HR Benefits Specialist

Advanced professional responsibility for the administration of the City's employee benefits programs, with additional responsibilities extending to personnel issues, payroll, recruitment, training, safety, wellness, and general human resources consultation. This position reports to and performs work under the direction of the Human Resources Director.

• Administers the City's self-insurance programs including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, long-term disability, employee assistance program, wellness and flexible spending plans.
• Oversees TPA functions and tools and manages employer / member eligibility.
• Coordinates communication between plan consultant and TPAs.
• Administers the City's deferred compensation and pension programs.
• Serves as the City's Affordable Care Act coordinator, tracking eligibility, offers of coverage, and compliance.
• Files federal and state reports related to health insurance, as needed.
• Provides technical guidance by recommending specific approaches to the effective administration, compliance and maintenance of benefits.
• Assists with employee on-boarding, employee separations and the Employee Orientation Program.
• Assists with the review and updates to personnel policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and the overall efficiency of human resource operations.
• Provides assistance to management on personnel issues.
• Provides excellent customer service to employees, retirees and dependents regarding benefit programs and other HR related duties.
• Remains current on Legislative Issues related to benefits.
• Administers VEBA.
• Manages and conducts Annual Open Enrollment and activities.
• All other duties as required to meet HR operational requirements and the ability to sustain routine, emergent, and essential HR services.

• Bachelors Degree in human resources, healthcare administration or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible advanced professional human resource experience with a special emphasis on benefits administration.

• Training, education and experience in human resources management, industrial relations or a related field.

• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.
• PHR, SHRM-CP certification is desirable.
• Will consider a combination of experience, training, and education.

• Possession of a valid Montana driver's license.

• Extensive knowledge of effective benefit programs, strategies and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of the City's administrative policies and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of HIPPA Privacy Rules, ACA rules and COBRA.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with all levels within City government.
• Ability to effectively analyze complex human resource issues and to provide solutions consistent with existing City policies and procedures and existing collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze information to predict pitfalls and opportunities.
• Knowledge in, and the ability to provide assistance in, effective best practices as related to benefits administration.

• Highest Degree and Standard of Ethical Conduct, Confidentiality and Credibility
• Technical Expertise - Possesses, Applies and Develops Knowledge and Skills
• Communication Proficiency - Oral, Written and Persuasive
• Customer Oriented
• Analytical Abilities and Forward in Thinking
• Relationship Building
• Self-Initiated with Flexibility and Adaptability
• Responsible and Accountable in Work Performance
• Thoroughness, Accuracy - Detail Oriented

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work will be conducted in an office setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to perform light physical work and to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds at a time; the ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, grasp, pinch, ride, pull and perform similar body movements; possess hand/eye coordination sufficient to write reports, operate a personal computer and drive a vehicle; to talk and hear in person or by telephone; and to see and read reports.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work schedule is a 40-hour work week, Sunday through Saturday. This position is an exempt and ineligible for overtime.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily to various local worksites during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.