JOB SUMMARY:

The purpose of this job is to plan, design, and administer benefits for the County. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, supervising assigned staff; developing, implementing, and monitoring budgets, programs, policies, and procedures; analyzing benefits and research; preparing and presenting findings, recommendations, and reports; performing additional tasks as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administers and evaluates benefits plans for employees and retirees, leads the process of the comparison and selection of benefits providers; prepares benefits communications; coordinates enrollment process with vendors; audits retirement/pension calculation; reviews eligibility; and ensures compliance with state and federal laws related to benefits compliance. 

Oversees the open enrollment process and participates as needed.

Administers the insurance programs including evaluating and analyzing the programs and contracts, instructing, counseling, educating and assisting employees and new hires regarding use, problems, changes and enrollments. Ensures compliance with contract provisions and federal regulations.

Evaluates, analyzes, reviews and audits all aspects of employee benefits programs and insurance; assures the programs remain cost-effective while balancing the needs of the employee population and management.

Administers benefits renewal, analyzing benefits renewal information, such as rates and activity, to make recommendations regarding changes or enhancements; monitors monthly healthcare reports and loss ratios.

Develops and recommends new and existing plans for employee benefits while controlling benefit costs.

Reviews and analyzes invoices after processing by the Benefits Specialist; approves all insurance invoices for payment.

Responsible for oversight of the administration and compliance with COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, ACA, and other relevant Federal Labor Laws. 

Monitors compliance with policies and regulations. Interprets and makes recommendations for changes to policies, plans and programs for all employee benefit programs.

Gathers information/data to support periodic and special reports documenting activities for the area of responsibility.

Works with insurance broker to support effective administration of employee benefits programs.

Works with vendors to resolve issues in a timely manner.

Manages and introduces ideas for employee benefit communication, training, vendor lunch and learns, etc.

Manages wellness initiatives and programs working with internal staff, vendors, and broker. 

Communicates with vendors on a regular basis to include quarterly meetings.

Monitors benefit costs on a regular basis providing analysis, problem resolution, and recommendations for change.

Supervises and evaluates assigned staff, handling all employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and completing employee performance appraisals.

Manages, coordinates, and directs the day-to-day activities of personnel assigned to administer benefits and wellness services to employees. 

Must work cooperatively with others.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration, Human Resources Management, or related field with three years experience in benefits administration;

One year required, two or more preferred, in supervisory experience.

Experience with managing annual insurance renewals and financial management preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Human Resources Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Benefits Manager.

Knowledge of management, operations and functions of the department, organizational structure, government practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize computers.

Skill in the use of computer software packages as necessary to perform management analysis, reporting and graphic tasks.

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Knowledge of the terminology used within the department. 

Ability to communicate and interact effectively with supervisors, management, other staff members, elected officials, and personnel at all levels of government.

Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations using statistical data.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing);operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours. 

Sensory Requirements: Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.