Benefits Coordinator

Benefits Coordinator

A professional position responsible for performing highly technical, professional, and analytical work of considerable difficulty including coordinating and administering the City's benefit portfolio including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; ADA initiatives and requirements; and paid and unpaid time-off programs. Assists in risk management, wellness programs, safety programs, and ADA initiatives and requirements.

Essential functions and duties include : providing new-hire orientation that includes education regarding benefits and other information related to working for the City, including issuing ID badges to employees; assisting active employees and retirees who have questions about their benefit packages and various insurance claims; troubleshooting problems; consulting with employees who are leaving or preparing to leave the City; explaining and assisting them with selecting their post-service benefit options and questions; addressing COBRA benefit related issues; assisting employees, dependents, and retirees in the completion of various benefit forms; managing open enrollment annually; making presentations as needed including public speaking; serving as interface between employee and vendors when required; presenting benefit orientation; reviewing and analyzing FMLA applications and making recommendations and developing employer response; interpreting human resources policies and procedures with regards to benefit, paid and unpaid-time off options for employees; working with legal counsel and internal departments on ongoing suits; acting as backup to Risk Coordinator; assisting with development of benefit policies; assisting with pay plans and administration of same; tracking job descriptions and maintaining adherence to requirements and policies; coordinating Veterans Recruitment efforts and EEO programs; attending applicant interviews citywide; researching and recommending additions / changes to benefits program as requested; assisting with preparation of and on-going reconciliation of Fiscal Year Budget; acting as a liaison between the Department and the public, making presentations and public speaking as needed; tracking and responding to public records requests; tracking employee status changes and employee progression plans; coordinating City charitable drives; posting vacant positions internally and externally; coordinating communication with applicants, including job offers, job offer letters, pre-employment tasks including background checks and drug testing; coordinating testing process with public safety; maintaining HR items on the City website; managing job fair attendance, and assisting with City recruiting plan / policy.

Minimum qualifications : knowledge of comprehensive employee benefit programs; knowledge of Federal Government COBRA and its ramifications; knowledge of City of Punta Gorda Personnel Rules and Regulations; knowledge of principles and practices of employee benefits administration; knowledge of State of Florida workers compensation laws and managed care practices; knowledge of claims processing and payment functions; skill in interacting with various levels of the organization and contacts outside the organization; skill in eliciting information from employees, dependents, and retirees regarding their needs; able to interact tactfully and courteously with the public to establish cooperation and maintain an effective public image; able to interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and established policies; able to maintain confidentiality related to sensitive employee information; able to effectively manage multiple tasks at once; able to understand and follow oral and written instructions given in the English language; able to produce documents written in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar; able to make informational inquiries from a terminal, PC or other keyboard device; able to perform mathematical calculations in computing rates, premiums, and adjustments; able to work cooperatively with other City employees, retirees, and dependents. Education, experience, licenses, and certifications : graduation from high school, or a GED from a properly accredited institution of learning. Associates degree in human resources or related field highly desired but not required. Four (4) years benefits administration experience in a reasonably fast-paced office environment preferred. ADA certification preferred. FPHRA certification preferred. Any combination of education and experience which provides the requisite mental and communication skills. Notary Public or the ability to acquire a Notary Public's certification highly desirable, but not required. Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Previous HR experience preferred.