Benefits Specialist

Benefit SpecialistThis Benefit Specialist position complements the District's concurrent recruitment for a four-hour-per-day Risk Management Technician position. Applicants interested in an eight-hour-per-day assignment should apply for both recruitments. Each position will be evaluated separately; however, the District may appoint one candidate to both positions if they are determined to be the most qualified through the merit system examination and selection process. An employee appointed to both positions would be assigned eight hours per day and would be eligible for applicable benefits.Application Process1. Complete the on-line application by clicking the "Apply" link toward the top of the page. Be sure your application reflects all relevant experience, paid or volunteer. Do not abbreviate job titles for yourself or employers. All pertinent employment with a Temporary Agency must indicate frequency and length of assignment. 2. Attach a RESUME OR CV (curriculum vitae) to the application. You do not need to bring a copy if and when invited to the Structured Oral Panel. 3. Prepare and attach a COVER LETTER with your application. Examination Process 1. Training and Experience Evaluation - Pass/Fail Applications will be screened for best qualified applicants to compete in the competitive examination process. If it is determined that your application meet the minimum requirements for this position, your application will be scored by a panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). For those passing the Training and Experience Evaluation (notified after the recruitment closing date): 2. General Fitness / Performance Exam – Tuesday October 27 The General Fitness Exam will target the assessment of job related qualifications and readiness to successfully undertake the responsibilities of the position. The Performance Examination will assess fundamental knowledge and ability for this trade. For those passing the General Fitness / Performance Examination: 3. Structured Oral Interview – The week of November 2nd The Structured Oral Interview will be before a panel and contain questions that assess technical knowledge, experience, and one's general fitness for successful performance in the position. A total score will be computed using weighted scores on all testing components. Applicants must receive a passing score on the oral examination to be placed on the year-long eligibility list. The top 3 ranks (scores) on the eligibility list are eligible for the hiring interview for each vacancy in this classification within the life of the list.Essential Duties/ResponsibilitiesDetermine employee eligibility to participate in District health and welfare insurance programs, and enroll employees into appropriate programs based established eligibility; assist employees with completing required enrollment paperwork.Set-up and/or utilize web-based data information systems for record management of employee benefits eligibility status, and changes in program enrollment as it pertains to employees, retirees, dependents and terminated workers; monitor, control and keep detailed reconcilable records; notify employees of eligibility changes and prepare change records and distributes to necessary parties.Calculate buy-in rates for part time employees, provide payroll deduction information to payroll staff; calculate reimbursements for changes in payroll deduction and track necessary data using appropriate record management system(s).Maintain records required by carriers' guidelines, such as birth and marriage certificates, social security numbers, and employment information; employee demographic information for use of health benefit carriers, up-to-date beneficiary information for Standard Life Insurance; retiree status tracking, and conduct annual re-check of college age dependents to verify student status and send out related correspondence. Maintain employee files with documents.Contacts carrier representatives to discuss and resolve problems regarding plan coverage.Identifies opportunities to streamline enrollment processes and provides insight on any proposed health care policy changes and/or amendmentsAnalyzes laws, rules, and publications relative to health benefit administration.Provides input to District management for decisions regarding policies, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and operational procedures as related to employee benefits programs.Coordinates the District's annual open enrollment period; prepare memos and send out information regarding open enrollment; provide forms and explanations of coverage; obtain completed enrollment forms and provide information to the appropriate District department(s).Coordinate mailings of informational packets related and provide information in person, by phone or by mail to disseminate information and respond to inquires regarding COBRA / OBRA benefits, benefit program options for employees planning retirement, the drop of coverage, adding dependents, paying claims and related matters.Collects and processes benefits-related accounts receivables; collects monies from retirees and employees on COBRA or leaves of absence; posts, reconciles and submits payments; generates invoices of payments due; audits accounts to send overdue notices or adjustment notices for underpayment or overpayment of account.Reconcile billings with carriers including, but not limited to: Anthem BlueCross, Kaiser, Delta Dental, VSP, Standard, and appropriate stop loss carrier, and employees with regard to their health benefits coverage and/or claims; liaison between CVUSD and third party program administrator(s).Compile, analyze, and provide information regarding employee benefit statistics to District administrators, the Health Benefits and Wellness Committees.Performs other job-related duties as assigned.Minimum Entrance QualificationsEducation/Experience: High school diploma, or an equivalent, supplemented by college level course work in business, accounting, benefits, human resource management, insurance or related field AND two years of work experience performing fiscal record management related to business accounting, employee benefits administration, risk management and/or human resources. *Alternate variations of education/experience may be considered by Personnel Commission staff as acceptable to qualify for participation in the examination process resulting in an eligibility list . Licenses/Certifications/Special RequirementsValid California Class C Driver's LicenseJob Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of:General methods, practices, terminology and procedures used in benefits administration including insurance, enrollment, eligibility, carrier claims and billingDistrict health and welfare benefit and insurance programs.COBRA benefits and regulationsCorrect English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabularyDistrict organization, operations, policies and objectives relating to personnel activitiesRecord keeping and reporting techniquesOral and written communication skillsTelephone techniques and etiquette.Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesyAbility to:Learn and apply rules and regulations involved in assigned job functionsMaintain the security of confidential materialsAnalyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of actionComprehend and follow directions given verbally and in writingDemonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the positionCommunicate effectively both orally and in writingMaintain records and prepare reportsEstablish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with othersMeet schedules and time linesWork independently under general directionBe motivated to produce high quality work productMaintain a work pace appropriate to the positionBenefitsMEDICAL/PRESCRIPTION INSURANCE : Employees holding regular/permanent positions at 27.5 or more hours per week shall be eligible to participate in a variety of District plans. Employee contribution amount towards a premium varies based on medical plan. Family coverage is also available with an additional employee monthly paid premium. NOTE: Employees with assignments fewer than 27.5 hours per week are eligible to participate / buy-in into medical plans at full cost. DENTAL INSURANCE : Employees holding regular/permanent positions at 30.0 or more hours per week shall be eligible to participate in the District-paid coverage for family dental insurance. VISION CARE INSURANCE : Employees holding regular/permanent positions at 30.0 or more hours per week shall be eligible to participate in the District-paid coverage for family vision insurance. HOLIDAYS : Up to fourteen paid holidays per year. LIFE INSURANCE : Employees holding regular/permanent positions at 30.0 or more hours per week shall be eligible to participate in the District-paid coverage for family life insurance. VACATION : Employees with one to three years of service earn 12 vacation days per year (employees working less than 12 months shall earn vacation on a pro rata basis). The number of vacation days earned increases with longevity up to 20 days per year after 15 years of service. SICK LEAVE : One day per month, cumulative from year to year (employees working less than 12 months shall earn sick leave on a pro rata basis). RETIREMENT : Employees holding regular/permanent positions at 4 or more hours daily AND at least 20 hours weekly are covered by Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and Social Security.