Health Benefits Program Manager (Asst HR Administrator), Human Resources

Howard County

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland.

NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

Howard County Government is seeking an experienced Benefits Manager to lead the County's health insurance and wellness benefits program which covers approximately 4500 employees.

This is a highly visible position in the County and plays a critical role in delivering a comprehensive benefit program that serves both the employee and retiree populations in a competitive and cost-effective manner.

This position leads and directs the daily management and administration of the benefits program to include health insurance plans for active employees and retirees, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, leave of absence management, and other ancillary benefit programs.  The Benefits Manager also serves as the point of contact for the 457(b) deferred compensation retirement program.

Applicants are highly encouraged to attach a work sample of open enrollment communication material or an open enrollment strategic plan they have written to their application.Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Responsible for managing the County's Health and Benefits unit including all medical and group benefit plans, COBRA, FMLA/ADA, return to work reviews, short- and long-term disability programs, and Wellness program.

Coordinates and directs the Office of Human Resources' activities in support of all health and wellness benefit plans covering active and retired employees.

Serves as the point of contact for the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program.  Assists with plan communication, legal compliance, Request For Proposal (RFP) processes, and other activities to support employee participation and program success.

Manages the competitive bidding and proposal process for health and wellness benefit plans. Serves on RFP evaluation committees for benefit plan proposals.  Manages all benefit vendor relationships to ensure successful and efficient execution of all health and wellness benefit plans.

Conducts in depth research in development of County-wide policies regarding benefits administration.  Ensures health and wellness plans are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Works closely with outside consultants on annual benefit plan renewals, and plan design changes/recommendation as appropriate.  Analyzes data, resolves issues, presents information and recommendations to the Human Resources Administrator, appointed officials, and other leaders.

Performs complex assignments in functional program areas.  Also provides advice and guidance to the County's allied agencies on matters regarding benefit plan administration.

Designs and delivers robust onboarding and open enrollment programs which are clear, and audience-focused by providing new employee orientation in-person or through a virtual platform when required; providing open enrollment information via electronic communications, written communications and benefit fairs.

Works collaboratively with department managers, coworkers and other units to ensure needs are well understood, and is responsive to workforce concerns.

Supervises and guides the work of the unit and resolves complex technical matters. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; recommending rewards and discipline; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years related experience and an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

CEBS or other benefits plan certifications.

Must be a self-starter with a strong work ethic.

Possess strong analytical, writing and presentation skills.  Conducts research of best practices, articulates well supportive recommendations.

Seven (7) to nine (9) years of experience in the following is highly desirable:
1.Experience developing, managing and administering Health and Benefits programs  for large government or corporate environment. 
2.Strong experience with medical plans in fully insured and self-insured settings, including 

    understanding of premium rates, stop loss programs, etc.
3.Experience in developing wellness programs with performance metrics.
4.Strong understanding and experience of benefit regulations including ACA, COBRA,

FMLA, 457 Plans.  
5.Experience reviewing and managing return to work programs, short- and long-term 

    disability.
6.Strong demonstrated ability to provide oversight of performance standards in vendor 

    contract to ensure accountability, accurate reporting of data, and strong client services.

7.Strong experience with ERP or other online HRIS or other automated online enrollment of 

   benefits.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit.

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to drive. The employee will occasionally lift up to 50 pounds as needed and may push, pull, or lift tables, boxes, etc. to set up booths, tables, etc. at benefits related venues.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.