Under administrative direction, performs a variety of responsible and complex duties in support of the daily operations of the Human Resources & Risk Management Department; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, outside agencies, and the public; coordinates the administration of the City’s benefit programs for both active and retired employees; and performs a variety of special projects as assigned
Position Snapshot: Reporting directly to the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, the Benefits Specialist (Human Resources Specialist) coordinates daily activities of the self-funded benefits and leave programs. Works cohesively with department supervisors, managers, and executives, and provides related support to all levels of staff within the City. Processes and administers employee leave of absence, maintains leave data, produces reports, and work collaboratively with payroll to ensure accuracy. Develops communications and conducts orientations and presentations. Provides guidance for employees seeking benefit information including offerings, open enrollment, retirement, and deferred compensation. Conducts consultation on CalPERS retirement and holds retirement workshops. Coordinates events such as the annual Health Benefit Fair, Service Awards Program, and other benefit related workshops. Ensures documentation is completed and submitted timely, maintains communication with employee and management, tracks leaves and other pertinent dates, and all other leave information. Supports the director with fostering relationships with providers and vendors, and playing a key role for the benefits plan renewal activities. Maintains compliance and stays up to date with program trends. Supports the ADA program by engaging within the interactive process (IP). Performs confidential human resource generalist functions including a variety of technical projects and studies.
The incumbent will work independently as well as in a team-oriented environment, exercising discretion and judgment within the human resources department. Administers material and information of a sensitive nature while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality. A successful candidate will have demonstrated experience and knowledge in CalPERS, Section 125 Plan, leaves, event planning and self-funded plans.
The incumbent must have the ability to:
- Coordinate the administration of employee and retiree benefit programs; resolve billing issues; explain benefit programs; complete benefit forms; process insurance premiums and reimbursement of self-insurance programs; and coordinate annual benefits fair.
- Participate in the negotiation and implementation of rates for the City’s benefit programs.
- Administer annual recertification of retirees.
- Assist in the administration of the workers’ compensation and risk liability programs.
- Assist in conducting studies and research on a broad range of personnel and benefit issues.
- Assist in conducting investigations.
- Assist in processing disciplinary documents.
- Administer annual premium renewal with brokers and other benefit providers.
- Respond to requests for information and assistance from employees, management, outside agencies and the general public.
- Prepare and process personnel documents related to hiring, promotions, salary adjustments, retirements, terminations, and evaluations.
- Maintain and update departmental and employee information in the computer system.
- Assist in the development of the department budget; maintain and review departmental accounts; process accounts payable.
- Coordinate the City’s Annual Service Award program.
- Compile, prepare, and maintain technical and statistical reports.
- Organize, prioritize, and coordinate work activities within established deadlines.
- Operate various office equipment, including computers and related software.
- Understand and apply pertinent policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
- Make independent judgments and work with a minimum of supervision.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
- Perform any other tasks or functions deemed necessary to the daily operations of the employer.
THE ABOVE LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY BY THE EMPLOYER.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and counter assistance.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
A combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. The incumbent must have knowledge of:
- Basic principles and practices of personnel administration including benefit administration, workers compensation, and risk liability.
- Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
- Basic principles and practices of effective business writing.
- Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
- Modern office procedures, methods, computer equipment and software.
Experience: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible human resources program experience, which included benefit program administration. Preferred qualifications: At least two (2) years demonstrated experience and knowledge in CalPERS, Section 125 Plan, leaves, and self-funded plans. Experience working in a governmental environment and CalPERS administration.
Training: Completion of the twelfth grade or GED, supplemented by specialized training in business/public administration, personnel, workers’ compensation, risk management or a closely related field. Possession of a Certificate in Human Resources Management is desirable. Also possession of an associate degree in Human Resources or related field is desirable but experience and/or training may substitute for the education.
Licenses/Certifications: Possession of, and continuously throughout employment, a valid CA Class “C” Driver’s License.