Benefits Coordinator – (26-174)

Okaloosa County; Crestview (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Okaloosa County is seeking a Benefits Administrator to manage employee and retiree benefits, wellness programs, and related communications. You will coordinate enrollment, COBRA, and premium deductions while supporting the Risk Management Department.

The role requires an Associate’s Degree and at least three years of benefits experience, with strong proficiency in Word and Excel; Access is a plus. Duties include budget preparation and ensuring accurate reporting and compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree with minimum three years’ experience in employee benefits, including health, life and dental claims and IRS Section 125 plans.
• Experience with benefits enrollment, COBRA, and premium deductions.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel; Access preferred for data tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provides administration of employee and retiree benefits and wellness programs; supports Risk Management Department.
• Reconciles and authorizes monthly enrollment and billing reports for vendor payments.
• Informs employees about benefits options and eligibility; handles life, health, dental and pretax plans.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Customer service

Education

Associate’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Access

Job description

: Provides administration of employee and retiree benefits and wellness programs; provides operational support to the Risk Management Department.

: Reconciles and authorizes monthly enrollment and billing reports to ensure correct payment to vendors.

Informs new, current and terminating employees of benefits, to include life, health and dental insurance, Flexible Spending Plans, Health Savings Accounts and pre-tax deductions.

Conducts new retiree benefits enrollment.

Plans, develops and coordinates implementation and monitoring of county wellness programs; participates as member of the Wellness Committee. Directs implementation of wellness related activities to include health screenings, Lunch and Learn classes, Bloodmobile, flu-shots and fitness classes, etc.

Provides plan administration, creates participant communications and customer service regarding benefit plans; counsels employees and retirees regarding their coverage and options in accordance with established policies and practices.

Enters biweekly benefit payroll deductions and past due benefits garnishments.

Administers COBRA notifications and ensures compliance for dental insurance; coordinates and tracks COBRA payments for medical premiums.

Ensures benefit premiums are collected from employees who are on Workers’ Compensation and/or on a leave without pay status; conducts in-house collection efforts of past due premiums and coordinates with the outside collection agency as needed.

Prepares and manages the Health Program Budget.

Reviews monthly and year end Risk Management Budget to ensure benefit funds are allocated to the correct accounts. Requests journal entries from Finance to make any changes necessary for corrections.

Coordinates open enrollment process and the distribution of benefits enrollment materials; determines eligibility and ensures the accuracy of benefit enrollments.

Assists employees with benefits claims issues and plan changes; enrolls employees with carriers and processes Qualifying Life Events (QLEs) status changes.

Responds to inquiries regarding plan provisions, benefits enrollment, status changes and other questions as they arise.

Processes and administers disability paperwork.

Assists with annual budget preparation.

Responsible for updates and changes to the department’s website and intranet pages.

Assists with the maintenance and integrity of the department’s filing system, both electronic and on paper.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Associate’s Degree supplemented by a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in employee benefits, with emphasis on health, life and dental claims and IRS Section 125 plans, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is required. Experience with Microsoft Access is preferred. Minimum typing speed of 25 words per minute is preferred.

• Licenses and/or Certifications:Requires a valid driver license.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.