Benefits Manager

Job Description

Description

To plan, direct, organize, and manage a comprehensive City-wide employee benefit program; manage the maintenance and processing of employee records, benefits enrollment and human resources related reports in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS); ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and City policies; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility; and provide highly complex staff assistance to the Human Resources management staff.

Receives general direction from the Human Resources Manager.  Exercises direct supervision over assigned paraprofessional, technical and/or clerical staff.

Essential Functions

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: to plan, direct, organize, and manage a comprehensive City-wide employee benefit program including, but not limited to: group health, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and wellness programs; manage and participate in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Benefits Division; recommend and administer policies and procedures; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; supervise, assign and review the work of assigned staff; review and evaluate employees’ work performance and work product; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures as directed; participate in the selection of staff and provide or coordinate staff training in work procedures; coordinate work schedules; ensure City compliance with State and Federal regulations associated with health and welfare benefit programs such as Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), domestic relations orders, and medical child support orders; ensure mandated timeline and notification requirements are met; review current and pending legislation to determine its applicability to the City’s employee benefit programs; manage the administration of benefit programs; conduct surveys and perform research to evaluate programs and performance of providers; provide oversight and direction to City staff, Insurance Broker, Insurance Providers and Third Party Administrators; analyze and compare current and potential benefit programs; propose and recommend changes relative to current developments and practices; implement changes to programs; ensure benefit plan documents and contracts contain current language and participates in the negotiation of issues, concerns, and changes; monitor changes and ensures organizational compliance to all Federal, State, and local laws for the City’s benefits and CalPERS retirement programs; develops, maintains, and monitors City policies and procedures for assigned programs; participate in budget preparation regarding anticipated insurance and other program costs, equipment and supply requirements; assist in research and preparation for employee negotiations; advise on feasibility of proposed benefit-related negotiation items; oversee staff and participate in implementation of negotiated benefits; plan, coordinate and conduct annual Open Enrollment activities; coordinate the enrollment and orientation of eligible employees in retirement, insurance and other benefit programs as appropriate; supervise and monitor system implementation of annual plan and program changes; monitor payroll and billing reconciliation reports to ensure accuracy and correct discrepancies; coordinate with Information Technology and Finance Department staff in the maintenance of payroll/personnel transactions and system set-up and updates; supervise all personnel transactions entry and HRIS changes as necessary; conduct exit interviews with separating employees; communicate with employees and outside agencies to provide clarification regarding benefit information, contract language and denied/pending claims; assist employees in the resolution of coverage discrepancies; resolve difficult, complex and/or sensitive customer complaints or problems; manage employee communications related to benefits; oversee and conduct, as necessary, communication of benefits to employees and retirees through a variety of methods, such as group presentations, question-and-answer sessions, individual meetings, publications, and electronic media; prepare special insurance reports; evaluate adequacy of current programs and recommends plan design changes or the addition of new plans; analyze bids for employee group health benefits and participate in recommending the selection of insurance brokers and carriers; provide responsible staff assistance to the Human Resources management team; conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to benefits programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; serve as the liaison for the Benefits Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of benefits administration; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; perform related duties as assigned.