Employee Benefits Specialist 32917

NATURE OF WORK

This is responsible administrative technical work in the implementation and administration of day to day operations of group benefits programs for employees and retirees including health, dental, vision, long-term disability, long-term care, and life insurance and individual programs (AFLAC).

The Employee Benefit Specialist also provides excellent customer service, participates in the investigation of new benefits program, improves existing programs, and provides analytical technical support in the delivery of benefits program. This position performs various administrative duties related to benefits including planning and conducting orientations for new employees regarding insurance benefits and yearly open enrollments, on-going enrollments and changes; coordinating conversion of insurance for retirees and former employees; monitoring and coordinating payroll deductions and adjustments. Duties require communication with all levels of City employees, agents, and representatives from various insurance carriers. Incumbent must be able to apply knowledge of heath, life, disability, and dental insurance laws and COBRA regulations. In addition, incumbent must have the ability to apply knowledge and previous experience in the administration of self-insurance benefits.

Supervision is received from the Risk Manager and/or Assistant Risk Manager, who offers assistance and guidance in resolving unique employee group benefit issues. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through observation, conferences, reports submitted and results obtained.

Examples of Duties:
ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Provides verbal and written information to employees regarding the various employee insurance and benefits plans and applicable procedures Provides information to employees concerning health insurance policies and procedures; responds to inquiries regarding payment of claims and clarifies plan benefits Assists individual employees with insurance problems such as claims inquiries, appeals investigations, and coverage details Processes various forms and documents between employees and insurance providers such as applications for coverage, addition of new dependents, new enrollments under dependent coverage, change in coverage, and terminations Performs additions and deletions of enrollment through direct interface with various carriers’ portals. Audits carriers’ records for errors and inconsistencies and directs corrections Provides conversion information regarding rates and plans to enroll dependents of deceased employees, retirees, and former employees; prepares and forwards conversion forms in compliance with COBRA laws Processes retiree payments for continuation of their health and life insurance coverage, which includes maintaining a payment register on each retiree informing retiree of payment adjustments, sending past due letters, and, when necessary, collection of payment of NSF checks Reviews and reconciles monthly bills for health, dental, disability, supplemental, and life insurance plans for payment, errors in enrollment and/or employee status and information Assists with the development of new benefits programs and modifications to existing benefits programs and processes including training, forms development, and data management Conducts new employee orientation and annual open enrollment for insurance benefits Performs related functions and duties as required

Requirements:
EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited college or university with Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Risk & Insurance Management, Public or Business Administration or a closely related field. PROOF OF HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPLETED EDUCATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN ATTACHMENT WITH APPLICATION. (Applications without attached proof of education will not be processed for consideration.)

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Knowledge of all benefit related laws and regulations including, but not limited to, Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act (HIPAA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), federal and state laws, and other applicable regulations. Minimum five (5) years of experience in employee group health, dental, life, disability insurance programs, plan administration and implementation and COBRA regulations; Thorough knowledge of self-insurance benefits administration. Experience in a self-insured, governmental and union environment preferred Experience utilizing Tyler-Munis ERP highly preferred

REQUIRED LICENSES

Must possess a current Florida Health & Life Agent 2-15 Insurance License Possession a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record Must obtain a valid Florida license within thirty (30) days of residency or accepting employment

PREFERENCES

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) Group Benefits Associate (GBA)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to communicate. The employee is frequently required to move and remain stationary during long periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Sensory

The ability to perceive and differentiate visual cues or signals. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Work Environment

Work is performed in various environments including standard office setting and at various public locations within the City including. Locations, shifts and work hours may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Supplemental Information:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITES

Reasonable knowledge of the provisions of the various group health and life insurance plans. Reasonable knowledge of self-insurance benefits administration. Reasonable knowledge of the policies and procedures of insurance organizations providing group health and life insurance coverage. Reasonable knowledge of departmental rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to insurance activities. Reasonable knowledge of general office procedures, practices and equipment. Ability to assemble information from office records and prepares accurate and complete reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of City employees and representatives of insurance organizations. Ability to understand and interpret the provisions of various group health insurance plans applicable to the City. Ability to express ideals clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the application of departmental policies and procedures to group health insurance problems and circumstances. Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of employees, and officials in both the public and private sectors. Skill in the use of personal computer