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Start Your Online Application Now District Office Support Associate (Benefits Specialist) Reports To: Superintendent Position Type: Full-Time, Primarily in-person with occasional remote options Duty Year: 12 Month FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Compensation Hourly rate: $23?$28 per hour, based on qualifications and experience. Houston Public Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and other employee benefits. Purpose The District Office Support Associate (Benefits Specialist) coordinates employee benefits and provides specialized human resources, payroll, compliance, and administrative support to ensure the efficient operation of the District Office. Broadly responsible for administering and coordinating district-wide employee benefit programs, this position manages health insurance renewals, retirement and post-employment benefit calculations, state and federal regulatory reporting, staff training and licensure tracking, and employee recognition programs while delivering responsive, confidential customer service to staff, retirees, families, and community members. Essential Functions Benefits Coordination and Employee Programs Coordinate comprehensive employee benefits across the district, serving as the primary point of contact for employee benefit inquiries, enrollments, changes, and ongoing support. Administer annual Health Insurance Renewals, open enrollment communications, plan updates, and carrier coordination. Manage 403(b) match tracking, eligibility verification, and coordination with payroll and plan providers. Administer tuition reimbursement benefits, including reviewing applications, verifying eligibility and documentation, and processing reimbursements. Administer Frontline ? Absence Management, ensuring accurate leave tracking, substitute coordination support, and employee absence reporting. Set up, assign, and monitor required and professional development courses in Vector Training for district staff. Coordinate employee recognition and engagement initiatives, including Retiree, Back-to-School, and Years of Service gifts, as well as distributing staff season activity passes. Financial, Payroll, and Benefits Calculations Perform accurate Insurance and Cash-in-Lieu calculations for employee payroll deductions, district contributions, and benefit stipends. Manage Retiree Insurance Payments, including billing, tracking incoming payments, reconciling accounts, and communicating with retirees. Prepare and verify Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 75 calculations and census data for post-employment benefits. Compile and prepare financial, salary, and benefit cost data for collective bargaining and Negotiation Calculations. Compliance, Licensure, and Regulatory Reporting Manage Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance tracking, eligibility measurement periods, and annual tax reporting. Prepare, validate, and submit the annual Staff Automated Reporting (STAR Report) to the Minnesota Department of Education. Monitor teacher licenses and credentials, tracking renewal deadlines and alerting staff and administration to maintain compliance with state licensing requirements. Maintain, update, and publish the annual district Seniority Report across bargaining units. Prepare and submit Pay Equity Reporting every third year in accordance with state pay equity requirements. Coordinate and administer Local Collaborative Time Study (LCTS) reporting and documentation. Administrative and Operational Support Support the daily operations of the District Office through administrative, clerical, human resources, and business office functions. Maintain personnel, benefits, financial, and district records with high accuracy, organization, and strict confidentiality. Provide professional, responsive customer service and communication support to staff, retirees, families, and community members. Assist with special projects, audits, and operational needs as assigned. General Responsibilities Maintain positive relationships with students, staff, retirees, families, and community members. Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as assigned. Support district initiatives and organizational goals. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee. Qualifications Required High school diploma or equivalent. Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and customer service skills. Proficiency with computers, spreadsheets, databases, and office software applications. Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive personnel and financial information. Preferred Associate degree or post-secondary training in human resources, business, accounting, office administration, or a related field. Experience in employee benefits administration, human resources, payroll, accounting, or office management. Experience working with HRIS, payroll, absence management (such as Frontline), or financial information systems. Experience working in a school district or public-sector environment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of employee benefits administration, basic accounting and payroll principles, and human resources practices. Ability to perform accurate financial calculations, reconcile benefit statements, and analyze data in spreadsheets. Ability to interpret and apply bargaining unit agreements, district policies, and state and federal reporting guidelines (such as ACA, STAR, GASB 75, and Pay Equity). Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage cyclical and recurring deadlines independently. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of audiences, including employees, retirees, and external benefit providers. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships, work independently and collaboratively, and exercise sound judgment. Working Conditions Work is primarily performed in an office environment with frequent interaction with employees, students, families, and community members. The position requires prolonged periods of computer use, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. Interested candidates should complete the district application process by visiting www.houston.k12.mn.us , selecting Employment, and clicking Start an Application for Employment. Houston Public Schools reserves the right to revise or update this job description as needed to meet the operational needs of the District . Houston Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Houston Public School District uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online