Coordinator of Human Resources: Employee Benefits

Coordinator of Human Resources: Employee Benefits

Category 06 on the A&S Salary Scale
Work year: 12-month
Salary Range: $90,903-$145,322
Employee Benefits Summary

Role Overview
Provides leadership and oversight for all employee and retiree benefits services for Washington County Public Schools. Responsible for the administration, communication, and continuous improvement of employee benefit programs, including health and wellness initiatives, retirement services, leave administration, and related human resources functions. Supports strategic planning efforts related to benefits design, employee wellness, and organizational effectiveness.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field with applicable experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management level experience in human resources, benefits administration, or related field.
• Ability to obtain certification as a Retirement Coordinator for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System within six months of employment.
• Experience with defined contribution retirement plans and experience or familiarity with defined benefit programs.
• Proficient in employee benefits administration, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, workers' compensation administration, Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA), and flexible spending programs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgement, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships while handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion..
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Effective organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other technology and communication platforms.
• Knowledge of Medicare and Medicare supplement programs.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

 
Preferred Qualifications

• Current professional certification in Human Resources or employee benefits administration (e.g., SHRM, HRCI, CEBS, or CBP).
• Current MSRA Retirement Coordinator designation.
• Five (5) years of human resources experience in a public-sector organization, preferably in K-12 education.
• Experience with self-funded health insurance programs.
• Familiarity with Maryland State Retirement Agency policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Experience with public or private sector Request for Proposal (RFP) procedures for benefit services.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the organizational philosophy, goals, and policies of WCPS.

 
Role Responsibilities

• Oversee and administer employee and retiree benefits programs, including health insurance, leave administration, FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and related services.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for medical, dental, vision, prescription, life insurance, LTD, AD&D, EAP, FSA, and supplemental retirement programs.
• Ensure compliance with Board policies, IRS regulations, federal and state laws, and all applicable regulations governing employee benefits.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Board's benefits consultants and vendors, providing data and support related to plan design, actuarial analysis, ACA compliance, and OPEB reporting.
• Assist with the planning, analysis, and implementation of benefit programs and benefit-related initiatives to support employee recruitment, retention, and retirement readiness.
• Develop and maintain retirement counseling and communication programs, including guidance related to Maryland retirement benefits and supplemental retirement plans such as 403(b) and 457(b) programs.
• Serve as the liaison to the Maryland State Retirement System regarding active and retired employees.
• Coordinate retiree benefits administration, including enrollment and premium collection processes.
• Oversee Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance processes, including annual Form 1095 reporting.
• Plan and facilitate retirement seminars and annual open enrollment activities.
• Develop and maintain employee benefit communications, guides, and summary plan documents.
• Promote employee wellness initiatives in collaboration with HR leadership and other departments.
• Lead and support employee wellness and healthcare committee initiatives.
• Supervise and evaluate assigned staff.
• Support onboarding and orientation processes by educating employees regarding available benefits and enrollment options.
• Foster an employee-centered, customer service-focused approach to human resources operations, with an emphasis on benefits administration and employee support.
• Recommend innovative and effective strategies to enhance employee benefits and services.
• Coordinate the annual retirement recognition program honoring retiring employees.
• Provide support and subject matter expertise during labor negotiations, as needed.
• Participate in the development and implementation of HR goals, initiatives, and operational systems.
• Deliver professional, responsive, and high-quality customer service to employees, retirees, and all WCPS stakeholders.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, legal updates, and professional best practices through ongoing professional development.
• Performs other duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Environmental Factors and Physical/Mental Requirements
The Environmental Factors and Physical/Mental demands represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Required prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to sufficiently move throughout the building and grounds.
• Ability to use sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with individuals as defined by the ability to see, read, talk, and hear.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to travel district-wide and state-wide if needed.
• Ability to work prolonged and irregular hours.