Benefits Specialist - Health & Welfare/Leave Programs job in Bellingham

NATURE OF WORK:

***The City of Bellingham is accepting applications for a full-time Benefits Specialist - Health & Welfare/Leave Programs. Review of materials is ongoing and will continue until position is filled. For first consideration, apply no later than 4:30 PM Friday, June 21, 2019. Interviews will be held for the most qualified applicants on or around July 10, 2019. The position may be closed at any time following the first review.***

The current full salary range for this position is $4,844/month - $5,887/month.

JOB SUMMARY:

Works collaboratively, but independently, under general direction in carrying out complex work in administering benefit programs such as employee health and welfare benefits, drug testing, WA Paid Family and Medical Leave, and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Provides direct service to employees, develops employee communications and processes benefit changes and leave requests. Maintains current knowledge of employee benefits-related laws, regulations and trends. Works in a highly sensitive public setting and with a variety of statutes, regulations and collective bargaining agreements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

Employee Health & Welfare Benefits:

Performs day-to-day administration of employee health and welfare programs such as medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Section 125 Flexible Benefit plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and similar programs in accordance with federal and state laws, City of Bellingham Policies and Procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements. Partners with Benefits and Payroll Manager to resolve complex benefit issues.Responds to employee inquiries, provides benefit information and acts as a liaison between the employee, benefits broker, insurance company and/or third-party administrators for City sponsored benefit programs. Provides benefit information at new hire orientation and conducts employee training as needed.Maintains employee enrollment information; processes enrollments and changes including notification of third-party administrators. Assists with COBRA administration as needed. Informs employees of benefits eligibility as appropriate. Coordinates annual open enrollment process.Maintains current knowledge of employee benefit-related laws and regulations. Assists with research and analysis of benefit plans to support Union negotiations, plan maintenance and improvement, and health benefit policy development.Serves on employee benefits advisory committee and participates in meetings with City benefits broker.Prepares, processes and validates Affordable Care Act (ACA) reports using reports and data from the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Assists in preparation of 1095C's for employees and uploading of data to the IRS website.Assists Benefits and Payroll Manager with development of Requests for Proposal (RFP's) for health and welfare benefit vendors and benefits broker. Performs minimum qualifications reviews of responses and analysis of vendor proposals.

Leave Programs:

Performs day to day administration of leave programs and policies in accordance with federal and state employment laws, City of Bellingham Policies and Procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements.Reviews and approves/denies leave requests based on relevant medical information, military orders or other criteria to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements. Works closely with City employees to ensure all relevant documentation is submitted for timely review. Consults with Benefits & Payroll Manager to resolve complex leave requests as necessary.Coordinates administrative aspects of leave including ensuring appropriate and timely communications and notifications and tracking hours used/taken. Works closely with HR Account Managers, Department Managers, Timekeepers and Payroll to ensure that leave tracking and pay for City employees on leave is accurate and correct.

General:

Performs or directs the work of assigned staff to organize, update, maintain, purge and archive databases, files, records and other documents according to guidelines. Ensures maintenance of confidential information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).Receives and distributes monthly selections for DOT Random Drug Testing and maintains as appropriate for records retention. Ensures results are received in a timely manner and distributes results as needed.Develops policies, procedures and guidelines; recommends changes to management. Participates in the implementation or communication of approved policies and procedures.Works closely with Benefits and Payroll staff and HR Account Managers to ensure coordination of all benefit programs administered by the City. Serves as back-up for other benefit programs, as assigned, to ensure continuity of service.Assists with administration of the City's self-insured industrial insurance program in accordance with relevant statutes related to industrial insurance; assists employees with filing claims and coordinates with third-party claims administrator and payroll as needed.Provides technical guidance and direction to staff related to areas of responsibility.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

Serves as back-up HR representative on City-wide Central Safety Committee in reviewing Accident Hazard Reports.May supervise lower classified staff, as assigned.Performs other related duties within scope of the classification.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office environment with occasional fieldwork where City field or satellite work is conducted. Works extensively at a computer workstation. Occasional overnight travel to conferences and training sessions. May be required to work evening and weekend hours, as assigned.

Physically perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Frequently operate a computer and read a computer screen or typewritten page;
• Frequently communicate verbally;
• Move between work sites;
• Occasionally transport objects up to twenty-five pounds.