Benefits Manager

Under general supervision of the Human Resources Director, provides direction and management for all City of Cape Coral Benefit programs. Plans, organizes, directs and manages resources to maximize the benefits programs for employees and retirees while minimizing cost to the City. Ensures all benefits plans are structured and administered in accordance with State and Federal regulations, approved City ordinances, union agreements, and administrative regulations. Furnishes advice and assistance on benefits management matters throughout the City.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Proactively strategizes all benefit offerings and general human resource (HR) functions to consistently promote highly attractive employee benefits and practices.
  
• Develops, coordinates, and implements benefit programs, as necessary.
  
• Negotiates and secures contracts for benefits and various HR vendors to provide quality services to general employee population. Manages related vendor relationships.
  
• Manages multiple benefit eligibility classifications.
  
• Manages all functions of Wellness: oversees the administrative of annual budgets and programs.
  
• Coordinates with Benefits staff for proper overall and individual communication of benefit structures and procedures.
  
• Provides counsel to staff, management and covered employees regarding benefits and the administration of programs.
  
• Works in conjunction with Pension Administrators, insurance companies, claims processors, etc. in the investigation, defense, and settlement of claims.
  
• Prepares forecasts of insurance and other benefits management costs for budget and planning purposes. Prepares and submits Division operating and capital budgets and strategic plan; manages budgets within constraints.
  
• Manages service and procedural relationships with employee health and wellness center service provider.
  
• Ensures benefit information is accurately entered and maintained in the HRIS system for benefits administration.
  
• Ensures training on benefits topics is available to all new and existing employees..
  
• Hosts and facilitates various health and wellness events; including Blood Mobile, Mobile Mammograms, Wellness
• Fairs, Open Enrollments, On-Site Vendor presentations, etc.
  
• Represents City at local, state, and national benefits and human resources management functions and on boards and committees as applicable.
  
• Maintains current knowledge of all federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to benefit administration, with specific emphasis on monitoring the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
• Oversees the coordination of required PPACA documents such as IRS form 1095-C and 1094-C.
  
• Oversees FMLA, Long-Term Disability, Leave Without Pay and Leave of Absence requests as relates to benefits.
  
• Maintains records on benefits systems, policies and practices including insurance carriers, wellness programs and funding pursuant to and in accordance with the City's Ordinances and Federal and State of Florida Requirements.
  
• Conducts research, completes surveys and prepares reports of findings, and recommendations for improvements in practices and procedures as applicable.
  
• Submits input on new and/or revised employment practices and procedures.
  
• Evaluates assigned personnel for efficiency and effectiveness; initiates personnel actions of hiring, promotion, discipline, termination, training and development; resolves or refers personnel problems or grievances; directs and assigns work to employees that report to them; and provides technical support and guidance in their work activities.
  
• May assist with union negotiations, to include research, data analysis, suggestions, strategizing; may serve as management representative on labor relations team and participates in active negotiations at the bargaining table as needed.
  
• Formulates and implements practices, rules, techniques, and procedures to improve organizational efficiency; assists in establishing policies.
  
• Initiates and completes special projects, programs or reports as directed.
  
• Participates in professional training meetings, seminars, conferences, etc., to stay current of best practices in the field of human resources, with emphasis specifically benefits administration.
  
• Performs other related duties as required.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field.
  
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible human resources experience that provides broad knowledge of human resources, to include five (5) years of progressively responsible benefits administration experience and three (3) years of supervisory experience.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with self-funded Health Insurance plans.
  
• Experience with onsite medical service vendor relationships.
  
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Professional in Human Resources (PHR) SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or similar human resources professional certification.
  

ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Benefit plan design and administration and internal processes (eligibility, rates, deductions, etc.).
  
• Human resources practices and principles, to include labor relations, employee relations, equal employment opportunity, recruitment and placement, benefit programs, hourly and salary personnel administration, personnel development, organization planning, and employee database maintenance.
  
• Federal, state and local laws, requirements, and regulations as they relate to job functions.
  
• Principles and practices of organizational structures, effective management, and leadership.
  
• Fiscal responsibility to include strategic planning and budgeting, delegating, problem-solving, listening, and analyzing information.
  
• Municipal organization and function.
  
• Research methods and techniques and methods of presentation and market methods.
  
• Advanced modern office support functions.
  
• Report and record maintenance principles and techniques.
  
• Principles and practices of effective administration, to include directing, planning, evaluating, and organizing.
  
• Business English, the application of such to a variety of formats, styles, and editing principles and techniques.
  

Skill in:

• Public speaking and human relations.
  
• Analysis and interpretation of data and information.
  
• Developing and implementing effective projects and plans.
  
• Leadership development, management practices, coaching/counseling and supervisory techniques.
  
• Written, verbal, electronic and visual communications for effective expression and clarity, to include formal presentations and negotiations.
  
• Operation of various computer or other electronic devices and applications used, e.g., word processors, spreadsheet programs, and databases.
  
• Organization, prioritization, and time management.
  
• Judgment and decision-making.
  

Ability to:

• Research payments and review payroll, identifying discrepancies and processing corrections, as needed.
  
• 'Think outside the box' in providing benefit solutions or resolving issues.
  
• Perform duties in a fair and impartial manner.
  
• Learn City Charter, Citywide administrative regulations, applicable Citywide departmental policies, Personnel Ordinance, Collective Bargaining Agreements and other regulatory documents as required to complete tasks and assignments.
  
• Learn City/Department-specific regulations and applications as required to complete tasks and assignments.
  Understand and manage highly complex, diverse projects or programs; and balance multiple assignments.
  
• Assemble, organize, and present, in written and oral form, statistical, financial, or factual information derived from a variety of sources.
  
• Assign and review the work of subordinate employees and to provide effective leadership at all times.
  
• Relate and respond to people beyond giving and receiving instructions, to include applying consistent respect, courtesy and tact in considerable public contact and/or in delicate or confrontational situations.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, support staff, staff from other departments and other local, state and federal government agencies.
  
• Convey a sense of authority and influence.
  
• Adapt to performing under frequent deadlines, re-prioritization of tasks and assignments, and in response to emergencies.
  
• Apply sound judgment and interpretation based on acquired knowledge in circumstances where limited standardization exists.
  
• Read and interpret various materials, ranging from moderate to complex terminology, associated with job functions.
  
• Understand and perform advanced mathematical skills, i.e., statistics, formulas, graphs, and charting principles.
  
• Create and maintain spreadsheets with moderate to complex formulas and graphs, presentations, and databases.
  
• Exercise high level of discretion due to the sensitive and confidential nature of information processed.
  
• Perform duties independently with minimal supervision and review with emphasis in achieving results on City initiatives.
  
• Analyze and interpret problems and draw conclusions.