This is progressively responsible administrative work of average difficulty exercising full confidentiality and considerable independent judgement in when carrying out Department objectives efficiently and effectively under the direct supervision of the Benefits Manager. Incumbent is responsible for assisting in the administration of the City’s health insurance policies and voluntary benefits; reconciling all monthly insurance statements and maintaining enrollment and membership information for all employee benefits, including but not limited to defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, health, dental, life, supplemental life, and other ancillary insurance coverage. This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Provides support to plan members by researching and responding to inquiries related to enrollment, changes, claims, plan design, and compliance issues. Assists in planning, developing, and implementing competitive solicitations and employee benefit programs. May participate in the evaluation and negotiation of proposals and contracts; prepares benefit documents for approval; monitors contracts to ensure compliance with negotiated benefits. Assists with planning and coordinating annual benefit open enrollment meetings; attends vendor education sessions. Provides support in developing and distributing open enrollment communication packets and other media. Conducts analysis of local municipality surveys. Assists in the administration of benefit plans by entering annual enrollments, payroll deductions, and reimbursements through the City’s computerized payroll system and providing periodic updates on employee fund balances; inputs eligibility data and benefit changes into benefits enrollment system to ensure data integrity and system integrations. Assists in developing administrative reports and procedures to effectively interface with various systems. Monitors health premiums arrears for employees on approved leave/FMLA; notifies employees on leave without pay/FMLA of payment remittance; issues delinquent and cancellation notices. Completes employer’s response to medical section of Child Support Enforcement Notices and updates payroll. Assists in the preparation and distribution of information to employees and retirees regarding open enrollment, insurance providers, and policy and/or rate changes. Prepares and distributes notification/approval correspondence for request for Family Medical Leave. Review requests for completion and eligibility. Advise Departments and/or payroll of approval and request of leave usage. Performs duties in compliance with all applicable laws, and guidelines which regulate employee benefits including FRS, IRS, HIPAA, FMLA,COBRA, PPACA. Reconciles monthly bills for insurance and other supplemental benefits and submit timely to Finance for payment. Enroll and/or terminate employee benefits in City’s HRIS and vendor systems to ensure accuracy on bills and deduction from employee paychecks. Assists in the submission of paperwork to retirement system provider regarding initial or DROP enrollment. Performs related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of planning and implementation of benefits programs. Knowledge of Federal and state regulations governing insurance benefits and pension plans. Knowledge of PPACA, HIPAA, FMLA and COBRA regulations. Knowledge of related insurance statutes and regulations. Knowledge and ability to use HRIS to input and maintain data, and generate reports. Ability to exercise sound judgment in the performance of job duties. Ability to interpret and apply complex benefits and benefits regulations, laws and terminology. Ability to independent reconcile insurance statements. Ability to develop effective communication strategies and facilitate benefits training. Ability to write reports and prepare reports spreadsheets. Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment. Ability to research and solve problems. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with City officials, employees, insurance carriers, medical providers and the general public. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to organize work and manage time. Expert skills in the use of modern computer hardware and software including Office 365 and Windows software. Skilled in crafting and delivering oral, written and PowerPoint presentations. Education & Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or closely related field of study, with four years (4) of professional work experiencing administering comprehensive employee benefits programs for a large organization. Masters or MBA with a concentration in accounting and/or Human Resources preferred. Designation as a Certified Benefits Specialist highly desired. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and satisfactory driving history throughout employment. Equivalent combination of training and/or experience may be considered. The physical demands described here 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 functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Requires light physical effort that may include lifting up to 10 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet. Work is performed in an office setting within a controlled environment. Hours of Work The City of Miami Gardens' Human Resources Department operates on a four (4) day work week schedule; Monday-Thursday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, 7:30 am - 6:30 pm, or 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. 11 hours per day, which includes 1 hour of unpaid lunch hour. Position is not remote. #J-18808-Ljbffr