Benefits Coordinator

Southfield, City of (MI); Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Southfield is seeking a Benefits Administrator to report to the Human Resource Director and coordinate key HR functions, focusing on benefit program administration and compliance.

You will manage enrollment for medical, dental, vision, life and retirement plans, handle COBRA, update HRIS for payroll deductions, and assist with renewal data and reporting for state/federal requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business, Management or related field.
• 2–4 years of progressively responsible HR work experience directly related to benefit administration.
• Intermediate proficiency with general office software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Administer various employee/retiree benefits programs, such as medical, dental vision, life insurance, retirement, process COBRA notifications.
• Maintain employee benefits filing systems and ensure changes are entered appropriately in HR system for payroll deductions; distribute required benefit notices.
• Manage benefit enrollment processes and online HR system for new hires, retirees, COBRA participants, annual elections and status changes; transmit benefit information to carriers.
• Assist HR Director in obtaining statistics and information in renewal process of health, life, and retirement plans.
• Prepare federal and state mandated records and reports as required; create reports for department and auditors as needed.

Job description

Under the general direction of the Human Resource Director, coordinates and performs key human resource functions, including benefit program administration. Manages and coordinates benefit administration functions, including enrollment in compliance with City policies, union contracts and relevant state and federal laws and regulations. Supports a culture of innovation to facilitate the City’s ability to attract, retain and develop an engaged workforce in the delivery of superior services to City residents and businesses.

• Administer various employee/retiree benefits programs, such as medical, dental vision, life insurance, retirement, process COBRA notifications.
• Maintain employee benefits filing systems and ensure changes are entered appropriately in HR system for payroll deductions; distributes required benefit related notices to employees/retirees.
• Manages benefit enrollment processes and online employee system for new hires, retirees, COBRA participants, annual elections and qualifying life event status changes; transmits benefit information to carriers. Facilitates employee benefits onboarding and provides consultation for incoming staff and retirees.
• Ensures proper billing of retirees for benefit coverage, communicates with pension system personnel regarding retiree benefits; notifies retirees of rate changes.
• Works with benefit carriers, insurance brokers and third-party administrators (TPA) to set-up and implement benefit plans and address employee coverage issues; audits monthly invoices for payment accuracy.
• Maintains benefit enrollment information on Human Resources Information System (HRIS) for payroll contribution and deduction processing; reviews monthly invoices.
• Administers monthly disbursements for the Retiree Health Care Supplemental benefit; manages the payment process for retiree health insurance premiums, reconciles accounts and coordinates with external insurance carriers; maintains detailed records of eligibility and payment history, works with the Pension Administrator during the financial audit.
• Prepares federal and state mandated records and reports as required, including employer responsibility reporting under the Affordable Care Act; create reports for department and/or auditors as needed.
• Assist HR Director in obtaining statistics and information in renewal process of health, life, and retirement plans.
• Maintains database of insurance rates for daily use, assists in addressing human resources matters; responds to questions regarding interpretation of City policies, labor contracts, and management concerns; refers more complex benefit matters to the Human Resources Director or designee.
• May work extended hours to accommodate needs of the department or organization, including attendance at or facilitation of evening or weekend meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business, Management or related field;
• 2-4 years of progressively responsible human resources work experience directly related to benefit administration.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.
• Intermediate proficiency with general office computers and related business software, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Internet and email.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Human Resources certification from a professional credentialing organization, such as Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA).
• Public sector human resources experience.
• Experience with a unionized workforce.
• Experience with BS&A, NEOGOV or other Human Resources data applications.