MAJOR FUNCTION:  Performs advanced professional, administrative work involved in coordinating and supervising the day-to-day operations of the Countywide benefits program.  Work is performed independently within established procedures.  This position reports directly to the Compensation and Benefits Manager and may provide supervision and direction to Division staff responsible for carrying out benefits program activities.  

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS NEEDED IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
 
KNOWLEDGE:  
•    Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of Human Resources.  Knowledge of principles and practices of benefits plans, including group health, dental, life, and other group benefits or deferred compensation programs.  
•    Knowledge of existing and relevant laws and regulations governing group life insurance, health care plans, and organizations, and various other benefit or deferred compensation programs in effect.  
•    Knowledge of FLSA, FMLA, state employment regulations, and FRS laws and procedures.  
•    Knowledge of research and investigative methods and practices.

ABILITIES:  
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials. 
•    Ability to communicate effectively and present information in a clear and concise format to individuals and groups of all sizes.
•    Ability to gather, compile and analyze statistical data and information to compose reports and correspondence for internal and external customers.  
•    Ability to effectively supervise staff, including directing, training, and evaluating subordinates.  
•    Discretion and independent judgment are required in solving work problems that arise within the scope of specialized personnel activities.  

SKILLS:  
•    Proficiency in various types of computer software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office and human resources-related software. Must have strong organizational skills.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: 
•    Coordinate the day-to-day operations of Countywide benefits program, including but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term
     disability; life insurance programs; retiree benefits, deferred compensation; FMLA; voluntary additional insurance programs, etc.
•    Collaborate with staff on the organization's wellness goals and objectives in relation to the benefits program to improve employee health and well-being; stays current
     with best practices to drive continuous improvement of employee health and decrease employer costs on a year over year basis.
•    Respond to a variety of inquiries regarding benefit programs and insurance policy details from employees and external sources, including those escalated from
      Division staff.
•    Plan and conduct annual open enrollment sessions and activities to ensure maximum awareness and understanding of available benefits.
•    Coordinate employee communications including creating and/or reviewing employee publications in collaboration with Division staff, insurance broker, vendors and
      the Communications Department.
•    Maintain current knowledge of the procedures of the  Florida Retirement System (FRS) to respond to employee inquiries and act as an authorized County
     representative; may serve as the Retirement Coordinator for Board employees under the FRS. 
•    Oversee benefits portion of new hire orientation and works with Division staff to ensure information is current and comprehensive and that it’s provided in an 
      easy-to-understand, engaging format. 
•    Assist with researching, evaluating and proposing modifications/additions to County benefit plans and for benefits insurance renewal; Assesses prevailing/best
      practices and trends; Develops and presents recommendations to the Compensation and Benefits Manager.
•    Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the County’s compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. 
•    Serve as custodian for employee benefit information, plan documents, insurance contracts, etc.
•    Keep informed about new rulings and changes in laws and regulations and recommends policy adjustments as needed.
•    May provide supervision of the benefits staff by coordinating and directing work assignments and providing training,  in the absence of the Division Manager.
•    Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:  During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:   Good vision and hearing with or without correction. Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely. Use of both hands and fingers with dexterity.  Occasional walking and standing are required.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS REQUIREMENTS:  Constant work inside the office in a sedentary posture.  Occasional outdoor work at remote offices and outdoor work sites when visiting County departments.
 
WORK HAZARDS:  Possible vision or hand/arm dysfunction due to heavy computer work.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT USED OR NEEDED: None

Pay Grade 24