Benefits Manager

This posting may be closed before the posted date at the discretion of the City. 

The purpose of this classification is to perform skilled, analytical and highly responsible work in the planning, organizing and implementing of the City’s Human Resources programs. The incumbent will be responsible for the analysis, budgeting, design, structure, communication, and administration of all employee benefit programs including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Defined Contribution Retirement Savings, and other voluntary plans to include the management of a benefit enrollment system. The incumbent will also be responsible for the health and wellness strategy and recommend changes in employee benefit design and future benefit program offerings. Additionally, this position will provide contract administration for multiple programs and facilitate vendor relations. Serves as acting Director or Assistant Director of Human Resources when required.

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assists with managing operations and performs functions in key areas of the Human Resources Department, including benefits & wellness functions, with involvement in classification & compensation, training & development, HRIS, leave management, employee relations, labor relations, engagement & recognition, and other employment-related activities in collaboration with department leadership as required; manages benefits fund budget, financial reporting, and plan administration; monitors and ensures compliance with all related laws and local ordinances.

Supervises, directs, engages, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, mentoring, counseling, engaging, disciplining and providing timely performance feedback. 

Coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff, assists with complex situations, and provides technical expertise.

Plans, coordinates and implements annual Benefits and Wellness Fairs.
 
Coordinates annual Open Enrollment, including preparing the schedule and notifications for employees, retirees, and COBRA members; reviewing and updating forms and documents; auditing entries, selections, and payroll deductions; preparing annual Open Enrollment import into payroll system; and updating annual salaries in benefit system.

Analyze financial data including claims costs, expenditures, and program utilization; assist with analyzing the plans based on claims history, usage, services, and cost and makes recommendations to management for plan changes.

Participates in strategic planning for future benefit changes; assists in developing effective solutions and options; manages the implementation process of all changes and ensures the City complies of all regulations and requirements.

Assist in the design, development, and administration of the City's Wellness Program. 

Manages the relationship with the Employee Health and Wellness Center and assists by contributing to the selection and implementation of new services. 

Ensures compliance with all State and Federal Regulations, the Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform), collective bargaining agreements, and policies and procedures.

Prepare Request for Proposal (RFPs), Request for Quotes (RFQs) and/or Bids for all Group Health lines of coverage and Broker/Consultant Services. Serves on Review and Selection committee for vendor proposals.

Assist in the department’s annual budget preparation specific to the Benefits Fund.

Addresses employee/retiree problems with enrollment and delivery of benefits by providers and any concerns regarding staff performance on the team.

Assists with the preparation and review of vendor agreements related to the City’s insurance programs.

Administers Human Resources Information Systems related to benefits administration, such as benefits enrollment/maintenance software, internet/intranet, and reporting software, including creating/maintaining benefits-related site content, making system entries, and creating/running reports.

Provides guidance to employees, managers, and the public on HR policies, procedures, and available resources in support of department operations; may assist with distributing documents or responding to public records requests as needed.

Designs, develops and distributes communication tools to enhance employees’ understanding of the City’s benefits packages.

Completes special projects related to HR, including but not limited to benefits and compensation surveys/studies, and cost analyses in support of collective bargaining, and Requests for Proposals.

Attends public meetings, hearings, conferences, committee meetings, board meetings, and interdepartmental meetings relating to human resources issues as required; makes speeches or presentations. 

Compiles or monitors various administrative and statistical data pertaining to human resource operations; performs research as needed; makes applicable calculations; analyzes data and identifies trends; prepares or generates reports; maintains records.

Cross-trains with other personnel to provide primary and/or backup administration of other Human Resources functions.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS 

Assists in the absence of the Director and Assistant Director of Human Resources.

Performs other related duties as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications for education and experience must be met before consideration of the following preferred Qualifications:

Effectively communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities and events, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Accurately and expeditiously receives and delivers messages and information to the appropriate individuals.

Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports.

Ability to exercise independent judgement and discretion in interpreting policy, applying regulatory requirements, and completing complex assignments with minimal supervisory direction. 

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with Supervisor, customers, other employees, other departments, other governmental and regulatory agencies, and the general public as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
 
Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to Human Resources including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Knowledge of budgeting and financial forecasting related to benefits costs.

Knowledge of various types of benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, leave policies, wellness programs, and employee assistance programs.

Ability to exercise sound judgement and strict confidentiality when accessing, handling, and discussing sensitive medical, disability, and personnel information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. 

Skill in effectively managing and completing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to analyze data and use this information to optimize benefits program.

Ability to lead and direct a team responsible for administering benefits, as well as managing vendor relationships.

Ability to provide high-quality customer service.

Ability to accurately and consistently interpret personnel policies, procedures and regulations.

Ability to effectively communicate digitally, orally, and in writing.

Proficiency with HRIS, benefits administration, and case management software systems used to track leave, accommodations, and benefits enrollment. 

Ability to thoroughly prepare for and successfully facilitate programs and events.

Ability to adjust to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands, and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.

Ability to deal effectively across all levels of the organization.

Ability to resolve conflicts between individuals or among groups.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
The City of Boynton Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Personnel Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or bona fide occupational qualifications).
 
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Boynton Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
 
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.
 
VETERANS' PREFERENCE:
Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in the City’s hiring process. Additionally, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements in employment by the City.