Benefits Program Manager

Job Summary

As a member of the HR management team, this position performs highly independent, professional, managerial duties leading the county’s employee benefits program, including legal compliance, daily operations, vendor relations, employee benefits onboarding and offboarding, enrollment/systems/forms process, and employee interactions and communication. Daily work includes oversight of protocols, programs, procedures, and policy; including researching, recommending, and implementing enhancements and/or changes based on a total rewards philosophy, employee preferences, system capabilities, program cost/benefit, competitive needs, and strategic direction. Incumbent oversees, supervises, and directs the work of staff assigned in the implementation of employee benefits while providing consultation and guidance to employees and retirees and ensures leaves of absence benefits are properly administered.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Responsible for the design, development, implementation, and administration of a comprehensive employee benefits program in accordance with county policy, applicable labor contracts, federal and state laws and regulations, county strategies, and to address employee needs.  

• Manages benefits programs and processes. Leads staff for assigned areas. Oversees, supervises, delegates, and coordinates the work of other employees; hires, promotes, mentors, and trains employees. Makes work assignments, directs work, evaluates performance, rewards, and disciplines.

• Drafts, interprets, and administers policy/procedure, labor contract provisions, benefit agreements and plan documents, and implements process to support it. Designs and oversees implementation of the Employee Benefit Hub. Provides technical assistance and advice on the application of rules and regulations and practices.

• Serves as a subject matter expert on employee benefits and HR process issues. Guides staff through changes in benefits laws, processes, services, or programs. Ensures connectivity between benefits, leaves of absence, and payroll processes on an on-going basis. 

• Represents the department on assigned boards and committees. Conducts research and analysis and prepares recommendations for the Director on designated issues and problems affecting the organization as requested.

•  Operates as a member of the Employee Relations Management Team; participates in and contributes to the development of departmental goals, objectives, and strategic plans and helps outline criteria, standards, and action for achievement.

• Evaluates and manages relationships with vendors, consultants, and third-party administrators to ensure efficient benefits administration.

•  Manages annual renewal and open enrollment processes of health, dental, life, LTD, and STD insurance and other optional benefit programs. Develops and evaluates Request for Proposal (RFPs) for plan design and purchase of employee and retiree benefit programs. Reviews, creates, and updates summary plan descriptions, benefit contracts, and applicable policies to ensure accuracy of administration in plan documents.

•  Manages open enrollment process by creating and implementing a project plan, delegating tasks, and creating open enrollment documentation and employee communication materials. Conducts employee benefit informational meetings. Works with HRIS manager to make changes and ensures accuracy of changes made.

•  Maintains benefits records and prepares regular reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and determining trends. Assures data privacy and proper data retention of sensitive and private health information of employees.

•  Leads and manages activities of the Employee Insurance Committee facilitating a labor/management committee for advising on benefit program topics and through benefits utilization analysis, make recommendations for employee focused well-being programming. Works closely with benefit consultants on preparation for special projects and Steering Committee discussions. 

• Provides labor negotiators with scenarios, options, and impacts regarding benefits. Assists with contract language related to benefits.   

• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in a directly related field

• Five years of experience with benefits administration, leaves administration, and human resources programs, including one year as a supervisor.

• The incumbent shall provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Experience administering a self-insured benefits program and CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) or similar designation.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Assistant Employee Relations Director. Work is performed in accordance with county policies, union contract provisions, and applicable federal and state laws. The employee exercises great latitude related to work performed, using independent judgment in choosing priorities and program needs. Supervisory consultation on difficult or unusual problems is available if and as needed. Work is reviewed for accuracy and quality through observation, inspection of products developed, conferences, and objectives achieved.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of principles and practices of professional human resources, employee benefits, and leaves management.  

Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations for benefits, leaves of absence, and general human resources program management.

Knowledge of training needs assessment and individual development planning. 

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts. 

Abilities – Ability to plan and deliver employee benefits programming and a variety of HR program processes and to assess program needs and priorities.  

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, employees, job applicants, vendors, program partners, and the public.

 Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, in group settings, and with individuals at all levels within and outside of the county. 

Ability to manage various programs and activities simultaneously. 

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion. 

Ability to use MS Office products and a variety of HRIS software for the performance of essential duties.

 Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.