Proviso Township High Schools
Specialist - Benefits **1 Vacancy**
Proviso Township High Schools, Forest Park, Illinois, United States, 60130
Position Type:
Support Staff/Generalist
Date Posted: 7/9/2025
Location: PTHS District Office
Date Available: Upon Approval
Closing Date: Until Filled POSITION TITLE: Specialist - Benefits
Division / Department: Administration - Special Payroll Classification (FSLA): Full-time, Exempt Position Group: Administration Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 Anticipated Work Year & Hours*: 260 Days (12 - Month) Union Membership: NA Reports to: Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Deputy Superintendent for Finance, Director of Human Resources, Coordinator I - Benefits Specialist
Minimum Required Qualifications: To be considered for this position, the candidate must possess the following required education, certification, skills, experience and/or qualifications. Employees are responsible for obtaining/retaining the most current statutory and administrative rule requirements for their position.
Education/Training:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or a closely related field
Licensure:
NA
Endorsement:
NA
Experience:
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration, including direct oversight of health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:
Understanding of basic accounting and insurance principles and practices is required. Aptitude for detailed work, ability to work independently as well as working well with others Proficient aptitude in computer programs, including but not limited to Microsoft Excel and Word Excellent writing skills and a strong foundation in grammar Demonstrated skills in data analysis, benefits budgeting, and employee communication/outreach are important for success in this role. Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with federal and state benefits regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, ACA, and COBRA. Hands-on experience administering or coordinating state retirement systems, such as the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). Proven ability to manage open enrollment, process benefits transactions, and respond to employee inquiries with professionalism and accuracy. Experience working with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and integrating benefits with payroll systems.
Desired Qualifications: It is desired that the successful candidate for this position possesses the following skills, experience, and qualifications. These are "desired qualifications" only, and are not required to be considered for employment for this position)
Bilingual (Spanish preferred) Master's/Doctorate degree. Knowledge of insurance products including health (Comprehensive Major Medical (CMM), Participating Provider Option (PPO), and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), dental, life and long-term disability Experience in claim administration and resolution Experience in health care benefits contract negotiation SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) or SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) certification, or equivalent HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR), is highly desirable. Experience with Illinois-specific benefits systems, including IMRF and TRS, is strongly preferred. Proficiency with Human Resources and Finance Information Systems, benefits enrollment platforms, and payroll integration systems. Experience working in a K-12 school district, public education system, or governmental agency, particularly within a unionized labor environment. Experience coordinating or supporting collective bargaining processes through benefits cost analysis and plan interpretation. Knowledge and prior use of platforms such as Frontline, Tyler, Skyward, or other education-sector HRIS/payroll systems. Experience conducting or supporting internal audits, compliance reviews, and external reporting to agencies such as ISBE. Familiarity with 403(b) and 457(b) plan administration, including IRS compliance and vendor coordination. Special Requirements of the Position
Evidence of successful work experience and a strong attendance record; willing to schedule vacation around job requirements; ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines Must have superior interpersonal skills and a high degree of honesty and integrity to be demonstrated through both work and personal references Must maintain confidential information about health-related matters for employees, their dependents, or other authorized participants (i.e., retirees, COBRA participants, etc.) Must be familiar with current benefit trends as well as knowledgeable of changing federal and state legislation pertaining to employee benefits
Essential Duties and Responsibilities*:
Administer day-to-day benefits, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; wellness initiatives; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance programs; and workers' compensation, ensuring compliance with carrier contracts, District policies, and federal and state regulations (e.g., ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA). Establish and maintain accurate insurance records in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and related systems. Coordinate enrollments, changes, and documentation for state retirement systems (IMRF and TRS), providing timely record-keeping and member support. Administer COBRA and manage benefits terminations or transitions resulting from separations, retirements, or leaves of absence-including premium calculations, reimbursements to and from employees, and related record-keeping. Track and document leave usage (FMLA; short- and long-term disability; workers' compensation; catastrophic and personal leave), maintaining accrual records and ensuring compliance with District and legal requirements. Maintain and audit benefit transactions (enrollments, terminations, qualifying events, payroll deductions, premium billing), performing regular quality checks and updating HRIS records promptly. Balance and pay monthly billings from insurance carriers and prepare journal entries and reconciliations for benefit premiums and related accounting entries in the District's accounting system. Liaise with carriers, plan administrators, and third-party vendors to facilitate renewals, resolve claim disputes, and ensure adherence to service-level agreements. Compile benefit-plan utilization and cost data, track service provider performance metrics, and produce summary reports and annual cost overviews to support budgeting union negotiations, and benefit-plan renewal activities. Assist in updating/preparing standard operating procedures, job aids, and audit guides to support efficient benefits processing and readiness for internal and external reviews. Conduct benefits orientations for new employees; create and distribute FAQs, enrollment timelines, and presentations on plan options and procedures. Support annual open enrollment and new-hire enrollment processes by preparing communications, scheduling information sessions, and delivering presentations to employees and HR/finance staff. Coordinate employee contributions to 403(b) and 457 tax-sheltered retirement plans, monitor individual compliance with IRS contribution limits, and maintain up-to-date participant records. Assist with internal and external audits of benefits records and processes, ensuring proper documentation retention and confidentiality of employee information. Respond to employee inquiries and system issues related to benefits, claims, eligibility, and enrollment systems, providing timely and accurate support. Participate in professional development to stay current on benefits regulations, system enhancements, and industry best practices. *Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the school district
Performance Evaluation/Accountability: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board's policy on evaluation of personnel. All evaluations shall comply with State and Federal law.
Mental demands/Physical demands/Environmental factors: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, write, type, speak, and listen. In addition, the employee may occasionally be required to bend, twist, reach and climb. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, peripheral and distant vision. Ability to work in an office environment, sitting, standing, light lifting, filing, operating office machines and computers, communicating with staff and others. Occasional lifting, otherwise non-demanding physical office activities.
The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet/moderate to loud. The employee is frequently required to interact with the other staff. The employee is directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students.
Maintain emotional control under stress. Limited travel is required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Stand, walk, crouch, and do moderate lifting up to 40 lbs. Knowledge of multimedia equipment and current technology. Position Goals: Annually the employee, in consultation with the supervisor, shall develop the employee's goals for the forthcoming year, which shall be set forth in the annual evaluation document. In the event that the employee and supervisor fail to agree on the goals to be included in said document, the supervisor shall establish the goals.
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary Range: Regionally competitive, based on experience and qualifications: $68,365 - $92,494 Benefits: Per contract Application Procedures: Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/pths209/onlineapp/default.aspx
Selection Process: All applicants must complete a District application to be considered for employment. Applications will be reviewed. Interviews of selected qualified applicants will be conducted, and a qualified candidate will be recommended by the hiring supervisor to the Office of Human Resources. District 209 ensures equal employment opportunity, as outlined in Board Policy 5:10. The Superintendent is responsible for making final hiring recommendations to the Proviso Township High Schools Board of Education. Employment is subject to the recommendation of the Superintendent, the approval of the Board of Education and the results of required processes outlined in Board Policy 5:30. No individual shall begin work until receiving written approval from the Office of Human Resources. It is the responsibility of the individual who has sought employment to ensure that official approval from the Office of Human Resources has been granted prior to beginning any type of employment.
* Disclaimer: This job description describes duties and responsibilities representative of the nature and level of work assigned to the position. The identified duties and responsibilities and other information contained in this job description are intended only as examples of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the school district and employee and is subject to change by the school district as the school district's needs and the job change's requirements. The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned. The site of employment is subject to change based on the needs of the school district. As outlined in Board Policy 5:32 Nepotism, no person with an Interested Relationship with any member of the Board of Education, the Superintendent or a District-level administrator shall be eligible for employment in the District.
For Additional Information Contact: Office of Human Resources Proviso Township High Schools District 209 8601 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130 708-338-5900
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, and other protected categories as set forth in Board Policy 5:10.
Date Posted: 7/9/2025
Location: PTHS District Office
Date Available: Upon Approval
Closing Date: Until Filled POSITION TITLE: Specialist - Benefits
Division / Department: Administration - Special Payroll Classification (FSLA): Full-time, Exempt Position Group: Administration Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 Anticipated Work Year & Hours*: 260 Days (12 - Month) Union Membership: NA Reports to: Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Deputy Superintendent for Finance, Director of Human Resources, Coordinator I - Benefits Specialist
Minimum Required Qualifications: To be considered for this position, the candidate must possess the following required education, certification, skills, experience and/or qualifications. Employees are responsible for obtaining/retaining the most current statutory and administrative rule requirements for their position.
Education/Training:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or a closely related field
Licensure:
NA
Endorsement:
NA
Experience:
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration, including direct oversight of health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and retirement plans.
Knowledge/Abilities/Skills:
Understanding of basic accounting and insurance principles and practices is required. Aptitude for detailed work, ability to work independently as well as working well with others Proficient aptitude in computer programs, including but not limited to Microsoft Excel and Word Excellent writing skills and a strong foundation in grammar Demonstrated skills in data analysis, benefits budgeting, and employee communication/outreach are important for success in this role. Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with federal and state benefits regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, FMLA, ACA, and COBRA. Hands-on experience administering or coordinating state retirement systems, such as the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). Proven ability to manage open enrollment, process benefits transactions, and respond to employee inquiries with professionalism and accuracy. Experience working with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and integrating benefits with payroll systems.
Desired Qualifications: It is desired that the successful candidate for this position possesses the following skills, experience, and qualifications. These are "desired qualifications" only, and are not required to be considered for employment for this position)
Bilingual (Spanish preferred) Master's/Doctorate degree. Knowledge of insurance products including health (Comprehensive Major Medical (CMM), Participating Provider Option (PPO), and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), dental, life and long-term disability Experience in claim administration and resolution Experience in health care benefits contract negotiation SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) or SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) certification, or equivalent HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR), is highly desirable. Experience with Illinois-specific benefits systems, including IMRF and TRS, is strongly preferred. Proficiency with Human Resources and Finance Information Systems, benefits enrollment platforms, and payroll integration systems. Experience working in a K-12 school district, public education system, or governmental agency, particularly within a unionized labor environment. Experience coordinating or supporting collective bargaining processes through benefits cost analysis and plan interpretation. Knowledge and prior use of platforms such as Frontline, Tyler, Skyward, or other education-sector HRIS/payroll systems. Experience conducting or supporting internal audits, compliance reviews, and external reporting to agencies such as ISBE. Familiarity with 403(b) and 457(b) plan administration, including IRS compliance and vendor coordination. Special Requirements of the Position
Evidence of successful work experience and a strong attendance record; willing to schedule vacation around job requirements; ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines Must have superior interpersonal skills and a high degree of honesty and integrity to be demonstrated through both work and personal references Must maintain confidential information about health-related matters for employees, their dependents, or other authorized participants (i.e., retirees, COBRA participants, etc.) Must be familiar with current benefit trends as well as knowledgeable of changing federal and state legislation pertaining to employee benefits
Essential Duties and Responsibilities*:
Administer day-to-day benefits, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; wellness initiatives; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance programs; and workers' compensation, ensuring compliance with carrier contracts, District policies, and federal and state regulations (e.g., ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, FMLA, ADA). Establish and maintain accurate insurance records in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and related systems. Coordinate enrollments, changes, and documentation for state retirement systems (IMRF and TRS), providing timely record-keeping and member support. Administer COBRA and manage benefits terminations or transitions resulting from separations, retirements, or leaves of absence-including premium calculations, reimbursements to and from employees, and related record-keeping. Track and document leave usage (FMLA; short- and long-term disability; workers' compensation; catastrophic and personal leave), maintaining accrual records and ensuring compliance with District and legal requirements. Maintain and audit benefit transactions (enrollments, terminations, qualifying events, payroll deductions, premium billing), performing regular quality checks and updating HRIS records promptly. Balance and pay monthly billings from insurance carriers and prepare journal entries and reconciliations for benefit premiums and related accounting entries in the District's accounting system. Liaise with carriers, plan administrators, and third-party vendors to facilitate renewals, resolve claim disputes, and ensure adherence to service-level agreements. Compile benefit-plan utilization and cost data, track service provider performance metrics, and produce summary reports and annual cost overviews to support budgeting union negotiations, and benefit-plan renewal activities. Assist in updating/preparing standard operating procedures, job aids, and audit guides to support efficient benefits processing and readiness for internal and external reviews. Conduct benefits orientations for new employees; create and distribute FAQs, enrollment timelines, and presentations on plan options and procedures. Support annual open enrollment and new-hire enrollment processes by preparing communications, scheduling information sessions, and delivering presentations to employees and HR/finance staff. Coordinate employee contributions to 403(b) and 457 tax-sheltered retirement plans, monitor individual compliance with IRS contribution limits, and maintain up-to-date participant records. Assist with internal and external audits of benefits records and processes, ensuring proper documentation retention and confidentiality of employee information. Respond to employee inquiries and system issues related to benefits, claims, eligibility, and enrollment systems, providing timely and accurate support. Participate in professional development to stay current on benefits regulations, system enhancements, and industry best practices. *Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the school district
Performance Evaluation/Accountability: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board's policy on evaluation of personnel. All evaluations shall comply with State and Federal law.
Mental demands/Physical demands/Environmental factors: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, write, type, speak, and listen. In addition, the employee may occasionally be required to bend, twist, reach and climb. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, peripheral and distant vision. Ability to work in an office environment, sitting, standing, light lifting, filing, operating office machines and computers, communicating with staff and others. Occasional lifting, otherwise non-demanding physical office activities.
The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet/moderate to loud. The employee is frequently required to interact with the other staff. The employee is directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students.
Maintain emotional control under stress. Limited travel is required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Stand, walk, crouch, and do moderate lifting up to 40 lbs. Knowledge of multimedia equipment and current technology. Position Goals: Annually the employee, in consultation with the supervisor, shall develop the employee's goals for the forthcoming year, which shall be set forth in the annual evaluation document. In the event that the employee and supervisor fail to agree on the goals to be included in said document, the supervisor shall establish the goals.
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary Range: Regionally competitive, based on experience and qualifications: $68,365 - $92,494 Benefits: Per contract Application Procedures: Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/pths209/onlineapp/default.aspx
Selection Process: All applicants must complete a District application to be considered for employment. Applications will be reviewed. Interviews of selected qualified applicants will be conducted, and a qualified candidate will be recommended by the hiring supervisor to the Office of Human Resources. District 209 ensures equal employment opportunity, as outlined in Board Policy 5:10. The Superintendent is responsible for making final hiring recommendations to the Proviso Township High Schools Board of Education. Employment is subject to the recommendation of the Superintendent, the approval of the Board of Education and the results of required processes outlined in Board Policy 5:30. No individual shall begin work until receiving written approval from the Office of Human Resources. It is the responsibility of the individual who has sought employment to ensure that official approval from the Office of Human Resources has been granted prior to beginning any type of employment.
* Disclaimer: This job description describes duties and responsibilities representative of the nature and level of work assigned to the position. The identified duties and responsibilities and other information contained in this job description are intended only as examples of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the school district and employee and is subject to change by the school district as the school district's needs and the job change's requirements. The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned. The site of employment is subject to change based on the needs of the school district. As outlined in Board Policy 5:32 Nepotism, no person with an Interested Relationship with any member of the Board of Education, the Superintendent or a District-level administrator shall be eligible for employment in the District.
For Additional Information Contact: Office of Human Resources Proviso Township High Schools District 209 8601 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130 708-338-5900
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, and other protected categories as set forth in Board Policy 5:10.