Assistant Benefits Manager, Human Resources

Summary

• Supervises the daily operations of the Human Resources functions and activities in the Payroll and Benefits Service Center (PBSC).

• Coordinates these responsibilities with County Payroll (PBSC-Auditor's Office).

• Ensures the prompt and courteous delivery of PBSC services.

• Handles complex claims and sensitive service issues.

• Ensures that employee/retiree master data and benefits enrollment transactions comply with County policy and procedures, applicable state and federal regulations, and benefit plan (healthcare and retirement) enrollment eligibility provisions.

• Identifies any system problems or workflow procedures that cause disconnects in data integrity or customer service proficiency and works with the Benefits Manager, Payroll staff, and the Core Competency Center (CCC Unit - IT Department) to arrive at a resolution of any problems.

• Serves in a policy development capacity, providing and coordinating training as needed.

Posting may close at any time.

Tarrant County employees enjoy superior health, retirement, and insurance benefits.

For more information, please click on the link below:

http://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/human-resources/employee-benefits.html

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1.Supervises the Human Resources (HR) functions in PBSC including customer service activities, data entry for processing employee/retiree master data and benefits enrollment information, and HRIS and file room maintenance. Performs supervisory duties and coordinates with Payroll.

2.Develops workflow policies and procedures for entry and maintenance of accurate and secure master data information and system control. Monitors and reviews the audits performed by the Benefits Coordinator and Benefits Analyst. Confirms ongoing application of established proficiency standards for data quality and accuracy.

3.Serves as the subject matter expert and primary liaison for the IT CCC Unit in clarifying and interpreting program specifications with business analysts and programmers regarding employee/retiree HR master data and benefits enrollment information. Works directly with the CCC Unit and Payroll to identify, test, and update changes to the County's HRIS program (SAP configuration changes, etc.) and respective interface files (PEBC, TCDRS, etc.). Writes scripts and tests upgrades in the system to review the impact of updated information on integrated programs.

4.Assists the Benefits Manager with the development and dissemination of correspondence and policies related to benefits including the PEBC programs, the EAP, and the retirement and deferred compensation plans. May review contracts and plan documents and prepare court communications; enrollment correspondence; and letters and memos to vendors, providers, departments, employees, and retirees.

5.Assists with activities surrounding the County's annual enrollment of healthcare benefits (PEBC programs). Works directly with the Benefits Manager and the PEBC to ensure that plan changes, eligibility processes, and communication materials are updated properly and distributed accurately and timely to employees and retirees.

6.Works with the Benefits Manager and the CCC Unit to update the annual enrollment eligibility file for the PEBC programs. Ensures the submission of the electronic interface file to PEBC after annual enrollment and subsequent to appropriate data integrity validation.

7.Monitors the completion and appropriate submission of the weekly and biweekly PEBC interface files (Bridge 1 & Bridge 3) as well as the monthly report to TCDRS. Completes the submission of these interface files and report on an as needed basis.

8.Monitors leave of absence master data including FML, military leave, and workers compensation as it relates to payroll and benefits enrollment. Counsels employees and department representatives on these matters. Ensures appropriate actions and notices on any disability and/or out-of-pay cases - premium collection, coverage terminations, disability applications, etc.

9.Handles complex benefit-related matters including researching and resolving claims or service issues, facilitating employee appeals, and handling special requests.

10.Coordinates activities surrounding the County's retirement (TCDRS) and deferred compensation program including conducting annual retirement seminars and participating in various educational and training events regarding the TCDRS benefit and deferred compensation program.

11.Assists current and former employees with retirement benefits. Explains options and counsels employees on pay out provisions. Processes new enrollments, changes, retirements, withdrawal applications, and pay off requests, as needed.

12.Counsels departments and employees and their families on benefit programs related to EAP services and death and disability programs. Supervises the death and disability claim filing activity and informs the Benefits Manager of any unusual or sensitive cases.

13.Attends meetings and participates in various discussion groups and training events regarding benefits and payroll processes. This activity includes participating in new employee orientation sessions as needed, conducting County-wide meetings as needed.

Presents information explaining County policy, benefit programs (PEBC, TCDRS, 457 Plans, etc.) and web services (e.g. ESS Benefits Enrollment Service), etc.

14.Runs ad-hoc reports or queries as needed to review data and/or to send various communications to various parties including employees, former employees, retirees, department representatives, vendors, etc.

15.Reviews records involving retroactive adjustments and confirms appropriate resolution of any errors involving master data and pay deductions. Coordinates this activity with the Benefits Coordinator and the Benefits Analyst and Payroll.

16.Supervises the approval of qualified mid-year benefit election changes, the verification of name changes with SSA, and dependent eligibility validation. Approves unusual cases involving benefits enrollment eligibility and life/work family status changes.

17.Processes open record requests for master data and employment information.

18.Supervises the COBRA notification process and reviews system reports regarding COBRA triggering events.

19.Audits and monitors the information submitted to the Commissioners Court on weekly Personnel Agendas.

20.Applies HIPAA-compliant best practices at all times, and performs all other related duties involved in the operation of the PBSC as assigned or required, including but not limited to, serving as back-up for the Benefits Manager as needed.

Minimum Requirements

NOTE:YOU MUST FILL OUT THE WORK HISTORY and EDUCATION SECTIONS OF APPLICATION TO SHOW YOU HAVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION AS REQUIRED BY HIRING DEPARTMENT OR BE DISQUALIFIED

TO APPLY, must have a Bachelor's degree or higher+ Three(3) full-time years' experiencein employee and retiree benefits administration. Two (2) full-time years of managerial or supervisory experience preferred.

TO APPLY, must possess a valid and current Texas driver's license. Note: A Texas driver license is required to hold the position.

Experience working with an employee benefits service center (including payroll) or similar functional service area preferred.

Background in healthcare claims administration preferred.

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation preferred.

Broad knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding payroll and human resources functions including retirement plans and healthcare benefit programs.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Advanced analytical skills.

Advanced PC skills including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and database software.

Good organizational skills with the ability to prioritize varying duties.

Proficiency in using a large integrated Human Resources Information System preferred (SAP preferred).

If hired, must provide proof of educational attainment

at New Hire Processing or during the promotional process.

Tarrant County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

Physical Demands and Work Environment & Other Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, stand, lift, squat, walk and bend. This position involves heavy telephone usage.