Benefits Associate II

Job Description - Benefits Associate II (13513)

Benefits Associate II (13513). Under administrative direction, this role provides support, planning, and implementation services in the area of benefits. Employees deliver services to management, employees, and external customers aligned with HR goals and JEA business objectives. The position requires knowledge of human resources theories, principles, and practices to perform a broad range of complex activities. Work includes influencing or motivating people or groups and may involve persuading, defending, negotiating, or settling matters involving significant or controversial issues.

• Performs assigned tasks, is punctual, and follows rules, policies and procedures.
• Works closely with payroll to ensure proper benefit enrollment and deductions.
• Monitors benefit and retirement programs for compliance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Distinguishes key facts, comprehends content, and prepares basic summaries or reports based on information.
• Investigates and resolves benefit issues between employees and benefit carriers.
• Identifies and documents gaps in the Human Resource Information System and related applications and recommends system design changes.
• Examines information or data for possible solutions, analyzing probable causes or reasons for the problem.
• Provides 457 Plan information related to enrollment, rollovers, loans, catch-up and distribution processes. Prepares authorizations for refund of pension and discusses rollover options with employees.
• Performs duties related to the Plan administration for the SJRPP System Employees Retirement Plan, including preparing committee documents, employee pay data for annual census and benefit estimates, entering lump sum payment requests, annual affidavits, SPDs, plan documents, etc.
• Provides pre‑retirement counseling and retirement benefit calculations to employees.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts employee retirement benefits seminars.
• Assists in developing and updating system test scripts and user test scripts.
• Performs oversight and management of vendors as assigned.
• Prepares project plans and coordinates benefit initiatives as needed.
• Responds to system demands, understands hierarchy of social, cultural and technological systems. Follows system processes and procedures.
• Tests, monitors and ensures accessibility and functionality of software and applications.
• Conducts testing for system patches and upgrades as needed.
• Processes electronic file transfers to vendors as needed.
• Analyzes customer needs and responds appropriately.
• Advises employees on benefit related topics and recommends actions to be taken.
• Provides support on various employee benefit plans such as health, dental, life, retirement, etc.
• Responds to administrative and policy questions related to benefit programs, including retirement savings and pension plans.
• Provides cross‑functional professional guidance and assistance to team members and customers.
• Integrates multiple data sources and items, contrasting and reconciling conflicting data.
• Reviews, revises and presents new employee orientation materials, benefit documents/brochures and payroll policies and procedures.
• Provides support for benefits administration including benefits enrollment, answering benefit inquiries, administrative duties necessary to insure compliance.
• Operates standard office equipment and demonstrates proficiency in using required software, including spreadsheet and word‑processing applications.
• Supports JEA's wellness programs and Wellness Center (fitness facilities) operations including coordinating events and assisting with program development.
• Ensures all benefits and retirement intranet sites are maintained and accurate.
• Performs other job‑related work as assigned.

• Seven (7) years of combined education, training and experience in benefits administration, including experience working with Oracle or a comparable human resources information system.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Human Resources or related field is preferred.
• Valid driver's license required prior to employment and must be maintained during employment in…