Benefits Assistant, (B272035-1), 205, Health & Benefits

Performs routine work activities and clerical services of the Human Resources Department. Provides technical support for the Health and Benefits division. Ensures compliance with department and program rules and regulations. 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with the administration and coordination of employee benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave management, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation processes, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Develops and organizes programs and activities for the Health and Benefits division.
• Analyzes employee and business needs for section programs and assists in developing short and long range plans to meet those needs.
• Assists in review, evaluation and validation of proposals.
• Communicates information to management and others.
• May assist in negotiating terms of contracts, monitoring contractor compliance and assists in resolving concerns.
• Assists with coordinating with third party administrators, contractors and others to resolve problems and implement programs.
• Ensures compliance with City policies and procedures and City, state and federal regulations.
• May assist with personnel, payroll, benefits, and retirees.
• Assists in the planning, development, design and implementation of major benefits programs.
• Primarily provides customer service to employees.
• Assists in creating, reviewing and revising City of Laredo policies.
• Inputs information into the computer regarding employee benefits into the benefits hub, and ensures the accuracy and timeliness of these changes.
• May assist in coding employees' file maintenance forms.
• Assists in the preparation of various personnel reports.
• Explains departmental policies and procedures.
• Assists in any additions, changes, and deletions pertaining to health insurance.
• Conducts position and salary surveys for non-civil service positions.
• Types memorandums, statements, letters, reports, and various departmental documents.
• Verifies employment on all City employees by referring to City records to ensure additions/deletions to benefits are updated.
• Prepares and maintains deductions for contributions for benefits for all City employees.
• Processes file maintenance forms to reflect changes.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
• Must follow all rules of telephone etiquette and must be courteous in all telephone communications.
• May be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

•  Knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting and personnel administration.
• Knowledge of personnel policies, procedures and practices in order to respond to citizens inquires and complaints and to provide information to employees.
• Knowledge of human resources, health insurance, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge in the application of basic accounting principles necessary to accomplish financial management tasks such as preparing budgets and monitoring program costs.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to administer insurance programs in accordance with accepted practices and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to use computer hardware, various software programs and technology, including access, word processing and spreadsheet programs (Excel).
• Ability to speak before public groups and make presentations.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in both English and Spanish languages.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed inside and/or outside an office, library, computer room, stockroom, or warehouse. Work may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and outdoor elements, such as: excessive dampness, chill, heat, humidity, intermittent noise, and inclement cold weather. Work may be exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, such as: unknown & dangerous conditions, unusual environmental stress, contagious infectious disease, irritating chemicals, life-threatening situations, dry atmosphere, solvents, dirt, silica, asbestos, dust, constant noise, pneumatic vibration, fumes, smoke, gases, radiant/electrical energy, and slippery/uneven walking surfaces. Capable of working closely with others or alone, working long or irregular working hours, working shift work and/or weekends, working with protective devices, working below ground, working on ladders or scaffolding, working around moving objects or vehicles, working around machines with moving parts and objects, and traveling by car 20% of the time. Ability to operate a motor vehicle, office equipment, and mechanical equipment; Work requires light to moderate carrying (under 15 pounds up to 44 pounds), light to moderate to occasional lifting (under 24 pounds up to 50 pounds), straight pulling, pulling hand over hand, simple grasping, dual simultaneous grasping, repeated bending, sitting, standing, pushing, crouching, crawling, twisting, kneeling, stooping, climbing stairs and ladders, walking, and reaching above shoulders. Ability to see, write, read, count, identify shade of colors, perceive depth, and hearing is needed to perform the essential functions of this job.Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree or 60 college hours from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field.
• At least two (2) years of experience in human resources, health & benefits, administrative work, or related field.

Foreign Education: 

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

 
 As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
 
Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
 
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
 
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7482 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.