Benefits Specialist (Austin Human Resources)

City of Austin; United States; Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Austin, via the Austin Human Resources team, is seeking a Benefits Specialist to support citywide benefits programs and provide direct assistance to employees and retirees with enrollment, QLEs, and ensure accurate premium billing.

The role requires an associate degree and 3 years in benefits (education can be substituted). Workday experience and bilingual English/Spanish are preferred; a hybrid schedule with in‑office work is available.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field plus 3 years of benefits experience.
• Experience may substitute for education up to two years.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers and evaluates citywide benefits programs.
• Assists employees and retirees with enrollment and QLE changes.
• Reviews and processes benefits documentation and audits billing.
• Collaborates with third‑party administrators and vendors.
• Provides guidance on benefits policies and regulations.
• Maintains confidential employee records and ensures privacy compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate degree in related field

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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

• 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 coursework 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the day‑to‑day administration of employee benefits programs, including assisting employees and retirees with benefits enrollment, qualifying life events (QLE) changes, and the annual Open Enrollment process.
• Experience serving as a primary point of contact for employees and retirees, responding to benefits inquiries, providing guidance, and resolving routine benefits‑related issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Experience using Workday to manage benefits eligibility, process employee and retiree enrollments, and review and approve benefit elections.
• Experience conducting benefits eligibility and enrollment audits, verifying data accuracy, identifying discrepancies, and resolving errors to ensure accurate benefits administration.
• Experience providing front desk coverage, assisting walk‑in customers, and delivering professional customer service.
• Experience in maintaining confidential employee and retiree records while ensuring compliance with applicable privacy requirements, organizational policies, and procedures.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.

Compensation Range

The annual hiring range for this position is $29.11‑$35.66.

Physical Location

505 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704

Office Location

One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs 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.

Driving Requirement

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Salary Range per hour

Salary Range: $ 29.11 (Minimum) - $35.66 (Midpoint) per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Join the City of Austin Team

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work‑life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike‑friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

City of Austin Employment Video

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