JOB
Howard County Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.Howard County GovernmentHoward County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking. What are we looking for? Howard County Government is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to lead the County’s health insurance and wellness benefits program which covers approximately 4500 employees.This is a highly visible position in the County and plays a critical role in delivering a comprehensive benefit program that serves both the employee and retiree populations in a competitive and cost-effective manner.This position leads and directs the daily management and administration of the benefits program to include health insurance plans for active employees and retirees, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, leave of absence management, and other ancillary benefit programs. The Benefits Manager also serves as the point of contact for the 457(b) deferred compensation retirement program.Applicants are highly encouraged to attach a work sample of open enrollment communication material or an open enrollment strategic plan they have written to their application.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Responsible for managing the County’s Health and Benefits unit including all medical and group benefit plans, COBRA, FMLA/ADA, return to work reviews, short- and long-term disability programs, and Wellness program. Coordinates and directs the Office of Human Resources' activities in support of all health and wellness benefit plans covering active and retired employees.Serves as the point of contact for the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program. Assists with plan communication, legal compliance, Request For Proposal (RFP) processes, and other activities to support employee participation and program success. Manages the competitive bidding and proposal process for health and wellness benefit plans. Serves on RFP evaluation committees for benefit plan proposals. Manages all benefit vendor relationships to ensure successful and efficient execution of all health and wellness benefit plans. Conducts in depth research in development of County-wide policies regarding benefits administration. Ensures health and wellness plans are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Works closely with outside consultants on annual benefit plan renewals, and plan design changes/recommendation as appropriate. Analyzes data, resolves issues, presents information and recommendations to the Human Resources Administrator, appointed officials, and other leaders.Performs complex assignments in functional program areas. Also provides advice and guidance to the County's allied agencies on matters regarding benefit plan administration. Designs and delivers robust onboarding and open enrollment programs which are clear, and audience-focused by providing new employee orientation in-person or through a virtual platform when required; providing open enrollment information via electronic communications, written communications and benefit fairs. Works collaboratively with department managers, coworkers and other units to ensure needs are well understood, and is responsive to workforce concerns.Supervises and guides the work of the unit and resolves complex technical matters. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; recommending rewards and discipline; addressing complaints and resolving problems.