Benefits Specialist

CALERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678 May 8, 2026 POSITION Benefits Specialist DEPARTMENT Department of Human Resources LOCATION Human Resources REPORTS TO Supervisor of Human Resources ANNUAL WORK SUMMARY 12 months per year, 245 days per year, 8 hours per day. WAGE/PAY RATE Scale 29: $38.80/hr - $50.40/hr FLSA STATUS Non-exempt APPLICATION DEADLINE EFFECTIVE START DATE May 16, 2026 POSITION SUMMARY The Benefits Specialist administers employee and retiree benefit and retirement programs for Calvert County Public Schools in compliance with applicable laws, negotiated agreements, and administrative policies. This position maintains required Maryland State Retirement Coordinator certification and serves as a liaison to benefit carriers, the Maryland State Retirement Agency, and internal departments to ensure accurate and timely benefits administration. The Benefits Specialist provides clear communication and customer service by conducting benefit orientations and open enrollment sessions, answering benefits and retirement questions, assisting with retirement counseling and paperwork, and managing COBRA, retiree, leave-of-absence, life insurance, death, and Medicare processes. Responsibilities also include maintaining benefits data, reconciling benefit invoices, generating reports, attending required MSRA meetings, supporting benefits-related planning meetings, and keeping the Human Resources Director and Benefits Supervisor informed of significant personnel and benefits matters. EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE: High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. A minimum of three (3) years of experience in employee benefits, retirement administration, payroll, or human resources administration in a public sector, educational, or government setting. SHRM Certification preferred. Maryland State Retirement Coordinator Certification (or be eligible to obtain upon employment) Maryland State Notary Public (or be eligible to obtain upon employment). SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: (These are pre-employment knowledge, abilities, and skills that apply to the Essential Job Functions.) At the time of application, the candidate must have: Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws pertinent to benefits and retirement administration (Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 403B-Optional Retirement Accounts.) Ability to use software and peripherals related to performance of job responsibilities. Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills. Demonstrated commitment to employees and retirees. Ability to produce reports, correspondence, and reconcile benefit invoices. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions relating to Calvert County Public Schools’ benefits. Ability to be flexible and creative in problem solving and identifying program improvements. Ability to prioritize tasking in a fast paced, multi-faceted environment. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Calvert County Public Schools may find appropriate and acceptable. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES : Achieves and maintains required Maryland State Retirement Coordinator certification. Complies with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations as well as the administrative policies and procedures and current negotiated agreements for Calvert County Public Schools. Effectively communicates benefit and retirement programs to employees in accordance with plan provisions and legal regulations. Acts as a liaison between Calvert County Public Schools and benefit carriers and the Maryland State Retirement Agency to ensure effective administration. Manages and processes benefit plans for retired employees. Processes and files death and life insurance waiver claims as needed. Processes COBRA notices as needed. Accepts and processes payments for COBRA, Leaves of Absence (LOA), and retirees who make direct payment to Calvert County Public Schools’ for insurance coverage. Works closely