Job Description

Position Title: Senior Human Resources Specialist - BenefitsFLSA: Exempt: Non-UnionReports to: Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Staff SupportStart date January 1, 2025. Salary range: $87,487 - $95,174TERMS OF EMPLOYMENTWork Year: 12 months
Work Hours: 8:00-4:30 (40 hours/wk, 1/2 hour unpaid lunch)
Vacation: 15 days to start. After 10 years, 20 days.
Sick: 15 days, carried over without limit
Personal: 3 days annually, no carryover
Bereavement: 5 days for immediate family members
Holidays: Based on Central Administration observed holidaysEvaluated by: Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Staff SupportThe Lexington Public Schools Senior Human Resources Department serves 10 schools and the Central Administration Building and approximately 1,700 full-time, part-time and temporary employees.GENERAL SUMMARY:Under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Staff Support, the HR Specialist oversees/assists in the administration of benefits, retirements, leaves, unemployment compensation, implementation of collective bargaining agreements, hiring, legal compliance, records maintenance and other duties in connection with the daily operations a school human resources department.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• With the Town of Lexington HR Department administers a variety of benefit plans for employees including enrollments, changes, terminations, and communicates with the Town Benefits Coordinator and/or employees when needed.
• Responsible for all processes related to retirement including but not limited to, ensuring enrollment in the correct retirement system, notifying the Town of Lexington HR Department and/or Retirement Administrator if any transfers/changes need to be made to retirement designations, completing Service Buy Back paperwork for past or current employees, and processing retirement paperwork for current employees which may include sending acknowledgment notices.
• Manages and processes all information regarding leaves of absences, family medical leave and maternity/parental leaves. Maintains spreadsheets of leaves, relevant dates, generates paperwork for payroll and the Town of Lexington HR Department regarding adjustments to deductions, pay or employment status. Keeps open communication with employees regarding their leave status.
• Handles all correspondence and paperwork related to compensation in terms of longevity buyout, worker\'s compensation, and academic stipends.
• Coordinates all School District unemployment claims and/or issues. Communicates when necessary to the Town of Lexington HR Department and to the 3rd party administrators regarding unemployment and reviews monthly reports and comparisons.
• Tracks sick bank balances for all applicable collective bargaining units in MUNIS and communicates with unions when necessary regarding sick leave bank requests and administration.
• Manages absences for all employees on medical, parental and maternity leaves.
• Provides guidance, administration and oversight for deferred compensation programs. Acts as liaison with Town of Lexington HR Department, Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System, and Town of Lexington public retirement system; performs specialized technical duties and disseminates information associated with 457 Plans and 403(b) plans.
• Processes employee action forms, athletic and academic stipend forms assuring proper approvals and disseminates forms appropriately.
• Provides internal and external customer service via phone, email, written correspondence, and in person. Responds to questions and provides assistance to School employees, employment candidates, and all retirees regarding benefits plans.
• Assists in the review and revision of policies and procedures related to employment, informs employees of changes, and provides written materials. Keeps informed of all state and federal laws pertaining to applicable HR issues.
• Assists in maintaining MUNIS records and compiles reports from the database when needed.
• Maintains personnel and medical files in compliance with applicable legal requirements.
• Keeps employees records-up-to-date by processing employee status changes in a timely fashion.
• Researches and recommends new systems and follows through on implementation
• Supports the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Staff Support with a variety of special projects.
• Assists department in carrying out various human resources programs and procedures for all employees.
• Assists in organizational training and development efforts. Participates in developing department goals, objectives and systems.
• Participates in administrative staff meetings and attends other meetings and seminars as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.
• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:None.MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:Three to five years of increasingly responsible experience is required.QUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of benefits and human resources administration.
• Federal and State laws and regulations related to human resource management.
• Office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
• Principles and procedures of confidential record keeping.
• Business letter writing and basic report preparation techniques.
• Effective customer service practices.

Ability to:

• Perform difficult administrative support services and basic personnel and financial activities.
• Explain complex benefits programs.
• Operate computer and various software necessary for performing assigned duties.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Pay attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Use good judgment and personal initiative in the performance of duties.
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, and maintain effective work relationships.
• Initiative, tact, discretion, and sound judgment. Independent decision-maker who knows when to move ahead and when to loop others in. Unwavering commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to work collegially and cooperatively with all constituencies within the school community is essential. Willingness and ability to help other co-workers is a must. Ability to manage stressful situations if they arise. Independent worker and a strong team player - a willingness and ability to collaborate with others is a must.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Work is performed in a normal office environment, subject to frequent interruptions, not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, and other office equipment. Work requires extended periods of sitting, reaching, typing, and mousing, which requires eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. May occasionally require lifting and/or moving objects up to 25 pounds.Experience and commitment to working in a racially and culturally diverse teaching and learning community.Applicants for employment are considered without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, or military status.Job Title : Senior Human Resources Specialist - BenefitsPrimary Location : Central OfficeSalary Range : SalaryShift Type : Full-Time

Lexington Public Schools