Benefits Specialist

Human Resources Benefits Specialist

The Human Resources Benefits Specialist manages and supports the administration of all benefits and retirement programs while contributing to the daily operations of Orange County's Human Resources Department. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance, updating employees on benefit changes, addressing inquiries, facilitating recruitment, onboarding, training, and organizational development. The role demands a conceptual thinker with exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. This position operates under the supervision of the Human Resources Director.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure accurate benefit enrollments and provide vendors with precise eligibility information
• Assist with new-hire orientations and onboarding processes
• Administer employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans
• Educate and advise active and retired employees on benefits offerings, plan designs, and policies
• Perform quality checks on benefits-related data
• Address employee inquiries regarding benefit claims and plan changes
• Process life status changes and ensure appropriate coverage levels are applied
• Collaborate with the Human Resources Director to manage FMLA and disability claims by distributing and submitting necessary paperwork
• Ensure Fitness for Duty notes are received from Employee Medical Providers
• Oversee the Open Enrollment process, including configuring and testing benefits in the self-service portal, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring systems are updated for the plan-year
• Audit plan enrollments and coordinate with payroll to ensure accurate benefit deductions
• Develop and deliver employee education and training programs on benefits and create communication materials for benefit announcements
• Provide retirement information, calculate retirement estimates, and counsel prospective retirees on available benefits
• Manage the County's employee ID badging program
• Participate in the development and implementation of HR objectives and systems
• Oversee updates and accuracy of County Job Descriptions
• Propose new procedures and policies to enhance employee experience and HR department efficiency
• Assist in interpreting, communicating, and maintaining County personnel policies, employee directories, and organizational charts
• Serve as a backup for the Human Resources Specialist
• Support recruitment efforts, including job postings, candidate application processing, and applicant communications
• Assist in creating career development pathways and professional development programs
• Maintain HR department files in collaboration with HR Specialist
• Stay informed on trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new HR technologies
• Oversee and send updates for the Human Resources section of the County website to the Communications Department
• Collaborate with the Wellness Program Manager to promote and implement wellness initiatives
• Perform additional HR-related tasks and projects as assigned

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of duties. The County reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field (preferred)
• Experience: Three (3) – five (5) years of experience in employee benefit administration
• Certifications/Licenses: Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license; SHRM-CP or PSHRA certification (preferred)
• Other: Other equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualification

Special Qualifications

• Acceptable driving record

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge of insurance language and terms
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines
• Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and relevant laws
• Comprehensive understanding of employment-related laws and regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to quickly learn and utilize the County's HRIS system (Munis)
• Skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality

Working Conditions and Disclaimer

• Frequently requires exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Regularly involves sitting, speaking, hearing; frequent walking and standing; occasional reaching and handling.
• Vocal communication is required to express ideas effectively; hearing is required to perceive information at normal conversation levels.
• Must be able to operate office equipment and analyze written/computer data.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees with this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Orange County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Acknowledgement: The employee is expected to comply with all County policies and procedures and to consistently demonstrate adherence through their conduct. As a representative of Orange County, the employee is also expected to serve as a role model by upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in accordance with these policies.

Orange County is an equal opportunity employer. Orange County does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.