Human Resources Assistant - Benefits (Limited-Term)

City of Bellingham; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

The City of Bellingham is seeking a Benefits Assistant to join our Human Resources team. This limited-term position focuses on delivering administrative and technical support for benefits services while we transition to Workday.

You will help employees navigate the benefits process and ensure records accuracy. Responsibilities include maintaining confidential benefits records, generating reports, delivering benefits training, and supporting HR functions during the transition.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Three years of administrative office experience including at least six months of experience in a human resources or related setting.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related field preferred.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
• Experience using a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and other similar databases preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and technical support for HR benefits services during the Workday transition.
• Assist employees with benefits navigation and ensure accuracy of records.
• Maintain confidential benefits records and generate reports.
• Deliver training and orientation in benefits responsibilities and related HR functions.

Skills

Administrative office experience

Education

High school diploma

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related field

Tools

HRIS

Job description

The City of Bellingham is seeking a Benefits Assistant to join our Human Resources team! This limited-term position is expected to conclude between December 31, 2026 and up to one (1) year from the date of hire.

In this role, you will play a key part in delivering top-notch administrative and technical support for HR benefits services while we transition to a new HRIS System, Workday. You will help employees navigate the benefits process, ensuring accuracy in records, and supporting a range of HR functions. If you’re organized, eager to contribute to a collaborative environment, and ready to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you!

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs paraprofessional, technical and advanced administrative tasks in support of the City’s Human Resources Department with a primary focus on the Benefits Division. Provides general information and facilitates access to human resources benefits services. Interprets and explains existing human resources benefits policies, procedures, and programs to employees, managers and the public. Delivers training and orientation in areas of responsibility. Maintains confidential benefits records and generates reports. Provides technical and administrative assistance in support of professional human resources benefits staff.

For more information, please review the job description.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position will start at Step 1 ($32.34/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the E-Team Handbook and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $32.34 - $39.31. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and on labor agreements page.

• 13.33 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 09/04/26 4:30 PM Pacific Time

• High school diploma required.
• Three years of administrative office experience including at least six months of experience in a human resources or related setting.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related field preferred.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification preferred.
• Experience using a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and other similar databases preferred.
• In place of the above requirements, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Requires a minimum of 4 days per week on site work in the Human Resources office.

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026. Invitations to participate in the Interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around September 16, 2026.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity:

Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.