Program Specialist (Benefits)

Florida Legislature; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Florida Legislature seeks an HR Specialist for Benefits to administer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and FRS Pension/Investment plans. The role supports onboarding, payroll, attendance, and records while ensuring compliance and accurate HR actions.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s in accounting, business, or public administration with 3 years of related experience; a master’s degree can substitute for one year. Strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of benefit programs administered by the Florida Retirement System and the Division of State Group Insurance.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of personnel administration and HR concepts.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; work independently.
• Experience handling confidential records and HR-related processes.
• Bachelor’s degree and three years of professional experience, or Master’s degree substitute for one year.

Responsibilities

• Assist with administration of benefits and retirement programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FRS).
• Support onboarding, attendance, payroll, workers’ compensation, and benefits processes.
• Input data into the HCM system and monitor personnel records.
• Advise employees and supervisors on benefits and related policies.
• Coordinate with Finance on premium and retirement payments.

Skills

Benefits programs knowledge

HR principles

Communication skills

Problem solving

Independent work

Data management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business or public administration, or related field

Master's degree in business, public administration or related field (substitutes for one year)

Tools

HCM system

Job description

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

The Office of Legislative Services, Human Resources (HR) Office is seeking a qualified HR Specialist for their Benefits section. This person will be responsible for assisting with the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension and Investment plans.

OUR ORGANIZATION

The Office of Legislative Services provides centralized administrative, management and support services to the Florida Senate, House of Representatives and other legislative offices. The HR Office reports to the Coordinator for the Office of Legislative Services.

The HR Office oversees employment processes such as attendance and leave, onboarding, payroll, workers compensation and benefits administration for the Florida Legislature. The HR Office manages the Legislature’s Human Capital Management System (HCM) and assists the offices with recruiting and training efforts. The HR Office is responsible for compliance with policies and procedures and all appropriate approvals regarding personnel actions.

• Assists employees in matters of retirement, group insurance, and other benefits.
• Responds to questions and problems in the administration of benefits for Legislators, employees, and with other agency personnel.
• Coordinates with the Finance and Accounting Office on journal transfers, refunds, and vouchering warrants for premium and retirement payments.
• Assists in administering phases of the diversified and comprehensive legislative human resource program.
• Researches and proposes improvements in the legislative human resource system.
• Processes and maintains confidential personnel records of all employees.
• Assists in recommending new personnel policies and procedures and changes to existing ones.
• Inputs data into the legislative HCM system and monitors computerized personnel reports and records.
• Performs special assignments, prepares reports, and drafts letters of response to inquiries.
• Advises employees and supervisors on workers' compensation programs and processes injury reports.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Knowledge of benefit programs administered by the Florida Retirement System and the Division of State Group Insurance.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of personnel administration.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of human resources.
• Knowledge of standard computer programs.
• Ability to determine work priorities, assign work, and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to formulate policies and procedures.
• Ability to understand and apply related rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Ability to use tact and exercise good judgment when interacting with Legislators and staff, other agencies, and the public.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, business or public administration, or a related field and three years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, human resource, staff development or training, purchasing, research, analysis, program planning and evaluation, or administrative work; or

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, public administration or a related field can substitute for one year of the required experience.

Professional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with State of Florida employee benefits and FRS experience.

SALARY

Commensurate with Experience (Minimum $44,580)

The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Open until filled

ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY

If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at [phone].