Benefits Administrator

Benefits AdministratorBuncombe County Government is seeking an experienced Benefits Administrator to lead the administration of our employee benefits programs for approximately 1,800 employees and their eligible dependents. As a member of the Compensation, Classification & Benefits team, this position plays a key role in delivering high-quality benefits programs and exceptional customer service that support the County's ability to attract, retain, and care for our talented workforce. Reporting to the Compensation & Benefits Manager, the Benefits Administrator serves as the County's primary benefits subject matter expert, administering health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, and wellness initiatives. This position works closely with employees, retirees, leadership, Payroll, HR partners, and benefit vendors to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant administration of benefits while providing outstanding employee support.Key responsibilities include administering benefit enrollments and qualifying life events, coordinating annual Open Enrollment, managing Broker and vendor relationships, monitoring compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, reconciling benefit billing, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and enhance the employee experience. The Benefits Administrator partners with a variety of benefit providers, including Empower (formerly Prudential), Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS), MyGroup, Delta Dental, Ameritas Vision, USI Insurance Services, Southeastern Physical Therapy, and other vendor partners.About Our HR TeamOur Human Resources Department currently consists of 24 professionals across six functional areas:Organizational DevelopmentRecruiting & StaffingHRISEmployee RelationsFamily Health ClinicCompensation, Classification & BenefitsTogether, we support strategic workforce initiatives including compensation, classification, benefits, talent development, succession planning, employee engagement, performance management, and organizational effectiveness. Guided by our core values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Honesty, and Equity, we are committed to providing exceptional service and creating a workplace where employees can thrive.Work Location & ScheduleThis position is based at 200 College Street in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, with County-paid parking provided. The selected candidate must reside, or be willing to relocate, within a two-hour driving distance of Asheville. An initial in-office training period is required. Following successful completion of training, a hybrid work schedule may be available based on operational needs and departmental approval.Hiring TimelineWe anticipate conducting interviews in September, with the goal of having the selected candidate begin employment in early to mid-October.If you are passionate about delivering exceptional employee service, building strong partnerships, and administering comprehensive benefits programs that make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply and join the Buncombe County Human Resources team.Purpose of the position:To perform responsible professional and administrative work in the development, implementation, administration, and communication of employee benefit programs for County employees. Work includes administration of health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, leave administration, compliance reporting, employee communications, vendor relations, and benefits-related data analysis. The employee serves as a subject matter expert regarding employee benefits and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Compensation & Benefits Manager.Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration, including at least two (2) years of experience in benefits design, strategy, and/or program management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Human resources experience in local government or the public sector is preferred.Additional Training and Experience: Certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or CEBS preferred.License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: NoneEssential Functions of the position:Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits.Serves as liaison between the County and benefit vendors, brokers, third-party administrators, and retirement agencies.Assists in evaluating and implementing benefit programs and wellness initiatives.Monitors vendor performance and assists with contract administration and renewals.Processes employee benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events in the HRIS and carrier systems.Conducts benefit orientations for new employees and educates employees regarding available benefit programs.Coordinates and administers the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system configuration, vendor coordination, and employee meetings.Reviews and reconciles benefit invoices and payroll deductions to ensure accuracy.Serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and resolves complex benefit issues.Create and configure all benefit plans, rates, eligibility parameters and passive events within the HCM system. Create reports based on available benefit data. Work closely with the HCM IT Support Team for bi-annual update testing and tenant changes.Administers participation in the North Carolina Retirement Systems (LGERS and TSERS, as applicable). Assists employees with supplemental retirement plans, including 401(k), and 457 programs.Coordinates COBRA administration and monitors qualifying events.Assists with ACA eligibility tracking and annual reporting requirements, including Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.Maintains confidential employee records in accordance with HIPAA and other privacy requirements.Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the County's benefits package.In collaboration with Employee & Family Health, develop and implement outcomes-based programs designed to reduce employee health care costs and maximize return on investment.Perform other related duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:Knowledge of employee benefit programs and administration practices.Knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations affecting employee benefits programs, including the ACA, ERISA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, 401k and 457 plans, Medicare, Social Security and DOL requirements.Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, policies, and plan documents.Ability to communicate complex benefits information clearly and effectively.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.Proficiency in HRIS, benefits administration systems, Microsoft Office applications, and spreadsheet analysis.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with thorough knowledge of benefit plan design and administration. Ability to evaluate complex information, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and make sound recommendations. Exceptional attention to detail.Skilled in developing and implementing short- and long-range plans, conceptual designs, and budget requirements for assigned areas, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and operational needs.Ability to exercise sound and timely judgment and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Skilled in public presentations.Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.