Benefits Analyst

Job Description CONTINUOUS POSTING UNTIL POSITION FILLED 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. Learn more and apply today! Position Purpose Under the direction of the Human Resources Benefits Manager, shares 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 to perform other duties as required. Essential Duties 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 to expedite any problems in receiving benefits. Develops, monitors and administers processes for adjusting employee benefits upon termination of employment and qualifying life events. Administers the processes to initiate and monitor insurance billings, payments, enrollment, membership, audits, COBRA and retiree insurance systems in conjunction with the 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 web-site, paper communications, training programs, and new employee orientations. Schedules and reviews City benefits provided under City policy or applicable labor agreement; reviews applicable City policies and procedures and collects forms; processes and enters information into HRIS system and vendor sites; will be required to answer questions, explain procedures, and provide information to employees and retirees at the customer service counter. Assists with annual benefits open enrollment by distributing and explaining benefits materials to City employees, data entry in HRIS system and vendor sites, and auditing of materials that are turned in. 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 various governing bodies. Assists in conducting loss prevention surveys which involve the use of questionnaires, personal interviews, on-site observations, and review of accident/injury records. Summarize and analyze results, develop recommended solutions to deal with identified hazards, work with management to establish a plan of action and on-going hazard management systems to eliminate or moderate the identified hazards, develop a written report on the results of the survey, follow-up on the actions taken by the unit relative to the plan, and prepare final reports as necessary. Conducts, coordinates, or assists in in the investigation of accidents and/or injuries. Participate in the development of policies, procedures, and programs designed to reduce the incidence of job-related accidents and illnesses. Identify and work to eliminate hazards, and encourage safe working habits and environments. Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the safety training and development programs for the City; creates and presents training and/or selects outside vendors; develops annual budget and processes program expenses. Serve as an active member of the Safety Committee by participating in meetings, identifying workplace hazards, reviewing safety incidents, recommending corrective actions, promoting safety awareness, and supporting compliance with company safety policies and regulatory requirements. 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, for example) to increase participation in wellness initiatives and increase compliance rates for 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 to use as appropriate. Serves as a backup to administrative staff, serving as front-line reception to employees, applicants, visitors, City officials, vendors, etc. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Maintains a consistent and reliable attendance record. Performs related human resource duties as required Qualifications Additional Tasks and Responsibilities Thorough knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Thorough knowledge of business correspondence forms, business English, spelling and basic arithmetic. Considerable knowledge of computerized department program software, Internet access and database, spreadsheet and word processing programs. Considerable knowledge of the policies, procedures and practices regarding human resources management such as employment, recruitment, selection, and benefit administration. Considerable 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. Ability to proficiently use word processing, database and spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Office, Applicant Tracking System (NEOGOV) and HRIS (Munis) for Human Resources. 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. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships. Knowledge of basic principles and practices of employee health care and benefit programs and their administration. Knowledge of the techniques involved in conducting investigations and research. Knowledge of the basic principles and practices in the fields of personnel management and labor relations. Knowledge of Health Care. Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to personnel and benefits including health care. Ability to make sound and independent decisions. Minimum Qualifications Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field, and Four (4) years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Valid Wisconsin driver's license. Preferred Qualifications Bilingual (Spanish/English) Supplemental Information Physical Demands of the Position Standing, walking, sitting and stooping; kneeling, crouching, balancing and bending/twisting; reaching, feeling, talking, and hearing; lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, and handling, grasping, and fingering; filing, typing, writing, etc. The incumbent will be expected to physically visit worksites throughout the City in order 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 general 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 City Employee Benefits - 2026 Health Insurance 92.5% of the Premium is paid by the City of Racine - either single or family. Centivo administers the PPO Plans that are offered. You can chose from two high-deductible health plans and one low-deductible health plan, with two different networks offered. CVS Caremark administers our prescription plan Payment of $50 per month to employees who waive health coverage Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) A Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) is a tax beneficial savings account that can be used in conjunction with a qualified High – Deductible Health Plan. The funds put into an H.S.A. may be used on future, eligible health care expenses without any taxation. The City makes a prorated, one-time contribution to an employee’s Health Savings Account, with the amount of the contribution determined at the time of hire. The maximum contribution amounts are determined by the IRS each year. Racine Employee Health & Wellness Center The Employee Health and Wellness Center run by Ascension Wisconsin is available to you and your dependent(s) if enrolled in the medical insurance It provides comprehensive services including clinic visits, health coaching, and preventative exams and health screenings. Life Insurance City provides one unit equal to your annual earnings Employee may buy additional insurance – each unit is equal to your annual earnings. Maximum additional life insurance is four units; For a total of five (5) units at the maximum coverage. Cost depends on age and annual salary Spouse and Dependent Life Insurance is available – maximum coverage is $20,000 for spouse and $10,000 for dependents, cost is $3.20 per month or half for $1.60/month Pension Wisconsin Retirement System, the contribution rate for 2026 is 14.4% Funded 50% by the City of Racine and 50% by the employee. Rates can change per year depending upon what is approved through WRS. Vacation Less than 4 years of continuous service – 96 hours At least 4 years but less than 9 years of continuous service – 136 At least 9 years but less than 14 years of continuous service - 176 At least 14 years but less than 21 years of continuous service - 216 At least 21 years of continuous service – 256 You may carry over up to 80 hours into the next year. During the first calendar year of employment, new employees shall earn vacation on a prorated basis based on the new employee’s start date. Holidays 13 paid holidays, 12 scheduled and 1 floating Sick Leave Accrues at the rate of 1 day per full month worked. Casual Days You can earn up to 4 casual days based off the amount of sick time that you have accrued. You are also eligible for an additional casual day if you use 16 hours or less of sick time in the preceding year. Dental Insurance MetLife administers our dental plan with two options available to employees (Basic plan or Advanced plan). Employees pay the premium with a pre-tax payroll deduction. The City of Racine pays for the Basic Employee premium if you are enrolled in the medical insurance. Vision Insurance Superior Vision administers our vision plan with one option. Employees pay the premium with a pre-tax payroll deduction. Flexible Spending Plans Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts administered by Health Equity. The maximum contributions are determined by the IRS each year. Short Term Disability Policy Automatically enrolled in a short-term disability insurance policy through MetLife, excludes Water and Wastewater Utility Employees. 70% of annual income, up to 13 weeks with a maximum benefit of $2,000 weekly. Employee Assistance Program The City of Racine offers an employee assistance program through Advocate Aurora. Parental Leave 320 hours of paid parental leave, if eligible for FMLA. Water and Wastewater Utility employees are eligible for 80 hours. Deferred Compensation Provided through Nationwide, Security Benefit (RPA/The Standard) or Wisconsin Deferred Comp. Supplemental Insurance Provided through AFLAC Funded by payroll deduction Accident, Hospital & Cancer policies are available Tuition Reimbursement $4,000 per year, or 80% of the employee's total tuition cost, whichever is lower. Student Loan Repayment Program The Student Loan Repayment Program, administered by Bakertilly Vantagen, helps assist you with the financial burden of the education that you have received. Non City of Racine residents can receive up to $1,200 per year towards student loan repayments, and City of Racine residents can receive up to $2,400 per year towards student loan repayments. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) The PSLF Program promotes full-time public sector employment. Public Employees, may qualify for public service loan forgiveness after making 120 payments toward their student loans while working full-time in public service. This means that nurses, policeman, firefighters, public health, and government employees can be eligible for participation. The Forgiveness Program was designed uniquely to provide relief to those who are doing the best for our communities every day. To find out if you qualify for a forgiveness program call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Wellness Incentive Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan who complete the Wellness Incentive requirements are eligible to receive $200, spouses receive $100. Fitness Reimbursement Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan are eligible for 50% reimbursement of their annual membership fee up to a maximum of $200 per household. Reimbursement also includes fitness classes and weight reduction programs. City of Racine Residency City of Racine employees that are non-represented are eligible for a 4% per hour pay differential if you provide proof that you are City of Racine resident. City of Racine residency pay differential rates are different for: Racine Police Association – 3% differential rate Local 321 Firefighter Union – 3% differential rate Transit Union – 2% differential rate You can receive additional City contribution into your H.S.A. account if you are a City of Racine Resident. Residency contributions are based on what Racine Financial Empowerment Center The Racine Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) provides free one-on-one professional financial counseling for all City of Racine employees, and residents of the City of Racine. Additional information about the City’s comprehensive benefits package can be found on the following website; Active Employees - City of Racine - Human Resources Department 01 What is your highest level of education? High School Diploma or Equivalent High School Diploma or Equivalent with Some College Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Doctorate (PHD) None 02 How many years of human resources experience do you have? I do not have this experience 1 year or more, but less than 3 years 3 years or more, but less than 5 years 5 years or more, but less than 7 years 7 years or more, but less than 10 years 10 years or more 03 How many years of experience do you have reviewing, approving, and monitoring FMLA requests? I do not have this experience 1 year or more, but less than 3 years 3 years or more, but less than 5 years 5 years or more, but less than 7 years 7 years or more, but less than 10 years 10 years or more 04 How many years of experience do you have in maintaining confidential correspondence, materials and records? Less than one year One to two years Three to four years Five or more years None of the above 05 Please explain your experience working with group medical, dental, life insurance contracts and claim adjudication. 06 Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes No 07 How many years of experience do you have entering and processing invoices? No experience Less than 1 year 1–2 years 3 or more years 08 Please describe your experience creating and implementing employee wellness programs? 09 Please describe your experience administering or managing employee retirement benefits, including 401(k) plans,pension plans, and other retirement programs. Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr