Human Resources Benefits Manager
Job Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Performs complex professional, administrative, and supervisory work as the HR Manager of the Benefits division of the Human Resources Department.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class is responsible for managing all aspects of the human resources benefits division. Work includes supervision of professional, technical, and clerical staff, and management of the employee benefits function. This employee serves as a member of the human resources executive team and participates in developing communications, strategies, and objectives for the Human Resources Department. Work is measured according to broad objectives and is reviewed through ongoing dialogue and status updates. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Human Resources Director.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Develop, implement, administer, and maintain benefits programs, policies, and procedures.
- Develop benefits communications and counsels employees on benefits related issues.
- Process employee enrollment/change paperwork, and conduct employee orientation meetings.
- Conduct follow-up surveys, questionnaires, etc. to measure the effectiveness of information provided at orientation and during open enrollment.
- Ensures programs meet employee needs, comply with legal requirements, and are cost effective.
- Develop, recommend and implement changes in administration of employee benefits and strategy planning for benefit plans. Focus on, create and communicate programs with proactive steps of cost containment, e.g. wellness programs, life style changes. Partner with healthcare or wellness providers to create programs, incentives, informational literature, etc. to help control the cost of benefits by creating opportunities for employees to become healthier.
- Manage the Benefit Team including providing appropriate training, conduct performance evaluations, assign projects, maintain quality assurance, document procedures and implement new administrative processes to achieve efficiency and ensure accuracy.
- Update summary plan descriptions and applicable policies to ensure accuracy of administration in plan documents.
- Ensure administrative compliance with numerous federal and regulatory requirements relative to employee benefit plans.
- Manage open enrollment process by creating and implementing a project plan, delegating tasks and creating open enrollment documentation and employee communication materials. Conduct employee benefit info meetings. Input and manage HRIS to ensure accuracy.
- Ensure that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets.
- Participates as a member of the Human Resources leadership team, providing input towards policies and procedures and strategic planning.
RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of the human resources function and its impact on the organization.
- Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques for developing human resources programs related to employee benefits.
- Knowledge of current office practices and procedures.
- Supervisory skills including work planning, assigning, and reviewing the work of subordinate staff.
- Effective oral and written communication and listening skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem solving skills.
- Ability to understand a variety of complex problems and generate creative solutions.
- Ability to understand personnel policies and procedures, interpret, and apply them to specific situations.
- Ability to apply sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential human resources issues.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, employees, supervisors, and the general public.
Master’s degree in human resources, public administration, business, or a related field, and three years of professional human resources experience and three years of supervisory experience OR Bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, business, or a related field and five years of professional human resources experience with three years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Four years of professional Human Resources experience.
- Two years of HR benefits management experience.
- Two years of supervisory experience.
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
- Experience performing self-insured benefits plan administration.
Physical Requirements
Work in this position is primarily sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but walking and standing are also required. Must have the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform extensive reading, and operate a computer terminal.
May Require Driving
This position may require driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct County business, such as but not limited to, attending conferences, meetings, or any other County related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the county’s driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for County business, proper insurance must be maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy.
Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.