Benefits Specialist

This position is responsible for professional, analytical and customer service work involved with the oversight and administration of employee benefits, and wellness programs.

The employee in this class performs tasks of more than average difficulty relating to City benefit programs including but not limited to health, dental, vision, life, disability and voluntary benefits. The employee will have a role in developing and administering City wellness initiatives. Requires strong written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills, as considerable interaction with city personnel and outside professionals is required. The employee must be able to apply and explain appropriate laws, rules, regulations, and procedures. Duties require the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgment in ensuring that tasks are completed with a high degree of accuracy and on a time basis. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results achieved.   

Under the direction of managers and supervisors, this position participates in the planning, development, coordination, and presentation of the annual benefit enrollment. 

The position will support the oversight and operation of benefit plans by performing activities such as review of benefit plan documents and collateral material, review of invoices, initiation of service requests to benefit plan contractors, participation in benefit and wellness team meetings, and in meetings with the staff of benefit plan contractors.

Advises and consults with employees, retirees and covered family members regarding benefit plan provisions and eligibility, referring requests to the supervisor or manger as appropriate.

Serves in a primary role providing professional support for the retiree health, dental and vision programs.

Works closely with wellness program initiatives to assure content is aligned with City benefit plans and vendor resources.

Coordinates the long-term disability claim filing process including interaction with the disability carrier and if necessary, City worker compensation staff and third party administrator to facilitate early intervention to control costs.

Reviews LTD claim reports and employee lost time reports to identify trends in LTD claims for purposes of controlling costs related to such claims.

Participation in producing Benefits communication material such of benefits booklets, brochures, flyers and other related print material.  

Responsible for benefit and wellness invoice review and processing for payment.

Utilize various HRIS and Benefit and Wellness programs for City programs.

Stay current on changing Federal and State regulations and legislation that may affect employee benefits.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: Group health, Medicare Advantage, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, coverage features and provisions.

Working knowledge of: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, and/or other tools; computer systems; ability to apply knowledge of Federal laws, State statutes including COBRA and HIPAA, and regulations pertinent to municipal personnel/payroll processing.  

Ability to: Work independently and complete activities assigned; maintain accurate records, collect, research, and analyze data and draw sound conclusions; formulate and present recommendations and implementation methods; effectively communicate and maintain working relationships with supervisors and managers, peers, and other employees; counsel employees; speak effectively in team or vendor meetings or as part of enrollment meetings.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an bachelor’s degree in human resources, public or business administration or a related field and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a professional role supporting the delivery of benefit and wellness programs with emphasis on analyzing results and reporting to management; or an associate’s degree in human resources, public or business administration or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a professional role supporting the delivery of benefit and wellness programs with emphasis on analyzing results and reporting to management.  Working knowledge of Oracle Advanced Benefits or a comparable system is preferred.

Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required.

Preference will be given to individuals with professional designations such as Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), or other benefit specific education or certification.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.