Benefits Consultant

Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work to assist with administration of the City’s human resources programs. Work involves interpreting policies and regulations; providing information and assistance to employees and staff relating to the City’s employment, training, benefit, compensation plans and wellness programs; leading projects related to the City’s human resources program areas. Exercises professional tact and courtesy in frequent contact with citizens, employees and management staff and employs initiative and independent judgment in completing assigned tasks. This position reports to the Human Resources (Benefits) Manager. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Provides information and assistance to employees, retirees, supervisors, department managers, the general public or other localities regarding benefits and insurance plans/coverages. Assist with conducting new employee orientation. Reviews and reconciles vendor billing for health, dental, vision, optional life, legal, supplemental benefits (short term disability, long term disability, critical illness, and accident). Manages the VRS Group and Optional Life benefit plans. Verifies accuracy of enrollment data and resolves billing discrepancies with vendors. Assists in the coordination of Annual Open Enrollment. Provides and assists with completion of Disability and Service Retirement Applications. Provides backup to the Retirement Consultant with support and guidance related to VRS policies, procedures, and retirement benefits. Serves as backup to the VRS data entry process to include new hires, salary changes, terminations, status updates and leave adjustments. Responds to routine questions or complaints in person, by telephone, by mail, or by email. Enters benefit related information into the Human Resources information system and conducts daily audit to ensure accuracy. Processes Health insurance orders sent by Child Enforcement Agencies. Assists in special events for and on behalf of the Human Resources Department. Participates in the review of Request for Proposals and Bids for benefit services for employees. Ensures appropriate documents regarding benefits are updated and distributed to current and former employees as necessary. May serve as liaison between the workplace and referral resources. Attends meetings or functions on behalf of the Human Resources (Benefits) Manager; performs the duties and responsibilities of the Human Resources (Benefits) Manager in his/her absence as needed. Responsible for processing AP invoices in New World for vendor payments. Performs other related duties as required. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or Business Administration 2-3 years’ experience in Human Resources field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Strong emphasis in assigned area, a Human Resources Certification, and UKG experience preferred. Requires a valid driver’s license. Knowledge of benefit plans offered by the City. Has knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Strong understanding of HRIS systems, office practices, and basic accounting principles. Knowledge of general office practices, methods, and procedures used by the City. Knowledge of the City’s organization and operational policies and procedures. Knowledge of ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional standards and/or Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Skilled in the use of common office equipment, including computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, and file maintenance programs. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records. Ability to make routine decisions independently in accordance with laws, regulations and City policies and procedures. Ability to analyze and interpret policy and procedural guidelines and to resolve problems and questions. Ability to develop and modify work procedures, methods and processes to improve efficiency. Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or composite characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) or data, people or things Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information; includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from supervisor. Ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, insurance claims, personnel records, applications, procedure manuals, forms, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, personnel records, schedules, insurance forms, logs, etc. Ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence. Ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form. Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages, including personnel, legal, and insurance industry terminology. Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages. Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress. Ability to maintain accurate records, interpret policies, and solve problems independently. Exceptional communication skills with tact, discretion, and confidentiality. Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain productivity, and navigate frequent interruptions. Experience with UKG is a plus. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Suffolk