BENEFITS SPECIALIST
: Job Details :

Department: Human ResourcesPosition Control Number: 0121-004FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, position is eligible for overtimeSafety Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as safety-sensitive.Random Drug/Alcohol Test: YesOpening Date: 10/12/2024Closing Date: 10/20/2024 at 11:59 PMThis job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks otherthan those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.An Equal Opportunity EmployerJOB SUMMARY: Responsible for providing assistance in the administration of the Employee Benefits program and orientation of personnel employed within the Pulaski County Government.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:* Reviews and processes benefit enrollments and changes submitted in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS); verifies employee's eligibility for benefits.* Inputs the appropriate recordkeeping for Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting; prepares 1095s for distribution to employees and electronic IRS reports.* Presents explanation of benefits as part of the new employee orientation program.* Answers questions and provides assistance to employees regarding benefit programs including enrollment, eligibility, and claims processing.* Monitors services provided by benefits providers and investigate complaints regarding payments; acts as a liaison between providers and employees to ensure proper and timely payments of benefits.* Completes certification of the length of coverage in a group health plan for terminating employees and mails to employees as needed.* Assigns termination checklists to employees upon termination, notifying them of the ending date of benefit coverage and any conversion procedures.* Notifies retiring employees when eligible for continuation of health insurance and forwards information to the vendor.* Prepares reports regarding benefit usage as required by Department or by benefits providers.* Schedules group benefit enrollments for Pulaski County employees at various job sites.* Maintains internal COVID databases to include vaccination records and leave tracking while ensuring compliance with policy and procedures; complies reports as needed.* Ensures accuracy of monthly billing and payments received for COBRA, Retirees, and employees on leave without pay (LWOP); processes payments received from vendors.* Reviews information entered in HRIS for new employees and assigns appropriate benefits and ACA profiles.* Completes and sends to the COBRA Administrator a list of terminated employees for COBRA notification.* Ensures that confidential information is maintained and transmitted in a secure and legally compliant manner.* Assists with the maintenance of the HRIS system; troubleshoots issues and provides assistance to employees as needed.SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:* Compiles statistical data regarding employees and benefits use required for annual benefit program renewals.* Assists Wellness Coordinator with wellness program activities for Pulaski County Employees as needed.* Assists with the management of FMLA and ADA claims as the backup to the Benefits Administrator; coordinates with employees, departments, and vendors to ensure proper documentation is obtained in a timely manner.* Distributes appropriate forms for unforeseeable emergency withdrawals from supplemental retirement accounts upon request; ensures documentation is provided.* Reviews benefit bid proposals to evaluate coverage offered to employees.* Maintains computerized records of terminating employees and benefit records.* Develops and administers an employee recognition program including eligibility determination, recognition method selection, scheduling, and coordination of the program.* Develops and updates a video orientation scheduling the filming, preparing the program, and incorporating it into orientation.* Conducts research for special projects as assigned.* Compiles data for local market benefit surveys as requested.* Completes death claim form for employees or family; forwards claim form and death certificate to the insurance carrier.* Performs other related duties as required.PERSONNEL SUPERVISED: NoneWORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a smoking-restricted office environment. Occasional travel to other County facilities is required.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:*

Comprehensive knowledge of County benefits policies and programs including the coverage and record-keeping requirements.* Comprehensive knowledge of all laws and ordinances governing benefit programs and Workers' Compensation coverage.* Considerable knowledge of the requirements of the HIPAA privacy and security rules.* Good knowledge of descriptive statistics.* Good knowledge of community organizations involved with health care provision.* Ability to maintain detailed records and prepare statistical and narrative reports.* Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively in writing with employees and benefit providers.* Ability to prepare and present instructional materials to individuals and groups.* Ability to coordinate programs and instructional sessions for groups of employees.* Ability to handle confidential material in a reliable manner.* Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, County departments, benefit providers, and community organizations.* Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.* Skill in the operation of a calculator.* Skill in the operation of computer and data processing software.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:*

Ability to communicate orally effectively to individuals and to groups, in person and by telephone.* Digital dexterity is needed for the operation of a computer keyboard.* Visual acuity is needed for use of a computer monitor.* Ability to lift and carry loads up to 10 pounds.* Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.* Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Completion of college-level coursework in Compensation, Benefits Administration, Industrial Psychology, Human Resources Management, or a related area; considerable experience in Benefits Administration, Claims Processing, or a related area; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.This position is safety-sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.