Benefits Specialist - Austin Human Resources

IMDiversity; United States; Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Front desk coverage

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support city-wide benefits programs, assist employees and retirees with enrollment, and review Qualifying Life Events. You will manage billing for leave-related benefits and ensure accurate premium collection, while maintaining compliance with needed regulations.

Ideal candidates will have an associate degree and 3 years in benefits, plus experience with enrollment and benefits data entry.

Qualifications

• Associate degree + 3 years of benefits experience; substitution allowed for education
• Experience assisting employees and retirees with benefit inquiries, enrollment processes, and Qualifying Life Events
• Familiarity with benefits data entry, accuracy, and benefits policies

Responsibilities

• Advise on benefits programs and policies for city employees
• Administer benefits systems and enrollment, including QLEs and dependent documentation
• Coordinate with third-party administrators and vendors on benefits billing and eligibility
• Provide front desk coverage and support in a fast-paced environment

Skills

Customer service

Excel

Word

Bilingual EN/ES

Attention to detail

HR knowledge

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Workday

Job description

Benefits Specialist - Austin Human Resources

2025 Icon color
locations
One Texas Center
time type
Full time

job requisition id
JR104581
About This Position

Austin Human Resources is dedicated to building a high‑performing, diverse workforce that fosters a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all employees. Our department delivers strategic HR services across the organization, including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits, compensation, learning and development, and risk management. We focus on programs and policies that strengthen employee engagement, professional growth, and organizational excellence.

As one of the fastest‑growing and most innovative cities in the nation, Austin is known for its vibrant culture, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to exceptional public service. We strive to reflect the inclusive and dynamic community we serve by promoting equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking a Benefits Specialist to support City‑wide benefits programs and provide direct assistance to employees and retirees. This role answers benefits questions, assists with enrollment, reviews and approves Qualifying Life Events and dependent documentation, and manages billing for employees on leave to ensure accurate premium collection.

Job Description:
Benefits Specialist

Purpose:

Provide human resources (HR) advice and problem solving in the area of benefits on City-wide programs.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Implements, administers, and evaluates benefits programs designed by Austin Human Resources (AHR).

Develops benefits systems, procedures, and processes for the implementation of City or department HR benefits programs, policies, or strategies.

Provides advice and counsel to management and other employee groups related to the communication, interpretation, and implementation of City Benefits Policies and other benefits-related laws and regulations.

Assists in solving benefits problems, then monitors implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.

Coordinates the resolution of benefits issues with third-party administrators and other City of Austin vendors.

Provides advice for benefits-related decisions.

Assists in the analysis of morale indicators such as but not limited to surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents benefits recommendations for corrective action when needed.

Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other team members.

When necessary, prepares, reviews, maintains, and approves financial transactions and/or information for routine and non-routine accounts payable, cash receipts, billing, or other handlings by verifying documentation from multiple sources.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

Knowledge of assigned areas within Benefits.

Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing benefits activities.

Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.

Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in handling hostile conflicts and uncertain situations.

Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

Skill in using computers and related software.

Skill in planning and organizing.

Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in the area of benefits.

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a related field, plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to Benefits.

Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience assisting employees and retirees with benefit inquiries, enrollment process, and QLE changes throughout the year and during the annual Open Enrollment period.

Experience in using Workday as an eligibility platform system to enroll employees/retirees in benefits and approve their benefits elections.

Experience in benefits data entry with strong attention to accuracy.

Experience in providing front desk coverage.

Experience in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Experience in working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate:
Join Our Team as a Benefits Specialist! The City of Austin is committed to providing high‑quality benefits that support the health, security, and peace of mind of our employees, retirees, and their dependents. Our benefits team serves a community of more than 35,000 people, ensuring they receive accurate information and exceptional service.

As a Benefits Specialist, you will assist employees and retirees with benefits questions, guide them through enrollment, and review Qualifying Life Events and dependent documentation through the City’s online eligibility platform. You will also manage billing for employees on leave, reconcile eligibility and enrollment reports, and complete timely and accurate data entry.

This role provides essential customer service and operational support, including occasional front desk assistance and other duties that help keep our department running smoothly.

If you are detail‑oriented, service‑minded, and enjoy helping others navigate important benefits decisions, we would love to connect with you

Salary Range:
$ 27.77 (Minimum) - $33.95 (Midpoint), depending on qualifications and experience.

Office Location:
One Texas Center, 505 Barton Spring Road, Ste. 600, Austin, Texas 78704

Days and Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hours may vary based on operational needs. Alternative schedules and remote work options are available; however, the position requires at least 40% in-office each week. A flexible hybrid schedule may be offered after successful completion of the probationary period.