Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Karen Johnson

Sacramento,CA

Summary

Self-motivated Benefits and Leave Specialist with over eleven years working in the field of education. A proven track record in employee relations through support and education of the benefit process. This coupled with strong analytical problem-solving skills I have successfully streamlined online benefit enrollment processes, improving accuracy and employee satisfaction while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Management of all insurance carrier billing, reconciliations and invoicing. Committed to providing a workplace where employees can not only succeed, but thrive.




Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Benefits Specialist

Elk Grove Unified School District
05.2022 - Current
  • Increased efficiency in the benefits enrollment process of over 6,000 employees by improving online enrollment system.
  • Assisted in the preparation of annual open enrollment communications, ensuring clear messaging and timely distribution to all eligible employees.
  • Supported New Hires through comprehensive online enrollment training focusing on available benefit offerings to ensure informed decision making.
  • Reconciled monthly billing statements from insurance carriers, for over 6,000 members resolving discrepancies promptly to maintain accurate financial records.
  • Invoiced over 15 Insurance providers monthly.
  • Managed vendor relationships effectively, resulting in improved service levels and cost control measures.
  • Streamlined departmental organization by maintaining detailed and accurate benefit records.
  • Collaborated with HR team members to ensure seamless integration of benefits administration within overall HR strategy.
  • Observed strict procedures to maintain data and plan participant confidentiality.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction providing excellent customer service.
  • Monitored monthly benefit calculation report for payroll processing for over 6,000 employees..
  • Served as a reliable resource for employees, addressing their benefits-related inquiries with timely and accurate information by telephone, email and in-person interactions,
  • Participated in the evaluation of potential new vendors or services, carefully assessing quality of service and alignment with company needs.
  • Assisted retired employees in navigating current, future medical, dental, vision, and life insurance needs.
  • Guided employees through leave of absence process and leave benefit options.
  • Maintained ACA enrollment for eligible employees.

Middle School Secretary

Elk Grove Unified School District
11.2020 - 05.2022
  • Exercised judgment within school policy guidelines to best serve families and students.
  • Managed calendars to strategically coordinate meetings.
  • Managed phone and email correspondence with staff and community.
  • Communicated with community members to assess concerns or current issues and identify corrective measures.
  • Developed strong relationships with management team and peers with active engagement, exemplary communication and consistent issue resolution.
  • Liaised between District Office, School Site, Teachers, and families to ensure consistent line of communication.

Site Controller

Elk Grove Unified School District
01.2016 - 11.2020
  • Complied with all district policies and performed bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, billing, collections, balance records, vendor payments and profit and loss statements for site.
  • Created and distributed reports on internal and external finances, audits and budgets, and instituted financial protocols.
  • Worked with Purchasing, Budget, Accounting, Payroll, Fiscal Compliance, and Technology Services to meet needs of site.
  • Collaborated with Middle School and High School Site Controllers to improve efficiency and accuracy of Site Controller position.
  • Responsible for submitting and managing all site purchasing needs.
  • Administered and managed Department and Administration yearly budgets.

Student Store Technician

Elk Grove Unified School District
08.2014 - 01.2016
  • Oversaw daily store operations,
  • Responsible for training of over 100 students and volunteers.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
  • Monitored store for safety and good behavior, offering students positive reinforcement to maintain discipline.
  • Monitored student progress to provide feedback on training and guidance on areas requiring improvement.
  • Encouraged critical thinking and problem solving skills to enable students to step out of comfort zone.
  • Promoted positive and productive learning environment to increase engagement and rapport with students and parent volunteers.
  • Efficiently organized and managed student events.
  • Prepared daily bank deposits and closeout reports.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
05.2001

Skills

  • Management of self-insured medical benefits
  • New hire orientation sessions
  • Open enrollment education
  • Benefit carrier invoicing and reconciliation
  • Management of employee leave programs
  • Retirement plan administration
  • Payroll benefits reporting
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Analytical problem-solving
  • Detailed record management
  • Understanding educational systems
  • Upholding professional discretion
  • Deadline management
  • Effective employee engagement
  • Workflow optimization
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Strong organizational abilities
  • Project execution management
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Teams), Zoom

Timeline

Benefits Specialist

Elk Grove Unified School District
05.2022 - Current

Middle School Secretary

Elk Grove Unified School District
11.2020 - 05.2022

Site Controller

Elk Grove Unified School District
01.2016 - 11.2020

Student Store Technician

Elk Grove Unified School District
08.2014 - 01.2016

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

California State University Sacramento

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