Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (The statements listed below describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.)
Monitor the benefits budget and assist with annual budget updates to ensure financial accuracy and resource allocation.
Advise and inform employees about the agency’s benefit and leave programs, working closely with benefit providers to assist employees in navigating their options, resolve issues, and ensure accurate service delivery and program compliance.
Develop, maintain, and coordinate the open enrollment schedule with HRIS analysts and HR staff; prepare and distribute related communications and materials to inform employees of changes and processes.
Schedule, coordinate, and reconcile eligibility, enrollment, and re-enrollment processes; ensure authorized payments accurately reflect enrollments.
Maintain accurate employee records related to benefits, leave, wellness programs, and beneficiary designations; prepare necessary correspondence and reports.
Respond to employee and dependent inquiries regarding benefit provisions, enrollments, status changes, and general questions.
Prepare and deliver presentations, including new-hire orientation sessions, to educate employees on benefits and leave programs.
Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, ADEA); interpret requirements to employees and management, and oversee required benefits reporting and compliance documentation, including COBRA notices and related disclosures.
Develop and post benefit and wellness content on the agency intranet to promote awareness and accessibility.
Evaluate agency benefits against external benchmarks to assess competitiveness, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
Collaborate with leadership to identify health and wellness needs, design and implement wellness initiatives, and assess their effectiveness using quantitative and qualitative methods.
Exercise independent judgment within assigned authority; may supervise staff; participate as an active member of the HR team and perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of human resources management and administration, with in-depth knowledge of benefits and leave program administration.
- Contract administration and vendor relationship management practices
- Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing human resources, particularly related to benefits and leave management.
- Report writing techniques to prepare accurate, comprehensive, and detailed reports.
- Computer software programs essential for the role, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).
- Research methods, including data collection and statistical analysis.
Skills in:
- Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, to clearly explain rules, policies, and procedures.
- Evaluating vendor performance, managing service escalations, and supporting procurement processes related to benefits or wellness program offerings.
- Strong analytical abilities to assess data, trends, and program effectiveness.
- Managing a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Presenting ideas clearly, logically, and persuasively to diverse audiences.
- Collaborating successfully with individuals from varied socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, both in person and via telephone.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS tools.
- Demonstrating professionalism, ethical behavior, sound judgment, and maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and deliver effective presentations to employees and agency leadership.