Human Resources Senior Benefits Specialist

Position Description

The HR Senior Benefits Specialist leads large benefit initiatives such as open enrollment and the request for proposal (RFP) process for the Benefits Department. The job is responsible for regulatory compliance reporting, including the Affordable Care Act. The Specialist is also responsible for the Benefits portion of new employee orientation.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as Project lead for the Open Enrollment process.
• Lead the Requests for Proposal (RFP) for Benefits vendors.
• Manage 1094 and 1095 reporting as required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Lead the Affordable Care Act (ACA) annual lookback process to determine if employees worked enough hours to be eligible for health insurance under the ACA.
• Lead new hire benefit orientations and onboarding for all employees.
• Manage annual flexible spending account forfeiture process.
• Serve as the Sick Leave Donation Program Coordinator.
• Process disability and life insurance claims.
• Train new Benefits Department staff when necessary.
• Back-up quality owner for the City’s website.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Administration, Business Administration, Communications, Psychology, or closely related field.

Minimum Experience

5 years of experience performing all aspects of benefits administration in a union environment.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining agreement. For more information on the terms and conditions of employment please see the Civil Service Rules .

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two (2) months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Deep knowledge of benefit rules and regulations
• Strong public speaking skills
• Strong written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to have difficult conversations
• Ability to problem solve and work toward a solution

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose—serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.