Benefits Specialist I/II

The Benefits Specialist, working within the Agency’s Office of Human Resources, manages and administers employee benefit and retirement programs, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and Virginia Retirement System plans. Provides leadership, oversight, technical support, and assistance to the employees, management, and the Office of Human Resources staff. Assists employees and supervisors in human resources related inquiries. Promotes understanding, interprets policies, and offers sound advice to Agency staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Administering Benefits Programs Handle the day-to-day operations of employee benefit programs, including enrollment, eligibility, and changes. Administer and handle all fringe benefit related plans, including but not limited to paid time off, civil leave, military leave, educational leave, service pin, wellness. Advises and informs employees of changes and developments related to benefits including eligibility, coverage, and provisions. Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes, and other general inquiries. May assist the Executive Office in the competitive education assistance reimbursement program. Orient new employees on their benefits packages and enroll them in the appropriate programs. Distributes all benefits enrollment materials and determines eligibility. Employee Support Answer employee questions regarding benefits, plan changes, and other related matters. Ensures accurate and timely delivery of employer contributions and employee payroll deductions. Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes. Serve as the primary contact in employment verification as it relates to student loan repayment, etc. Responsible for the annual open enrollment process, helping employees make informed choices about their benefit options. Counsel and complete employee life event status changes. Compliance Ensure the Agency complies with relevant federal and state laws regarding employee benefits. Performs quality checks of benefits-related data and determines eligibility. Monitors administrators’ and insurance carriers’ reports to ensure the organization’s compliance with plan requirements. Ensures the organization’s and plans’ compliance with the applicable provisions of COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA Research and Analysis Research, analyze, and recommend changes or modifications to existing benefits plans and policies. Complete employee benefit related surveys. Conducts employee surveys, census, and other research and demographic efforts required to collect accurate quotes from benefit providers. Identifies and selects carriers and plans based on quotes, available benefits, and prior experience. Maintains knowledge of economic conditions, labor market, and other factors related to ensuring the organization provides competitive and reasonable benefits. Maintains knowledge of trends, developments, and best practices in benefits administration. Virginia Retirement System (Pension) Manage Pension inquiries from employees and managers relating to enrollments, plan changes, and contribution amounts. Manage associated short- and long-term disability programs. Leave Administration While serving as the primary in health and welfare counseling, serve as the backup to the Employee Relations Specialist in administering leave-of-absence requests, including those related to FMLA and ADA. Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications as they relate to leaves of absences/disabilities.

OTHER DUTIES

Backup/perform day-to-day HR operations activities, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, compensation administration, training and development, performance management, and policy compliance management. Serve on committees, as assigned, to include the Agency Humanitarian Fund. Assist in reconciling allocations/billing charges. Assist the Chief Human Resources Officer with projects and reports as requested. Perform such other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of Employee Benefits: A strong understanding of various employee benefits programs and applicable laws, including retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits. Knowledge of COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA requirements. HR Knowledge: Familiarity with human resources principles and practices. Legal Knowledge: Understanding of federal and state laws related to employee benefits. Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively communicate with employees and managers. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and provide helpful support to employees. Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data and make recommendations for improving benefits programs. Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software. Proficiency in using HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) and other relevant software. Benefits Specialist I (Grade NE11): Associate degree with a combination of education/experience to perform the essential job functions of a Benefits Specialist. Benefits Specialist II (Grade EX12): Bachelor degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field with the ability to perform the essential functions of a Benefits Specialist. Experience: Two years’ experience in HR/Payroll is preferred. Virginia Retirement System experience is preferred. Certification(s): Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) is preferred. Professional in Human Resources/SHRM-Certified Professional is preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mount Rogers Community Services Board