General Description:

The Benefits and Compensation Specialist – Benefits provides compensation administration for an assigned cluster of schools and departments and serves as the department’s subject-matter expert for benefits administration. This position supports accurate and timely processing of compensation actions, delivers high-quality employee support, and manages day-to-day benefits operations in coordination with RPS’s vendors and partners. The Benefits and Compensation Specialist – Benefits maintains an effective level of HR knowledge and benefits literacy to support employees and ensure compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Compensation Responsibilities

• Administers compensation actions for an assigned cluster and departments, including new hire setups, salary adjustments, contract issuance, stipends, and supplements.
• Process Notices of Appointment (NOA) and Notices of Personnel Change (NOPC) accurately and timely.
• Reviews and validates salary placement, FTE changes, and job title accuracy in coordination with school and department leaders.
• Maintains accurate data in LINQ, PowerSchool, and related systems.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for Principals and Directors regarding compensation actions.
• Ensures compliance with division policies, compensation guidelines, and audit standards.

Benefits Responsibilities

• Administers employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, and other voluntary benefits, ensuring compliance with plan documents, policies, and applicable regulations.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employees, dependents, and vendors regarding benefits eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, coverage changes, and premium deductions.
• Processes and audits benefits enrollment and changes for new hires, qualifying life events, open enrollment, leave status changes, and separations to ensure accuracy across HR, payroll, and vendor systems.
• Coordinates with benefits vendors and third-party administrators to transmit enrollment files, reconcile discrepancies, resolve coverage issues, and support issue escalation and resolution.
• Provides guidance and support related to employee leave status and benefits impacts, including coordination of benefits premium payments during leave without pay and ensuring appropriate continuation or termination of coverage.
• Maintains required documentation and ensures compliance with ACA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements.
• During peak operational periods—such as high-volume leave seasons, annual contract distribution, open enrollment, fiscal year-end processing, and other Benefits and Compensation peak cycles—supports department-wide priorities in an all-hands-on-deck capacity to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant service delivery.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources related field or equivalent training and experience.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in benefits administration, compensation administration, human resources, or related HR functions.
• Knowledge of benefits programs including medical, life insurance, disability, and supplemental benefits.
• Proficiency with HRIS and benefits enrollment systems.
• Strong understanding of federal and state regulations, including COBRA and HIPAA.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an online application. Please access the website at: www.rvaschools.net 

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript, and license if applicable.

Three reference names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment.  EOE.