Benefits Specialist

Job TitleBenefits Case Management SpecialistJob DescriptionThis position exists to conduct the day-to-day operations of group benefit programs, including group health, dental, short-term and long-term disability, donated leave, worker's compensation, overall leave management, life insurance, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, and retirement. As the primary point of contact for benefits and leave management issues, this position provides information on benefits to employees and answers benefit questions. Informs employees of deadlines regarding signing up for benefits and open enrollment and facilitates the new enrollment and open enrollment process. Develop procedures for administering benefits and coordinate with other work units as necessary. Oversee administration of Family and Medical Leave (FML), Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI), Workers' Compensation and other leave entitlement programs in partnership with Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA), Risk Management, and CDHS Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Team; and work with employees and managers in assigned units to ensure compliance. Maintains employee benefits and leave records. Acts as a liaison to DPA, Payroll, Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA), legal and other vendors/partners for benefits-related information and programs. Ensures confidentiality of all information. Completes other duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsMinimum Qualifications:Six (6) years of relevant experience in Benefits Administration, including FMLA, STD, and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans OR A combination of related education from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Human Resource Management, or closely related field. AND Two (2) years of professional benefits administration experience which must have included FMLA, STD, and core benefit administration. equal to six (6) years.Substitution:A combination of work experience in benefits administration, including FMLA, STD, and health and welfare benefit plans which provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree. A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Business Management, Human Resource Management, or closely related field may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basisPreferred Qualifications:Relevant State ExpAt least 3 years professional administration of FMLA, STD, and knowledge of employee benefit plans in an organizationExperience with processing FAMLI claim informationIntermediate level of Microsoft and/or Google Suite experienceExceptional communication skills demonstrated by the ability to communicate detailed and complex information successfully to others both in writing and verballyExcellent organizational skills, including the ability to set and track goals and timetables to achieve maximum productivitySelf-motivated and ability to take initiativeStrong customer service skillsAdaptability in a constantly changing environment and ability to handle multiple competing demands, and demonstrate a practical approach, resilience, drive, and optimismTeam orientedCOWINS Partnership Agreement: Relevant years of State service should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process. Part-time relevant years of State service will be prorated.TRANSFERS ONLY: Relevant years of State service will be considered as a preferred qualification and given the weight of at least 15% of the overall score under the process.Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior, or other posted competencyConditions of Employment:Full Background CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this positionTravel: Occasional travel within the state, training, meetings, etc.Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:Disclose that information on the application.Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.CDHS Selection Process ExplanationEmployment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs. per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application ReviewAfter minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.Your Work Experience/Job DutiesDocument your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.Supplemental QuestionsAnswer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).Appeal RightsYou may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:At View phone number on click.appcast.io, orRefer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.