Benefits Analyst

Purpose

Coordinate human resources activities, such as employment, compensation, labor relations, employee benefits and training activities to meet District staffing needs, ensure compliance with employment policies and regulations and facilitate accomplishment of the District's mission and goals.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate the employee benefit programs including healthcare, wellness, disability, life insurance, VEBA, retirement, deferred compensation, employee assistance program and various leaves of absence and other benefit programs.
• Perform benefits administration to include claims resolution, change reporting, invoicing and communicating benefit information to employees.
• Administer new employee orientation and exit processes.
• May assist with the District’s L&I claims management.
• Assist with the development and updating of District personnel policies and procedures, including employee handbook and Human Resources administrative manual.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state employment laws and assure compliance at all levels of the organization.
• Assist supervisors to develop meaningful and accurate job descriptions for District positions.
• Assist in Collective Bargaining Agreement issues and negotiations.
• Coordinate drug and alcohol testing programs. Administer drug and alcohol testing program for CDL drivers in compliance with Department of Transportation regulations.
• Ensure compliance with EEOC guidelines.
• Coordinate and ensure compliance with affirmative action requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of applicable records, conversations and information.
• Identify and recommend human resource strategies to support accomplishment of the District's mission and goals.
• Communicate with other utilities and agencies to exchange policy, job and salary information; prepare responses to and conduct salary surveys.
• Participate in accident prevention program, including training and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Assist Human Resources & Employee Relations Manager with various research and/or special projects.
• Present a positive, courteous, confidential and professional attitude and image to all employees, managers, supervisors, applicants and other customers of the department.
• Coordinate the staffing process including bidding, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, relocation and the promotion of PUD employees.

• Assume responsibilities of Human Resources & Employee Relations Manager as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must have the ability to analyze job functions and requirements and to develop job descriptions for a wide range of positions.
• Must have the ability to evaluate applicants' abilities, skills and qualifications as related to position requirements.
• Must be familiar with and have the ability to interpret and ensure compliance with employment policies and applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Strong organizational skills required, along with the ability to coordinate a variety of responsibilities and activities simultaneously.
• Must have the ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Must have the ability to use personal computer spreadsheet, database and word processing programs.
• Must have the ability to prioritize job functions, work without close supervision and make decisions compatible with prior instructions.
• Must have the ability to understand, follow, and communicate accurate, clear and concise written and verbal information and instructions.
• Must develop a working knowledge of safe work practices and accident prevention procedures as related to job functions.
• Must have math, reading and writing skills required for the job function.
• Must be a self starter with high level of confidentiality, professionalism, administrative skills and discretionary judgment.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, good work ethic, promptness in work arrival and in accomplishing all tasks.
• Must develop a working knowledge of safe work practices, accident prevention procedures and equipment as related to job functions.

• A bachelor's degree in an area related to human resources is preferred, but may be substituted with a 2-year college degree equivalent with four years of human resources related experience, along with advanced education and professional certification in areas relevant to human resources management.
• Prefer 2 years experience in human resources at a public agency.
• Must have training in hiring and employment practices, interviewing techniques, employment-related regulatory compliance, employment law and training program design and development.
• Must have experience interpreting and ensuring compliance with employment regulations and developing related policies.
• Must have experience initiating and completing human resource actions, including recruitment, selection and disciplinary action.

• Must pass a District physical examination and be able to perform essential job functions.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and a safe driving record. Employees moving to Washington will have up to six months to obtain the State license.

• The job functions will be performed in an indoor office environment.
• The job functions require working with persons who exhibit many types of personalities and behaviors.

• The work requires the ability to operate office machines, tools and equipment associated with the job functions.
• The work requires the ability to answer questions, interview job applicants and communicate with coworkers, customers and others in person, via e-mail and on telephones.
• Work activities involve combinations of lifting and carrying and sitting for extended periods.

• The job requires use of computers, word processor, typewriter, telephone, copying machines and other general office equipment.
• The job requires driving District vehicles such as automobiles and pickup trucks.
• Future work practices may necessitate the use of different equipment, vehicles and tools.