Human Resources Benefits Administrator

We are searching for an experienced, service-oriented professional to join our team as our Human Resources Benefits Administrator.  Comprehensive knowledge of benefits practices, procedures, laws, and trends as well as strong organizational, communication, and technical skills with the ability to multi-task and complete tasks within tight time constraints are required. This position must maintain a high degree of confidentiality and accountability and will have routine interaction with third-party administrators and service providers. 

This position is open until filled with application review beginning the week of December 30, 2024.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

• Plans and directs implementation and administration of benefits programs such as health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, workers' compensation, retirement, flexible spending, deferred compensation, and other plans;
• Prepares and communicates information to employees and former employees about benefit programs, procedures, and changes;
• Recommends benefit plan changes to leadership to improve competitiveness, innovation, and cost efficiency by studying requirements, trends and developments in the benefits' arena;
• Complies with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new employment legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising leadership on needed actions;
• Develops, recommends, and monitors budget allocations for employee benefit programs;
• Provides direct service to employees to answer their benefits questions, resolve problems related to access to or payment of benefits, and orient newly eligible employees;
• Advises and counsels managers and employees on benefits-related issues;
• Coordinates transfer of data to external vendors, plan providers, auditors, and consultants;
• Negotiates and contracts with benefit plan administrators and providers, vendors, auditors, and consultants of services;
• Expedites delivery of benefits by establishing and maintaining working relationship with benefits providers;
• Coordinates all procedural matters with insurance carriers and third party administrators;
• Analyzes benefits experience for cost-control and risk-assessment factors;
• Consults with managers and health care professionals to evaluate the need for, develop and implement accommodations, return-to-work, and other responses for employees receiving workers compensation;
• Participates in negotiations with employees and legal representatives to settle workers compensation claims;
• Consults with managers, employees and others to ensure compliance with the Workers' Compensation laws, Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act;
• Prepares and submits government-mandated and special reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends;
• Maintains knowledge of and analyzes government regulations, benefit program trends, and prevailing practices among similar organizations.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.
• When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.

SUPERVISORY
Directly supervises Benefits Coordinator position.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; with major work in human resources, business management or related field, and five or more years directly related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with self-insured benefit programs and administration of Virginia Retirement System benefits preferred.

A successful candidate will have:

• Comprehensive knowledge of benefits practices, procedures, laws, and trends;
• Knowledge of and experience managing the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) process, tracking, and compliance requirements;
• Strong organizational, communication, and technical skills (including MS Office applications and web-based systems) with the ability to multi-task and complete tasks within tight time constraints;
• Capability to handle a high volume of work and varying assignments with accuracy and attention to detail; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; 
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and accountability; 
• Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse team and/or independently; 
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small or large group settings.

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, IPMA-CP/IPMA-SCP professional designation preferred.

Possession of valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.

Relevant background checks must be completed satisfactorily.

Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.  May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.