THE POSITION
The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a key Human Resources Analyst to join our team. The ideal candidate will be innovative creative-thinker and an experienced human resources professional who possesses knowledge of principles and practices of benefits management and administration.
The Benefits Analyst is responsible for: planning, analysis, implementation, communication, and administration of the City's benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, EAP, COBRA, FSAs (medical / dependent care), life insurance, AD&D, disability insurance (long- and short-term), SDI, deferred compensation 457 plans, and annuities; HIPPA and Affordable Care Act compliance; conducting the annual Open Enrollment; making presentations to Benefits Committee, employees, retirees, and City Council; writing Council Agenda Reports regarding benefit programs; updating benefit programs/policies as needed; helping to negotiate consultant and insurance contracts; working with consultants, plan administrators, and providers to resolve issues; and advising employees and management about their rights and responsibilities related to a wide variety of interacting leave of absence and disability laws, policies, and programs including those related to the FMLA/CFRA and the ADA.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Communication: The Benefits Analyst will develop and deliver effective written and verbal communications regarding programs, changes and/or updates; maintain and update benefit information on the City's Intranet; work with Information Technology staff to update and coordinate benefit enrollment data with the City's HRIS system and compile reports from database as needed; gather and analyze data; prepare reports and make recommendations to either modify or create City policies and procedures; respond to and provide guidance on sensitive/confidential human resources issues; interpret human resources policies and procedures; and perform additional duties and special projects in order to achieve HR and organizational objectives.
Customer Service: Exercise sound judgment and exhibit a customer-focused approach, including the ability to be flexible and creative in helping City departments meet their community service goals; respond to requests for information and assistance in a timely manner; develop and maintain effective business relationships with a variety of individuals including managers and supervisors, employees, retirees, staff, consultants and vendors to assure quality service and administration of all programs and services; counsel employees and supervisors regarding their rights and responsibilities.
Education/Licenses: Requires a Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field; certification in Human Resources or Employee Benefits is desirable. Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid California driver's license by the time of appointment.
Experience: Placement as an Analyst II requires significant progressively responsible human resources experience, including a minimum of two years at the professional, supervisory, and/or management level. Like experience at a similar public agency is desirable. Appointment to the Analyst I level may be may be considered for a promising candidate with relevant progressively responsible human resources experience indicating a likelihood of success, such as one year of experience at the professional level.
Requires knowledge of: Principles and practices related to the management and administration of employee benefit programs; all current federal, state and local employment-related laws, codes and regulations, including those specifically related to the public sector (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, COBRA, ACA, etc.); research and analysis methods and techniques, English usage and grammar; basic math, including statistics; and the use of computer programs including the Microsoft Office suite.
Requires the ability to: Perform a variety of professional, technical and analytical human resources functions; work independently on a variety of simultaneous projects and schedule workload to meet deadlines; gather, organize and analyze narrative and statistical data to draw conclusions and make recommendations; develop and write operational reports, policies, and procedures; understand, interpret, and apply provisions of applicable laws, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and memoranda of understanding; speak clearly and effectively with individuals or groups; prepare a wide variety of professional written materials; listen to obtain complete and accurate information; represent Human Resources and the City with tact and diplomacy; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; maintain the integrity of confidential information, employee files, and other related information; and operate a personal computer/computer programs to produce correspondence, documentation, spreadsheets, and other materials. This individual must be a self-starter with attention to detail and a proven ability to solve problems.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be rejected if incomplete. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may consist of a written exam, writing exercise, and/or oral examination. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment. Disabled individuals who require accommodation during the application and/or hiring process should notify Human Resources.
FILING DEADLINE
City applications and supplemental questionnaires are being accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Application materials must clearly show that the employment standards listed on this bulletin are satisfied.
For more information or to submit an application, please visit the City of Santa Barbara website.