Benefits Manager

Description and Essential Functions

To plan, direct, organize, and manage a comprehensive City-wide employee benefit program; manage the maintenance and process of employee records, benefits enrollment and human resources related reports in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS); ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and City policies; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility; and provide highly complex staff assistance to the Human Resources management staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Human Resources Manager. Exercises direct supervision over assigned paraprofessional, technical and/or clerical staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: to plan, direct, organize, and manage a comprehensive City-wide employee benefit program including, but not limited to: group health, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and wellness programs; manage and participate in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Benefits Division; recommend and administer policies and procedures; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; supervise, assign and review the work of assigned staff; review and evaluate employees' work performance and work product; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures as directed; participate in the selection of staff and provide or coordinate staff training in work procedures; coordinate work schedules; ensure City compliance with State and Federal regulations associated with health and welfare benefit programs such as Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), domestic relations orders, and medical child support orders; ensure mandated timeline and notification requirements are met; review current and pending legislation to determine its applicability to the City's employee benefit programs; manage the administration of benefit programs; conduct surveys and perform research to evaluate programs and performance of providers; provide oversight and direction to City staff, Insurance Broker, Insurance Providers and Third Party Administrators; analyze and compare current and potential benefit programs; propose and recommend changes relative to current developments and practices; implement changes to programs; ensure benefit plan documents and contracts contain current language and participates in the negotiation of issues, concerns, and changes; monitor changes and ensures organizational compliance to all Federal, State, and local laws for the City's benefits and CalPERS retirement programs; develops, maintains, and monitors City policies and procedures for assigned programs; participate in budget preparation regarding anticipated insurance and other program costs, equipment and supply requirements; assist in research and preparation for employee negotiations; advise on feasibility of proposed benefit-related negotiation items; oversee staff and participate in implementation of negotiated benefits; plan, coordinate and conduct annual Open Enrollment activities; coordinate the enrollment and orientation of eligible employees in retirement, insurance and other benefit programs as appropriate; supervise and monitor system implementation of annual plan and program changes; monitor payroll and billing reconciliation reports to ensure accuracy and correct discrepancies; coordinate with Information Technology and Finance Department staff in the maintenance of payroll/personnel transactions and system set-up and updates; supervise all personnel transactions entry and HRIS changes as necessary; conduct exit interviews with separating employees; communicate with employees and outside agencies to provide clarification regarding benefit information, contract language and denied/pending claims; assist employees in the resolution of coverage discrepancies; resolve difficult, complex and/or sensitive customer complaints or problems; manage employee communications related to benefits; oversee and conduct, as necessary, communication of benefits to employees and retirees through a variety of methods, such as group presentations, question-and-answer sessions, individual meetings, publications, and electronic media; prepare special insurance reports; evaluate adequacy of current programs and recommends plan design changes or the addition of new plans; analyze bids for employee group health benefits and participate in recommending the selection of insurance brokers and carriers; provide responsible staff assistance to the Human Resources management team; conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to benefits programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; serve as the liaison for the Benefits Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of benefits administration; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: four years of professional human resources experience to include experience administering a variety of employee benefits programs and HRIS in a public sector environment; one year of lead or supervisory responsibility and training equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field. License or Certificate:Possession of a valid California driver's license at time of appointment or the ability to arrange for transportation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: a wide variety of employee benefit plan designs including, but not limited to, cafeteria plans and pension, health, disability and dental programs; Federal and state laws, City policies and procedural requirements relating to benefits administration; principles and practices of employee benefit program and general personnel administration; public agency benefits administration principles, practices and standards; principles and practices of administering a complex HRIS software system; procedures and practices of processing personnel transactions; City governmental organization, functions, and management; current issues and applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations related to employee benefits and CalPERS retirement (e.g. COBRA, HIPPA, IRC Section 125 and Section 415); current court decisions related to employee benefits and CalPERS retirement; principles and practices of program development and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; principles and practices of conflict resolution; business mathematics; computerized data entry and retrieval systems used in tracking benefits utilization; principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment. Ability to: oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive benefits program; effectively analyze and interpret complex legislation in order to develop operational responses; evaluate and improve employee benefit program administration and analyze fiscal aspects of recommended alternatives; analyze and calculate numerical data; participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures; plan, assign, direct and supervise the work of subordinates; select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned staff; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

On a continuous basis walk, stand, bend, crouch or stoop, sit for varying periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment or materials at shoulder or higher level; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; lift or carry books or files weighing ten pounds or less. See in the normal vision range with or without correction; see and read characters on a computer screen; hear in-person or telephone conversation in the normal range with or without correction.

Work is performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise level. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person, telephone and email inquiries.

Additional Information

Recruitment No. 24340407

To be considered, applicants must submit a City Application by 12:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail.

Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each evaluation step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. The examination materials (e.g. written test materials) for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review.

Note: The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.