Benefits Specialist

Department:                                 Human Resources

Position Control Number:             0121-004

FLSA Status:                                Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime

Safety Sensitive Designation:      This position is designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test:         Yes

Opening Date:                              May 21, 2025                          

Closing Date:                               June 4, 2025  at 11:59 PM

This 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 other than 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 Employer

JOB 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:     None

WORKING 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.