Benefits Specialist
Posting Title: Benefits Specialist
Job Requisition Number: COA086691
Position Number: 105083
Job Type: Full-Time
Division Name: Human Resources Employee Benef
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation with an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a related field, plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to Benefits.
- Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of two (2) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
None.
Notes to Applicants: The Human Resources Department works to position the City of Austin as an employer of choice through balanced, efficient and collaborative strategic partnerships. We support and develop a high performing and diverse workforce that fosters a healthy, safe, respectful and productive work environment for employees and their families, City departments and the community.
The Benefits Specialist position will be responsible for processing employee/retiree benefit enrollment forms, key benefit elections into payroll system, bill employees on Leave of Absence for benefit premiums owed, process Attorney General medical support orders, conduct benefits orientation and sign up, produce and work eligibility reports, provide customer service to employees/retirees with benefits related questions or issues, provides back-up support to the front desk Receptionist, and other job duties as assigned.
When completing the City of Austin employment application:
The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history.
- Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
- A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates.
Travel:
If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
If you are selected as a top candidate:
- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
- And are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
An assessment(s) may be administered as part of the interview process.
Pay Range: $24.10 – $30.72
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Job Close Date: 08/12/2022
Location: 505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 600, Austin, TX 78704
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience administering public sector benefits, such as medical, dental, and vision to employees/retirees.
- Experience assisting employees/retirees with benefit questions, enrolling in benefits, and QLE changes.
- Experience in benefits data entry and use of Automated HRIS Systems.
- Experience working with third-party vendors with eligibility issues and the administration of public sector benefits.
- Experience conducting benefits orientation and benefits sign up.
- Experience with Open Enrollment, such as conducting presentations, assisting employees/retirees with benefits changes, reviewing and producing Open Enrollment materials.
- Experience in providing front desk coverage.
- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Programs: Excel, Word, Publisher, and Power Point.
- Experience in working in a fast paced, deadline drive environment.
- Spanish speaking preferred.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Implements, administers, and evaluates benefits programs designed by the Human Resources Department (HRD).
- Develops benefits systems, procedures, and processes for the implementation of City or department HR benefits programs, policies, or strategies.
- Provides advice and counsel to management and other employee groups related to the communication, interpretation, and implementation of City Benefits Policies and other benefits-related laws and regulations.
- Assists in solving benefits problems, then monitors implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
- Coordinates the resolution of benefits issues with third-party administrators and other City of Austin vendors.
- Provides advice for benefits-related decisions.
- Assists in the analysis of morale indicators such as but not limited to surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents benefits recommendations for corrective action when needed.
- Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other team members.
- When necessary, prepares, reviews, maintains, and approves financial transactions and/or information for routine and non-routine accounts payable, cash receipts, billing, or other handlings by verifying documentation from multiple sources.
Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of assigned areas within Benefits.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing benefits activities.
- Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling hostile conflicts and uncertain situations.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in the area of benefits.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Criminal Background Investigation: This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation.