Benefits Coordinator

Job Title

Under limited supervision, this position provides support to management regarding benefit administration which includes employee and retiree group insurance plans consisting of medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, COBRA and wellness programs.

Job Description

Assists with the daily administration of employee and retiree benefit programs which include, but are not limited to, medical, dental and vision group insurances, life insurance, short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, COBRA, and wellness programs. Assists with the citywide benefit open enrollment to include assisting with the design and preparation of benefits materials and literature and organizing, maintaining and updating benefit records; participates in employee and retiree workshops; and presents benefits information and explains benefit policies and procedures to new employees during orientation. Serves as a liaison between employees and vendors; coordinates transfer of data to providers for services, premiums and plan administration; investigates, and analyzes and resolves a wide range of benefits issues. Reviews, reconciles, and resolves coverage and billing discrepancies. Performs regular in-depth enrollment audits and reconciliations to ensure accurate employee/dependent/retiree enrollments and premium deductions. Prepares and executes benefit documentation such as original and amended plan documents, benefit agreements and insurance policies. Assists with FMLA program in accordance with applicable laws, policies and guidelines; provides guidance and trains department managers on responsibilities and requirements in accordance with current FMLA laws. Research new and pending state and federal benefit regulations; documents and maintains administrative procedures for assigned benefit processes; ensures compliance with all federal, state and city requirements and laws. Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Has considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources. Has considerable knowledge of federal, State, and local laws, rules and regulations governing human resource administration. Has considerable knowledge of the City's organization and operational policies and procedures. Has considerable knowledge of human resource and management principles, practices and techniques as they relate to benefits, manpower and planning, personnel law, employee relations, and related personnel and management functions and services. Has considerable knowledge of organization, functions and programs of municipal government. Has considerable skill in the collection and analysis of descriptive data and report writing. Has experience working with computers. Has considerable knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the fields of human resource administration and human resource management law. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with employees, staff and citizens. Is able to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Is able to explain orally and in writing Human Resource Management policy and procedures to individuals or groups. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources or a closely related field and 2-3years of benefit administration experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a word processor, copier, calculator etc. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are those for Sedentary Work.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.