Benefits and Wellness Specialist

Job Summary

The Benefits and Wellness Specialist is responsible for benefits and wellness program administration for employees and retirees of the City of Frederick. The position processes and audits benefit enrollments and changes for all employees, retirees, and beneficiaries on all benefit plans: including but not limited to health, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending, and all voluntary benefits. The position provides information among employees, retirees, payroll, vendors, and other partners, providing clear and responsive information.

This position is responsible for maintaining all employee and retiree benefit records, forms, and documents, and works directly with vendors on billing adjustments as needed. This position serves as the City's COBRA administrator, supports annual benefit renewal and open enrollment activities, and creates and oversees wellness initiatives that promote employee well-being. This role requires sound judgement, discretion, attention to detail, strong customer service, and the ability to manage confidential information and multiple deadlines with general supervision.

• Administers the City's health and wellness benefit programs including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, life insurance, COBRA, deferred compensation, Retiree Health Savings, voluntary benefits and wellness initiatives.
• Creates and maintains a variety of files and uses software systems to ensure accurate recordkeeping to include employee, retiree, and terminated personnel benefit records, and related documents.
• Processes and audits enrollments, qualifying life event changes, terminations, beneficiary updates, and personal information changes.
• Coordinates with the Payroll Administrator to ensure all benefits enrollments, terminations, and changes are reflected timely and accurately in the payroll system.
• Updates and maintains accurate data in benefit vendor systems including benefit enrollment, changes, and terminations. Processes name, address and phone number changes in vendor systems.
• Verifies and reconciles benefit invoices; monitors the collection of employee/retiree premiums and takes action to correct deficiencies; performs other fiscal actions as needed.
• Oversees the planning, design, and administration of employee wellness initiatives and programs.
• Assists with various benefits related projects such as benefits review and Request for Proposal processes.
• Presents benefit and wellness information during new employee orientation and other employee and retiree meetings.
• Assists in the management of the benefits renewal process and annual Open Enrollment planning, communication and rollout between Human Resources, employees, and retirees.
• Plans and executes wellness related events, including the Health and Wellness Expo.
• Maintains and distributes current benefits brochures and enrollment materials.
• Interacts and coordinates with benefit vendors regarding enrollment and claims matters as well as benefits implementation.
• Identifies and recommends improvements to benefit administration, communications, recordkeeping, employee self-service, and the participant experience.
• Oversees the completion of various reports, including ACA reporting and FSA Non-Discrimination Testing.
• Compiles and analyzes benefit and wellness data, completes surveys, benefit related letters, and recurring and ad hoc reports.
• Processes Medical Support Orders and other benefit related notices.
• Assists employees and retirees with changes in benefits, taxes, savings plans, etc. Prepares administrative paperwork for post-employment benefits for retirees of the City.
• Stays current on federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to employee benefits and wellness.
• Completes all Life Insurance Claim paperwork and submits to life insurance vendor.
• Serves as backup on disability vendor inquiries and provides support to other Human Resources functions as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR

EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma and post-secondary training in Human Resources, business administration or other related field, or a combination of education, training, and work experience.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits, employee wellness, Human Resources, or closely related function. Experience must include direct responsibility for benefits administration, enrollment, eligibility, employee benefit support, or vendor coordination.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES:

• Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

REQUIRED SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.):

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn and effectively use software systems.
• Strong…