Unit:

Human Resources

Reports To:

Benefits Supervisor

Contract Length:

12 months

Pay Schedule:

Human Resources

Overtime Status:

Exempt

Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Union Status:

Non-union

Licensure:

None required

Note: All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post-offer/pre-employment background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by federal or state rules and regulations.

General Function:

Responsible for the administration of the District’s employee benefits programs. This includes a variety of health and welfare plans as well as workers’ compensation and retirement plans. Involves frequent contact with vendors and providers and a working knowledge of the benefits, laws, collective bargaining agreements, and policies and procedures.

Education/Training/Experience

Minimum: A high school diploma or equivalent and three years of related experience. Bilingual preferred.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge and experience in the management of flexible benefit plans, self-insured/self-funded medical plans, Cafeteria 125 plans, and defined contribution management plans that include a variety of health, dental, vision, and other options. Knowledge of FMLA, COBRA, OSHA, and MEDICARE policies, regulations, and requirements. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to maintain and audit fiscal records and accounts. Ability to prepare informative benefit information and deliver succinct presentations to employees. Requires excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and benefits interface systems. Expertise with databases and spreadsheet programs utilized by the District; knowledge of District’s central payroll information system. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrate detail orientation with strong organizational skills. Positive attitude and a willingness to help others. Able to multitask and handle stressful situations in an effective manner.

Essential Job Functions

All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the organization. Current essential functions include the following:

1. Handles all aspects of benefits offerings such as conducting open enrollment, benefit orientation, policy research and interpretation, employee inquiries and vendor relationships as required for compliance with NMPSIA, ERISA, COBRA, OSHA, WCA, HIPAA and other applicable regulations.

2. Processes new employees and other benefit changes. Audits all benefit-related invoices to ensure accuracy. Resolves any problems.

3. Enters accurate benefit premium deductions into the HR system and those required by NMPSIA.

4. Maintains IRS Section 125 program and 403(b) program with respect to eligibility enrollments and changes; monitors TSA enrollments to assure maximum contributions are not exceeded; ensures IRS Section 125 403(b) policies and regulations are adhered to.

5. Reconciles monthly insurance billing with the District’s data system reports for medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and ancillary insurance plans. Gathers, assembles, posts, balances, and summarizes accounting data; receipts and deposits monies as assigned.

6. Serves as contact for plan vendors and third-party administrators. Investigates discrepancies, resolves issues, and provides information to appropriate parties.

7. Assists in resolving billing disputes between benefit carriers and employees.

8. Maintains employee benefit files, active and inactive.

9. Certified Notary Public, notarizing documents for Educational Retirement Board, payroll, and Human Resources staff.

10. Processes and tracks all FMLA, Medical, Personal, and Educational Leave requests from employees.

11. Processes benefits for terminated employees. Ensures that COBRA information is explained and benefit options understood.

12. Revises and/or updates handouts and brochures as appropriate.

13. Works with payroll staff to ensure benefit deductions are accurate.

14. Responds to requests from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for annual audits.

15. Complies with all requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the State of New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau.

16. Ensures that all employees that incur a work-related injury follow the Workers’ Compensation procedures and policies by filling out the Employer’s First Report of Injury Form. Reports all injuries to Workers’ Compensation Authority within strict time deadlines. Manage Workers' Compensation return-to-work and work restrictions.

17. Logs all work-related injuries on the OSHA 300 log. Ensure that the OSHA 300 log is reported annually to OSHA as required.

18. Monitors injured employees and attempts to return them to full duty as efficiently as possible.

19. Completes retirement applications for employees. Signs off on refund/rollover requests to the NMERB for separated employees.

20. Complies with Affordable Care Act regulations.

21. Completes and processes life insurance and disability claims for employees.

22. Initiates wellness programs and supports staff at school sites.

23. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Salary Range and Benefits:

$55,000 to $65,000+ Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to full and part-time employees that work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to):

Standard office equipment and software platforms such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the Google Suite. Telephone, fax, copier, computer, stamp machine, badge machine, calculator.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:

Regularly required to stand and move throughout a room and/or facility. Communicates verbally and electronically. Uses hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. Occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, and drive. May have occasion to perform heavy lifting up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and private automobile. Some evening or weekend work and travel may be required.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending, and reaching may be required. Some occasional travel is required for meetings and conferences.

Personal Accountability:

1. Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.

2. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.

3. Begins and completes work within the allotted time.

4. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.

5. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/ special application.

6. Protects the District’s resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.

7. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.

Santa Fe Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, medical/genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

2026-2027 SY: Benefits Specialist - Human Resources Department