Benefits Specialist

Position Summary

Position provides assistance to management and employees with human resources programs, new employee orientation, and benefits administration. Work requires general human resources knowledge. Position reports to the Chief, Human Resources for work assignments, direction, and supervision. Work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities

1. Assists with administration of employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, prescription, deferred compensation, and voluntary benefits for active and retired participants.

2. Assists with administration and maintenance for benefit programs, to ensure smooth claims processing, timely reporting, and accurate reimbursements.

3. Assists the Benefits Administrator with enrollment, life events, and dependent verification for benefit programs, including but not limited to, health insurance programs, COBRA, retiree programs, and optional benefit programs.

4. Provides information and assist employees with retirement, and benefit questions and concerns.

5. Counsels retiring employees on benefits options and completes required paperwork; processes pension benefits for terminated employees and prospective retirees.

6. Manages COBRA Program for terminated employees, retirees, and dependents, including notification, payments, and termination of coverage.

7. Implements benefit program information and notices; monitors the changing needs of employees regarding benefit programs; ensures benefit program compliance with current legislation.

8. Receives, investigates, and resolves complaints/issues and inquiries from employees and vendors relative to the scope of work.

9. Compiles information and constructs complete and accurate correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, surveys, and other complex documents.

10. Maintain Wellness program.

11. Oversees leave programs, including FMLA, Leave of Absence, Sick Leave Bank, and Employee-to-Employee Leave Donation

12. Communicates with employees to educate on appropriate use of leave programs. Oversees employee compliance with leave programs.

13. Provides guidance and interpretation of leave policies to management.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education

High School diploma or GED. Associate’s degree or higher in Human Resources, Business, or closely related field preferred.

Experience

Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Human Resources.

*An interested candidate with an equivalent combination of education and experience as listed above may be considered.

Certificate(s) and/or License(s)

1. Possession of a valid Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license with no more than three (3) points.

2. HR Certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Knowledge of human resources principles and practices.

2. Knowledge of the employee benefit programs and the ability to communicate such information to employees.

3. Strong math and organizational skills.

4. Ability to interpret and implement human resources policies and procedures.

5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

6. Knowledge of computer equipment and relevant software applications.

7. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationship with County employees, management, elected officials, and the general public.

8. Ability to make independent decisions, determine priorities and complete assigned duties.

9. Ability to work with sensitive, personal information and maintain appropriate confidentiality.

10. Ability to accurately compile and analyze statistical information.

Miscellaneous Position Information

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This role is primarily sedentary in nature but may involve occasional strenuous effort, such as handling moderately heavy boxes, tools, equipment, or other materials; walking or climbing over uneven surfaces; and sitting/standing in fixed position for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted on a regular basis. General conditions involve working at a computer, using telephonic equipment, and interfacing regularly with internal and/or external stakeholders.

Work is normally performed Monday through Friday during normal business hours, however, may require alternate work hours 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Individuals appointed or promoted to a position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

*Telework is available for this position based in accordance with the County’s Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual. Consideration for telework must follow the application, review and approval/denial process as set forth within the P&P Manual.

Conditions of Employment

1. Prior to appointment, employees are subject to pre-employment medical history review and drug testing, extensive background investigation (which may require CJIS and NCIS clearance), including but not limited to reference checking, and driving history, and an evaluation of training or experience.

Benefits(*Not all positions may be eligible for these programs.)

Cecil County Government offers a full complement of benefits including medical, dental, life, disability, and AD&D insurance programs as well as a generous time off benefits. We understand that finding the right balance between home and career is a challenge and offer the following programs: employee assistance program, flexible work arrangements/compressed schedule and telework/remote office opportunities.

This position description is representative of the general and most important components of this role and does not characterize every aspect of the job; other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as warranted and deemed appropriate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $56,404.57 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $56,405