Benefits Analyst

We strongly encourage City of Racine residents to apply. We're committed to building a workforce that reflects and understands the community we serve. City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Position Purpose Under the direction of the Human Resources Benefits Manager, share duties in the evaluation, coordination, preparation, and implementation of the City’s employee and retiree benefit programs, the City’s safety program, the wellness program, and perform other duties as required. Key Responsibilities Administers systems for enrolling and orienting newly hired employees and advising employees of changing information in the benefit programs. Acts as a liaison between benefit providers and City employees to interpret benefit provisions, process adjustments, and expedite any problems in receiving benefits. Develops, monitors and administers processes for adjusting employee benefits upon termination of employment and qualifying life events. Adminsiter processes to initiate and monitor insurance billings, payments, enrollment, membership, audits, COBRA and retiree insurance systems in conjunction with Payroll, Accounting and Human Resources systems. Analyze benefits utilization, costs, and trends to support data‑driven decisions. Ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations governing employee benefits. Prepare reports, dashboards, and recommendations for Human Resources leadership. Assist in evaluating and implementing new benefits programs and process improvements. Support vendor management, contract renewals, and benefits benchmarking initiatives. Develops and implements employee benefit communication programs including an employee benefits website, paper communications, training programs, and new employee orientations. Schedules and reviews City benefits under City policy or applicable labor agreement; processes information into HRIS and vendor sites; answers employee questions and provides information at the customer service counter. Assists with annual benefits open enrollment by distributing materials, entering data, and auditing submitted paperwork. Reviews, approves and monitors all City FMLA requests under the direction of the Benefits Manager. Establishes and maintains effective public and working relationships with the general public, department heads, City personnel and governing bodies. Assists in conducting loss prevention surveys, summarizes results, recommends solutions, collaborates with management to create action plans, and prepares final reports as necessary. Conducts, coordinates, or assists in the investigation of accidents and/or injuries; develops policies, procedures, and programs to reduce job‑related accidents and illnesses; identifies hazards and promotes safe working habits. Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates safety training and development; selects outside vendors; develops annual budget and processes program expenses. Serve as an active member of the Safety Committee by identifying workplace hazards, reviewing incidents, recommending corrective actions, promoting safety awareness, and supporting compliance with safety policies and regulations. Develop, coordinate and maintain total wellbeing programming to encourage healthy lifestyles, reduce health risk and medical costs; includes development of wellness curriculum, events, and education. Work with outside vendors (Employee Health Center and EAP) to increase participation in wellness initiatives and preventive screenings. Prepares and processes wellness forms and information for payroll. Establish relationships and consult with departments and employees to align efforts and reinforce a culture of wellness. Keep abreast of current national wellness and wellbeing initiatives and activities, developing a network of resources and contacts as appropriate. Serves as a backup to administrative staff, serving as front‑line reception to employees, applicants, visitors, City officials, vendors, etc. Maintain strict confidentiality. Maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Perform related human resource duties as required. Additional Tasks and Responsibilities Thorough knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Thorough knowledge of business correspondence, English, spelling and basic arithmetic. Knowledge of computerized department program software, Internet access and database, spreadsheet and word processing programs. Knowledge of policies, procedures and practices regarding human resources management such as employment, recruitment, selection and benefit administration. Knowledge of departmental programs, operations and policy with respect to functions performed. Working knowledge of billing payment processes and practices. Working knowledge of related employment laws and regulations. Working knowledge of the process used to gather and compile information related to human resources functions. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Applicant Tracking System (NEOGOV), HRIS (Munis). Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and effectively carry out a variety of assignments. Ability to interpret rules, regulations and City policy and make appropriate decisions. Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and prepare complex reports and documents. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships. Knowledge of employee health care and benefit program principles and administration. Knowledge of techniques involved in conducting investigations and research. Knowledge of employee health care and related laws, ordinances and regulations. Ability to make sound and independent decisions. Minimum Qualifications Associate's degree in Human Resources, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field, and four years of progressively responsible human resources experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Valid Wisconsin driver's license. Preferred Qualifications Bilingual (Spanish/English). Physical Demands of the Position Standing, walking, sitting, stooping; kneeling, crouching, balancing, bending, twisting; reaching, feeling, talking, hearing; lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, handling, grasping; filing, typing, writing. The incumbent will be expected to visit worksites throughout the City to conduct safety studies. Environmental/Work Conditions Stressful, fast‑paced office environment. Ability to complete time‑sensitive tasks with many interruptions such as phone calls and questions from employees and the public. The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. If you would like assistance completing an application or have any questions, please contact the HR Recruiter at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr