BENEFITS SPECIALIST

Benefit SpecialistApplications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED Division: STRATEGIC BENEFITS ADMINISTRATIONS & OPERATIONS Reporting Location: 611 WALKER ST Workdays & Hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM* *Subject to ChangeDESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Benefit Specialist position provides daily operations management of Benefits for 59,000+ City of Houston employees, retirees, and their families. The Benefit Specialist is responsible for responding to questions regarding Benefits coverage, processing Benefits plan changes due to Qualified Life Events, review and verification of new dependents' supporting documentation, and processing other Benefits forms and paperwork. The Benefit Specialist is responsible for answering calls to the Benefits Call Center line and returning voicemails as needed as well as assisting any walk-ins to the Benefits Division. The Benefit Specialist also assists with oversight of processes through review of reports ranging from bi-weekly to annually to ensure accuracy and quality of benefits processes. Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:Process Qualified Life Events and review and verify required supporting documentation for adding or dropping dependents from benefits plans.Demonstrates extensive knowledge of benefits, including the administration of health plans offered to employees (medical, dental, vision, life, and other benefits).Provides accurate written communication to employees, department liaisons, and City health care vendors.Ensures callers, walk-in's, department liaisons and vendor representatives are informed about available benefits when prompted.Participates as a facilitator for Open Enrollment meetings.Researches, analyzes, and resolves customer issues.Reviews weekly, monthly or quarterly Benefits Reports and makes updates in SAP or other Benefits systems as needed based upon findings.Utilizes programs such as SAP, OnBase, KRONOS, SharePoint, Benefit Focus etc.Serves as a back-up to other benefits representatives.Proactively support additional functions within the Human Resources Department as neededPerforms other duties as assigned.WORKING CONDITIONS This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Science, Liberal Arts or a related field. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS One year of para-professional or professional health benefits, customer service, administrative, or other related experience is required. Pertinent experience at the professional level may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS NonePREFERENCESPreference will be given to candidates with one (1) or more years of benefits experience; proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; excellent communication skills for correspondence; good mathematical ability; ability to coordinate multiple tasks. Candidate should be able to communicate with all levels of management and assist with persons from diverse backgrounds. Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply. **Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6**GENERAL INFORMATIONSELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED Department may administer skills assessment test. SAFETY IMPACT POSITION YES PAY GRADE: 17 APPLICATION PROCEDURES Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: . To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. If you need special services or accommodations, call View phone number on click.appcast.io If you need login assistance or technical support call View phone number on click.appcast.io EOE Equal Employment Opportunity The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.BenefitsThe city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:MedicalDentalVisionWellnessSupplemental InsuranceLife insuranceLong-term disabilityRetirement pension457 deferred compensation planEmployee Assistance Program10 days of vacation each year13 city holidays, plus one floating holidayCompensable Sick LeavePersonal LeaveFlexible schedulesHybrid-Telework for eligible positionsProfessional development opportunitiesTransportation/parking planSection 125 pretax deductionsDependent Care Reimbursement PlanPaid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness LeavesHealthcare Flexible Spending Account