Benefits Manager

Benefits ManagerPrint SubscribeClass TitleBenefits ManagerClass Code5334Salary$114,379.20 - $149,884.80 Annually+ Definition+ BenefitsClassification Description SummaryUnder administrative direction, provides direction and management for all City of Reno Benefit programs. Plans, organizes, designs, administers, and directs 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; and provide highly responsible complex administrative support to the Director of Human Resources or designee.Essential FunctionsThe following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.Proactively strategize all benefit offerings and general human resource (HR) functions to consistently promote highly attractive employee practices and benefits.Plan, manage, and administer the Citys health and life benefit program, with multiple benefit eligibility classifications, including plan changes, enrollments, and terminations, for programs such as employee, dependent, and retiree medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment and long-term disability.Oversee and manage the Citys annual open enrollment period each year, including the distribution of materials, communicating changes to employees, arranging for on-site presentation by providers, as necessary, and processes changes within deadlines.Plan, manage and administers the Citys deferred compensation benefit program.Plan, manage and administers the Citys voluntary/supplemental benefit program.Plan, manage and administers the Citys Employee Assistance Program.Collaborate with Benefits Broker to negotiate and secure contracts for benefits. Manages related vendor relationships.Develop, oversee and manage the Citys wellness initiative including budget development and administration of programs.Lead the Employee Insurance Advisory Committee (EIAC).Coordinate and train other members of the HR team for proper overall and individual communication of benefit structures and procedures.Participates in the preparation and development of the benefit budget. Maintains and monitors appropriate budgeting and expenditure controls.Receives and responds to the difficult and complex benefit inquires and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution.Develop and deliver employee educational opportunities to help ensure employee understanding of benefit programs by generating on-going benefits communications.In collaboration with Central Payroll, administer COBRA for the City, offering benefit continuation for separating employees.Oversee FMLA, long-term disability, leave without pay, and leave of absence requests as related to benefits.Ensure the HRIS system provides accurate functionality for benefits administration.Assists in labor contract negotiations, including development of City bargaining proposals for employee benefits and related items.Performs analyses of labor benefit requests. Obtains and prepares cost data for City and labor proposals as necessary.Assists in developing materials for benefit related arbitrations/grievances.Monitor all collective bargaining agreements for contractual compliance.Writes policy statements, procedure memos and directives regarding proper administration of health and life insurance programs for the City and affiliated agencies.Monitors legislation and analyzes proposed legislation to determine impact on benefit operations and programs.Adheres to and upholds all City rules, policies, and procedures adopted by the City.Represents and conducts self in a professional manner.Maintains and supports a high level of customer service to peers, employees, retirees, and partners.Other assignments and/or duties as directed by a member of management.Minimum QualificationsKnowledge of:Operational characteristics, services, and activities of the Citys Benefit offerings.Principles and practices of benefit plan design and effective benefit programs.Principles and practices of benefit administration and programs.Principles and practices of budget development, preparation, and expenditure control.Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.Principles and practices of cafeteria 125 plans.Principles and practices of COBRA and FMLA compliance.Principles, practices, and techniques of program development and administration.Methods and techniques of effective technical, administrative, and financial report preparation and presentation.Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.Organization and operation of municipal government.Ability to:Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.Research, analyze, and evaluate benefit programs, policies, and procedures.Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports on a variety of benefit and related financial, budgetary, and administrative budget issues.Communicate orally in a clear, concise manner, including conveying technical information to nontechnical audiences.Interpret and apply administrative and City benefit policies and procedures.Operate a variety of office equipment including personal computers and related peripheral equipment and software applications.Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.Perform responsible and difficult programmatic and administrative duties involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.Establish, maintain and foster effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:Education/Training:Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.Experience:Five (5) years of increasingly responsible administrative and professional analytical experience involving benefit administration.License or Certificate:Possession of an appropriate, valid drivers license.Supplemental InformationPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTThe conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.Environment : Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to different sites and locations.Physical : Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link (http://www.reno.gov/government/departments/human-resources/benefits) to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.SubscribePlease verify your email address Verify Email