About the Department

Summary Objective
The purpose of this position is responsible for maintaining contacts with personnel of companies  providing comprehensive insurance or benefit related programs to City employees; coordinating  eligibility, enrollment and employee training regarding the plans; monitoring provider performance;  monitoring plan costs in order to quickly identify areas of concern and to recommend appropriate  corrective actions; and recommending changes to assigned areas of responsibility in order to  improve overall effectiveness and efficiency.  Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and  independent  judgment  in developing  improvements  and  administering  assigned  benefit programs.

This class works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational  policies  and  reports  major  activities  to  executive  level  administrators through conferences and reports.

Position Duties

Essential FunctionsThe essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises,  directs,  and  evaluates  assigned  staff,  processing  employee  concerns  and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates,  assigns  and  reviews  work  and  establishes  work  schedules;  maintains standard;  monitors status  of  work  in  progress;  inspects  completed  work  assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Develops specifications for new plans or modifies existing plans to: maintain the City’s competitive position in labor market, and obtain uniform benefit provisions for all employee groups, where possible.
• Evaluates and compares existing City benefits with those of other employers and municipalities through surveys, and other sources of information.
• Plans, develops, and/or  participates  in  area  and  local  municipality  surveys.  Analyzes results of surveys and develops specific recommendations for submission.
• Develops census data and prepares  requests  for  proposals  within  the  purchasing guidelines and regulations for the City. Evaluates proposals and makes recommendations to management based on selection committee review.
• Develops information for new plans and, in collaboration with the actuary, makes recommendations to management concerning sharing of cost between employer and employee. Implements approved new plans and changes by preparing email blasts, notices, booklets, and other media for communicating new plans to employees.
• Conducts employee meetings and plans/implements all phases of the annual benefits openenrollment for employees and retirees. Facilitates the enrollment of newly eligibleemployees in plans.
• Revises and issues communications material on employee benefits as needed.
• Advises and counsels management and employees on employee benefit options.
• Prepares and executes, with appropriate approval, benefit documentation such as original and amended plan documents, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Instructs insurance carriers to effect changes in benefits program.
• Ensures prompt and accurate compliance to changes in laws and City commission directives.
• Assists in development of bargaining proposals for employee benefits and analyzes union benefits demands. Obtains and prepares cost data for City and union proposals and final settlements.
• Consults with legal, to assure compliance with provisions of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act(COBRA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), federal and state laws, and all other regulations impacting benefits.
• Supervises preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with federal and state agencies, such as Internal Revenue Service and other regulatory agencies.
• Reviews and analyzes changes to state and federal laws pertaining to benefits and reports necessary or suggested changes to management.
• Coordinates City benefits with government sponsored programs.
• Facilitates development of benefit information and statistical and census data for actuaries,insurance vendors, and management.
• Handles elevated benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteousresolution. Maintains contact in person, and by phone or mail, insurance companies,employees, and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for allemployees.  Supervises maintenance of benefit records. Supervises maintenance of enrollment andapplication records for all benefit plans.
• Periodically audits the work product of subordinate employees. Coordinates the automation of Section functions.
• Oversees wellness initiatives.
• Develops streamlined process to collect premiums from employees enrolled for benefits while on approved leaves without pay.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Requires a Human Resource Management, Risk Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field.

Requires four years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources, Benefits Administration, Insurance, Finance or closely related field; or possession of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills ,and abilities.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans
• Understanding of applicable laws and regulations (e.g., ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ACA)
• Familiarity with payroll processes and HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP)
• Knowledge of open enrollment procedures and benefits administration practices
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Effective communication skills with the ability to explain benefits clearly
• Strong customer service and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data management tools
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to collaborate with HR, payroll, and external vendors
• Ability to adapt to new systems, policies, and benefits programs
• Ability to train and guide employees on benefits-related matters