Benefits Clerk

PIKE COUNTY

BENEFITS CLERK

Location – Human Resources Department

Position Description Non-Exempt

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF POSITION

The Benefits Clerk facilitates the Human Resource processes for Pike County Government. This role administers employee health and welfare plans and acts as liaison between employees and insurance providers. This position resolves benefits-related problems and ensures effective use of plans and positive employee relations. The Benefits Clerk ensures that plans are administered in accordance with federal and state regulations and that plan provisions are followed. This role provides administrative support to the Human Resource function as needed, including record- keeping and personnel and medical file maintenance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Administers health and welfare plans, including enrollments, changes and terminations. Processes required documents through payroll and insurance providers to ensure accurate record-keeping and proper deductions.

2. Performs customer service functions by answering employee requests and questions.

3. Reconciles benefits statements, invoices and reviews bills and costs on a regular basis, examines medical, dental, vision, life insurance billings, and makes necessary adjustments to reflect changes, terminations, qualifying events and new hires.

4. Works closely with Human Resources Director and Payroll Administrator to monitor invoice and payroll deduction process pertaining to benefit plans.

5. Maintains knowledge of federal and state regulations as they relate to benefits. Assures that Pike County benefit policies and procedures are followed.

6. Assists with the administration of COBRA, Family Medical Leave Act and employees on leaves of absence; bills respective employees for premiums due.

7. Processes all new insurance enrollments/terminations and any changes regarding the insurance program or employee situations. Process death and disability claims and conversion policies. Maintain accurate records for claims, insurance coverage, and premiums. Monitor status of life insurance claims.

8. Maintain pending application records and ensure every day filing of benefit forms.

Process new hire hire and termination/resignation/retirement notifications.

9. Maintain and prepare new hire packets and employee files.

10. Assists all employees, retirees and COBRA participants with questions regarding employee benefits; identifies problems and concerns regarding benefit issues.

11. Composes letters, memos, forms and documents as required for the administration of benefits.

12. Calculates benefit eligibility dates and processes paperwork in timely manner.

13. Responsible for handling large sums of money received for benefit premiums, retiree and employee benefit payments, COBRA disbursements, etc.

14. Assists Human Resources Director with department projects and programs.

15. Processes, composes and maintains confidential correspondence, reports and documents, establishes and maintains files, logs and statistics required within the department.

16. Reconcile periodic reports to identify missing deductions in payroll system and verify employee enrollments .

17. Manages employee personnel and medical files and the associated Laserfiche files. Documents and archives files of terminating and retiring employees. Processes employee files for storage in accordance with the file retention policy.

18. Assists in the collection and processing of yearly Open Enrollment documents.

19. Provide reports and documentation in accordance with internal and external audits.

20. Acts as liaison with County departments and personnel at all levels. Interacts with internal and external government departments, outside bureaus, agencies, courts and general public on a daily basis.

21. Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution; maintains contact in person, and by phone or mail, with hospitals, physicians, insurance companies, employees and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees.

22. Makes photocopies; mails, scans and emails documents; and performs other clerical functions.

23. Assists the Human Resources Director with annual statement and tax form distributions and mailings.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives instruction from Director of Human Resources in regard to daily work duties and responds to inquiries and directives from Commissioners and Chief Clerk.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works indoors in adequate workspace with adequate temperatures, ventilation and lighting.

2. Works with average indoor exposures to noise and stress, but subject to frequent disruptions; normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

3. Occasionally works flexible hours to meet needs of the job.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIRMENTS

1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.

2. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the work day, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties.

3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties.

4. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten pounds.

5. Must demonstrate emotional stability.

6. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.

7. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Associate’s degree in a business related field or related work experience, computer and clerical training.

WORK EXPERIENCE

0-2 years of experience in Human Resources or a related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential functions of job.

2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.

3. Must possess ability to work and communicate effectively as a team player.

4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with clients, coworkers and others.

5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client and department information and records.

6. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers and other office equipment.

7. Must possess ability to retain knowledge of Federal, State and County laws, policies and procedures regarding insurance, workers compensation, COBRA and other related benefits.

8. Must possess ability to interpret and advise employees regarding current benefit information.

9. Must possess accurate computer and typing skills and the ability to maintain accurate and updated information, files and computer records.

10. Must possess basic math skills and the ability to make calculations and prepare premiums, reports and other documents as necessary.

11. Must possess some knowledge of the County payroll system, and a willingness to interact and assist the payroll department with related employee salary and benefit data.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $12.75 per hour

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $13