HR & Benefits Manager

Position Summary:

The HR & Benefits Manager proactively provides a full spectrum of HR and Benefits guidance and counsel to all City departments, including, but not limited to, support in the areas of selection & hiring, employee benefits, policy interpretation, performance management and progressive discipline, and other HR programs. Serves as process owner and subject matter expert in complex HR areas such as: benefits administration, employee data management, and other areas as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:

With guidance and support from the CFO, the HR specialist will serve as the primary contact point for all HR and Benefits questions, issues, and projects. This includes areas such as:

HR Administration

• Conducts full cycle recruitment, including applicant screening, interviews, background checks, pre-employment checks, and making job
• offers. Conducts new employee orientation and the on boarding process.
• Conduct investigations and ensure fair resolution of employee relations-related issues
• Understands and interprets the City’s Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and applicable federal, state, and local statutes related to employment, and explains policy to City employees at all levels, as well as job applicants, and other internal and external customers.
• HRIS system management.
• Workers Compensation claims filing and follow-up.
• Performance Management and progressive discipline support for employees and supervisors
• Enters/updates all information in the City’s Performance Management system.
• Assist employees with separation process.
• Maintain records/files for Human Resources department in accordance with records management as well as accreditation purposes;
• Create an environment of positive employee relations, keep confidentiality, establish trust and credibility, seen by employees as approachable and fair, balance business needs with employee needs, and spend significant time interfacing directly with employees/ client base.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and up-to-date job descriptions in the appropriate format for all positions.
• Works with department managers to coordinate accurate and timely job postings, position changes, and other related matters.
• Develops and hones expertise in HR functional areas. Seek development opportunities to improve professional competencies and stays current on innovations in HR practices through benchmarking, networking, and exposure to research/publications.
• Benefits Administration
• Acts as a liaison with insurance carriers and other partners.
• Leads annual open enrollment for all insurance benefits provided to eligible employees and retirees.
• Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees and retirees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues
• Assist in the design and development of tools to assist employees in benefits selection
• Performs reporting requirements for Affordable Care Act, COBRA, and other required compliance
• Coordinates employee and retiree outreach programs as regards to benefits by planning and implementing employee programs such as annual wellness initiatives, flu shots, lunch and learns, retirement seminars
• Creates and maintains relevant benefit files by gathering documents, scanning, filing, and creating personnel actions, and following up with employees to obtain missing documents
• Ensures insurance invoices are accurate and paid according to payment due date.
• Reviewing insurance bills, working with Payroll to ensure proper deductions are made and coordinating with insurance companies to ensure accurate billings
• Handles requests for FMLA, military leave and administrative leave, coordinates with department supervisors, payroll for review of requests; provides appropriate notifications to employees
• Contribute to other projects, assignments, and processes as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of human resources functions to include, but not limited to, recruitment, benefits administration, compensation and classification, employee relations and employee development.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to employment and contracts with the ability to establish, explain, interpret and implement these laws as related to various City Human Resource policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of governmental organizations and the essential characteristics, educational and training requirements of a variety of positions in public service.
• Skill in compiling data and in preparing comprehensive and coherent reports, correspondence, graphs, charts, presentations, and spreadsheets.
• Skill in conducting and analyzing research, critical thinking, and problem solving. Skill in the operation of modern office equipment, computers, and software, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to make critical and difficult decisions that conform to the policies and procedures of the City and the Department with some or little direction.
• Ability to analyze data, develop recommendations, and present findings based on developments, trends, changes or other relevant factors.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed which may on occasion include nights or weekends.
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner, multi-task, organize workload, meet deadlines, follow-up and take tasks to completion.
• Ability to maintain focus and flexibility with frequent interruptions; ability to follow up and monitor status of ongoing projects.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public and employees at all levels.
• Ability to communicate information tactfully and impartially, both in person and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and keep accurate records.
• Ability to keep information confidential and show good judgement in dealing with employees, Department Heads, elected officials and the general public
• This position is performed with working knowledge – the incumbent has ability to recall and apply important and commonly used information from relevant source documents or information in a particular subject field.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field, preferred
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible human resources
• Supplemental specialized training in human resources is desired.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities and other competencies required for the position, may be considered.
• Municipal Human Resources experience is strongly desired.
• Professional certification is desired (HRCI, SHRM, Employee Benefits Certified Manager, etc.)
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol screening and physical abilities test
• Must attend continuing education classes to equal a minimum of 20 hours in HR or Benefits related courses annually