Benefits Specialist

POSITION: Benefits Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

WORK SCHEDULE: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M-F

STATUS: Full-time

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

HOURLY RATE: $35.1336 per hour

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Hamilton County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application proves or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Benefits Specialist for the Hamilton County Human Resources Department, responsible for administering the County’s employee benefits program, administering clerical support to department personnel, preparing/maintaining accurate records, and assisting the public.

DUTIES:

Administers the day-to-day operations of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance program.

Serves as educator on employee benefit issues providing information through meetings, memos, the County’s intranet site, and by providing resolution through direct meetings.

Visits satellite County offices on a routine basis to offer on-site consultation for benefits issues.

Coordinates annual open enrollment process and develops forms and employee communication materials; records incoming data and distributes information to payroll department.

Serves as liaison to the Insurance Committee including collecting data, verifying accuracy, presenting requests to Committee members, and preparing minutes. Assists with Personnel Committee on an as needed basis.

Serves as liaison to insurance broker and all insurance vendors regarding County insurance policies, plans and procedures.

Develops and administers employee wellness program, schedules events, develops communication tools, coordinates employee participation and monitors vendor activity and reports.

Conducts orientation/onboarding for new personnel, providing benefits literature, explaining benefit plans, explaining personnel policies and procedures.

Conducts exit interviews for terminated personnel, providing benefits information, ensuring the return of County property, documenting suggestions/complaints, and providing that documentation to the appropriate individuals.

Provides assistance to elected officials, department heads and employees by providing information and/or explanation of personnel policies, procedures, and regulations, including but not limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Ensures county compliance with federal and state safety regulations, such as Occupational and Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as Title VI Non-discrimination Act of 1964.

Assists with formulating training policies, programs, and schedules, based on knowledge of identified training needs, procedures, and services, and elects appropriate instructional procedures or methods such as individual coaching, group instruction, self- study, lectures, demonstrations, simulation/scenario-based exercises, role playing, and e-learning.

This includes setting up training sessions, printing material and distributing material to employees for both benefit administration and safety risk.

Oversees and monitors compliance with County policies and procedures. Monitors and audits various components and related policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and standards. Assists Departments in developing and preparing standards and operating procedures.

Scanning and filing employee documents into scanning program.

Performs various clerical functions as needed or as assigned, including composing, typing, copying and mailing correspondence, filing, and entering data on computer.

Responsible to answer department telephone, determining purpose of call, providing information, taking messages, forwarding to appropriate personnel, or dispatching work orders as needed.

Attends meetings, seminars, and training sessions to acquire knowledge and information of new procedures and regulations.

Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

An Associate Degree in Human Resources, Public Management, Business administration, Safety and Risk Management or related field; and a minimum of one year of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working knowledge of OSHA policies, procedures, and legal requirements, and safety issues, and ability to apply such knowledge in providing information, training, and technical assistance to County employees as required.

Working knowledge of basic bookkeeping principles, and department policies and procedures, and ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated tasks.

Working knowledge of medical terminology and standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.

Ability to read and interpret detailed prints/sketches/specifications and various technical reference manuals, and prepare detailed reports as required.

Ability to prepare and conduct effective safety and benefits administration training seminars.

Ability to type with speed and accuracy and properly operate standard office equipment, including calculator, fax machine, copier, computer, printer, and telephone.

Ability to perform relevant arithmetic calculations, and properly operate standard office equipment, such as computer, printer, calculator, fax machine, copier, and telephone.

Ability to work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.

Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions/directions, and appropriately respond to constructive criticism.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.

Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to work with others in a team environment, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements.

Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers.

Ability to occasionally work extended hours.

Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent applies specialized knowledge of personnel administration to the overall operation of County departments. Duties are performed according to standard policies and procedures and standard practices of the profession. Independent judgment is required in developing and implementing policies and procedures and interpreting and applying requirements to individual cases.