Benefits Administrator

Salary:

$29.61 - $42.62 per hour (Exempt)

Job Type:

Full Time (Exempt)

Shift:

Standard business hours, Monday through Friday. OT and irregular hours, as required.

Recruitment Period:

Open Until Filled Job Description Education and Experience:

High School diploma required, with a minimum of three years of related employee benefits administration experience. Bachelor's degree preferred or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess a valid state driver's license and satisfactory motor vehicle record.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of comprehensive employee benefits programs, benefits contract language, principles and practices of employee benefits administration, and applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations. Knowledge of modern policies and practices of public personnel administration. Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft Office productivity software applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and experience with benefits databases.

Skills:

Skill in record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques and in producing documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar. Skill in interpreting a variety of computer generated reports. Ability to maintain highly confidential and sensitive information and to work effectively in a team environment, cross-train with and support or fill in for other team members. Ability to communicate orally with customers, clients, or public in face-to-face, one-on-one or group settings, and by using the telephone; giving effective large group presentations. Ability to explain complex programs in simple, non-technical language, to use tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Ability to analyze and resolve administrative situations and problems, and to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to organize work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction and to effectively interact with employees, City officials, labor unions, and vendors. Ability to perform mathematical calculations in computing rates, premiums, and adjustments, to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to work deadlines, and beginning and ending assignments on time and to integrate and interpret data from various sources.

Essential Functions:

Administers and maintains various group benefit programs (health, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, wellness, etc.); provides customer service support to internal and external customers; serves as the primary contact for employee benefit inquiries. Assists employees with benefit claim issues, life event changes and plan changes; ensures quick, equitable and courteous resolutions. Maintains contact in person, and by phone or mail with hospitals, physicians, insurance companies, employees, and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees. Administers the employee Wellness Program, monitors participation and takes full ownership of event logistics, timetables, communications and other deliverables; coordinates on-site workshops, flu shots and other wellness related services. Oversees the open enrollment processes including the coordination and distribution of materials, facilitation of presentations, and arrangements of on-site representation by providers; ensures changes are made to all benefit materials, deadlines are met, etc. Develops communication tools to enhance understanding of the City's benefits package; communicates important need to know information using appropriate mediums such as newsletters, email, memos and flyers; maintains and updates benefit summary document used in orientation and recruiting; interprets insurance carrier contracts. Organizes and conducts orientation meetings for new employees involving the detailed explanation of benefits and the completion of required paperwork. Drafts correspondence to employees, dependents, retirees, providers, and carriers; assists employees, dependents, and retirees in the completion of various benefit forms. Organizes and facilitates employee health benefit committee charged with researching and recommending health benefits. Serves as primary contact for consultants, plan vendors and third-party administrators; coordinates transfer of data to external contacts for services, premiums and plan administration, resolves conflicts with benefit providers for the purpose of verifying eligibility, conveying information and processing claims. Ensures compliance with applicable government regulations and works with the Finance Department to ensure timeliness and accuracy of required reporting and fees. Processes enrollments, terminations, changes, beneficiaries, accident and death claims, etc.; oversees maintenance of employee benefits files, maintains group benefits database, updates employee payroll records and reviews and balances payroll reports for accuracy of employee deductions. Coordinates day to day administration associated with the City's employee assistance program. Reviews utilization reports and schedules training sessions. Maintains plan documents, summary plan descriptions, vendor agreements, contract and other documents related to plan administration. Analyzes existing benefit policies and prevailing practices among other organizations; evaluates services, coverage, and options available through insurance companies to determine programs that best meet the needs of the City. Investigates new benefits programs and monitors regulatory compliance with benefit related state and federal laws, as well as provides analytical and technical support in the delivery of the benefit programs. Serves as staff support for various special projects, and/or events; performs other related work as required. Performs other related work as required.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

While performing the duties of this job the employee must frequently sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. Uses hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms; lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lb.). The incumbent must also stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color and distance vision. Mental/visual capabilities are required due to sustained periods of concentration, working under pressure of deadlines, and continual interruptions in concentration from employees requiring assistance. Maintaining regular, predictable and punctual attendance.

Working Conditions:

Work is normally performed in an office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like. Other duties performed in off-site locations may include exposures to dirt and dust and/or disagreeable sights and odors.

Additional Information:

Selected applicant must pass a background investigation and a drug screen. Human Resources