Benefits Administrator

Major Functions This position functions under the general guidance of the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management and involves specialized administrative work related to employee insurance, retirement, compliance, and other benefit programs. Strong communication, attention to detail, positive attitude, and a desire to help others are essential for success. Under limited supervision, performs complex clerical duties following established procedures in areas such as group life and health insurance, retirement benefit plans, flexible benefits, short‑term disability, FMLA, insurance contracts, employee communication, and records maintenance. Essential Duties Administers self‑funded group medical, dental, vision, life, disability and other insurance plans. Explains to team members the benefits available and assists them in completing necessary election forms. Manages the design and development of tools to assist team members in understanding and final benefits selection. Directs preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform team members of benefits in an accurate, comprehensive and clear manner. Administers retirement plan for team members, including general employees, fire, police, senior management, etc. Counsels team members preparing for retirement and assists in the completion of forms, obtaining documents necessary for retirement, and calculating estimates of benefits for both service and disability retirements. Coordinates with insurance companies regarding claims and resolves administrative problems with carrier representatives and flexible benefits administrators. Adds and deletes new members, including changes of dependents and beneficiaries. Coordinates benefits with COBRA according to federal laws. Prepares various Human Resources and Payroll report requests (internal and external), both ongoing and ad‑hoc. Prepares analysis of benefit data for use in higher‑level decision‑making. Conducts new team member orientation programs including benefit package. Arranges and presents team member informational presentations and annual open enrollment meetings. Verifies the calculations of the monthly premiums statements for all group insurance policies and maintains statistical data relative to premiums, claims and costs; compiles, categorizes, calculates, audits, or verifies information or data. Prepares deduction/contribution reports for payroll. Processes and maintains records of insurance premium payments from retirees and other agencies, including preparing deposits. Works closely with leaders regarding maintenance of existing programs and implementing new benefit programs. Leads wellness initiatives and other health insurance programs. Ensures compliance with ACA and HIPAA, establishes and maintains fiduciary files, and oversees self‑insured testing. Calculates data for Form 720 ACA and sends out annual ACA, HIPAA and Medicare Part D notices and required positioning of such. Administers the Family Medical Leave Policy. Performs duties relating to the General Employee Pension Fund (GEPF) and the employer‑sponsored retirement plan; assists with completion of forms, explains the retirement benefit program, and processes retirement applications and other retirement‑related paperwork. Maintains and records eligibility information for the City’s Health Savings Plan. Authors communication documents including flyers and letters to team members and retirees. Performs general administrative tasks. Assists other members of the Human Resources Team. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the administration of insurance, retirement and other benefit programs. Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures and of business English and math. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, in a clear, concise, friendly and effective manner. Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate in a positive and team‑focused manner at all times. Excellent accuracy and mathematical skills. Strong professional countenance and demeanor with team members. Ability to present to small/medium‑sized groups in an impromptu and planned manner. Strong Microsoft skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Ability to learn third‑party software independently. Knowledge and skills relating to the Affordable Care Act. Ability to understand the responsibilities and nature of confidentiality. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, professional, and team‑focused working relationships and communication with team members, leadership and the general public. Excellent communication skills, including email, telephonic, in‑person and online options. Ability to work with team members, retirees, medical personnel and insurance company personnel. Ability to keep records and reference files, to assemble and organize data and to prepare composite reports and presentations. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions in accordance with laws, policies, procedures and best practices. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalent diploma. Associates or Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Five (5) years of Human Resources experience with at least one (1) year in the administration of insurance, retirement and benefit programs. Valid driver’s license. Physical Demands Occasionally – lift/carry 25+ lbs., push/pull 25+ lbs., climb, crawl. Frequently – lift/carry 10–25 lbs., push/pull 10–25 lbs., twist/turn, reach above shoulder, reach outward. Constantly – handling/fine motor skills, stand, sit, walk, drive. Work/Life Integration 12 Days of Paid Time Off 12 Days of Paid Sick Leave – 6 may be used for family 12 Days of Paid Holidays Birthday Leave Bereavement Leave Military Leave Social Event Outings Employee Assistance Program Health & Wellness Medical Benefits – Team Member (ZERO cost option available) Family Member Benefits available (City supplemented premium) Dental Benefits (Premium paid in FULL for Team Members) Orthodontic coverage for children (under 19) Vision Benefits Blood Drives (ADDITIONAL Paid Time Off for participation) Wellness Incentive Program Health Savings Account / Medical FSA Financial Wellness General Employee Retirement Pension Fund (10% of annual compensation) Access to Professional Financial Advisory Services City Paid Life Insurance and AD&D ($50,000) Additional Life and AD&D coverage available for employees, spouses, and children Short‑term Disability (Paid in FULL by City) Long‑term Disability (Paid in FULL by City) Accidental Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Education Assistance Program / Tuition Reimbursement Job Stability & Security The City of Panama City is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr