Human Resources Specialist - Benefits

(Regular, Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $71,038.79 - $88,804.03/annualized, DOQ

Closing Date: Open until filled, may close at any time

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

How to Apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or [email hidden].

Summary/Objective

The HR Specialist for Benefits performs a variety of duties related to the administration and delivery of employee benefits for City employees. This position interprets and applies HR benefits programs and policies, responds to employee and management inquiries, and resolves participant issues.

The position provides project support and may facilitate benefit-related projects, including annual open enrollment, webpage updates, employe education sessions, wellness activities, and other HR initiatives. The HR Benefits Specialist works closely with other HR staff and regularly interacts with benefits vendors, benefits accounting, payroll, legal, and other internal and external partners.

This position is heavily involved in benefits data management and benefits administration processes, working with payroll and vendors to ensure employee data accuracy and integrity. The position also administers benefit programs in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, researches federal and state regulations governing employee benefit plans, and develops or implements procedures to support regulatory compliance.

Essential Functions

Administers employee benefits through annual renewals, reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance requirement.

• Coordinates annual benefits open enrollment presentations and related activities.
• Prepares employee communications regarding benefit updates, new benefits, and existing benefit programs.
• Conducts annual Section 125 nondiscrimination testing.
• Completes annual and monthly Paylocity ACA maintenance and prepares annual 1094-C and 1095-C forms.
• Completes the annual CMS Disclosure.
• Coordinates Prescription Drug Data Collection reporting with the Third-Party Administrator and Prescription Benefit Manager.
• Prepares the annual Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) filing.
• Coordinates annual Paylocity renewals for COBRA, City Flexible Spending Accounts, and Library and Housing Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Reconciles carrier invoices and submits requests for payment for group health and dental plans, optional insurance plans, and other benefit programs.
• Prepares and monitors departmental statements and accounts receivable; balances accounts.
• Coordinates records management for the division and maintains the department’s policy and procedures manual, including drafting new provisions as business needs change.
• Coordinates and performs data entry for the monthly City Manager’s report.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners on annual biometric screenings.
• Coordinates wellness events, including flu shot clinics and biometric screenings.
• Attends benefit training and informational seminars.
• Prepares forms, processes employee enrollments, follows up on benefit-related items, and assists employees in resolving benefit issues.
• Submits required benefit information to accounting and payroll.
• Audits explanation of benefits documents for accuracy.
• Works with and advises the Director of Human Resources regarding benefit-related matters or emerging benefit concerns.

Processes employee benefit changes due to qualifying events and responds to benefit coverage questions.

• Assists employees with changes to health, life, retirement, and other benefit programs.
• Responds to benefit-related inquiries from employees, spouses, dependents, retirees, and other eligible participants.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date benefit records.
• Maintains and audits personnel and benefit files to support compliance with federal and state regulations.

Processes new hires and employee separations.

• Schedules and coordinates new employee benefit orientations and exit interviews.
• Presents monthly new employee benefit orientation, focusing on wellness program overview.
• Processes benefit-related actions associated with new hires, employee separations, and other employment status changes.

Serves as a backup in the administration of the workers’ compensation program.

• Processes workers’ compensation claims, including recordkeeping and obtaining information necessary for proper payroll processing.
• Obtains, develops, and maintains risk and exposure information.
• Responds to inquiries regarding workers’ compensation claims.
• Coordinates and improves processes related to compliance tracking, reporting, and audits.
• Updates and ensures City distribution of required workers’ compensation labor law posters.
• Completes the annual OSHA 300 Log.

Administers KPERS-related processes.

• Processes KPERS enrollments, terminations, leaves of absence, retirements, and long-term disability matters.
• Maintains accurate KPERS records and coordinates required updates with payroll and other appropriate parties.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in employee benefits administration and working with federal and state employment laws related to employee benefits.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered as meeting the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Public sector experience preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.