Engagement Manager

Under the general direction of the Human Resources Manager, the Benefits and Engagement Manager is responsible for managing the benefits and employee engagement functions for Santa Rosa County Government.

This position is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing new and revised benefits programs, policies, and procedures. It also ensures through audits, legal reports, and personal interactions that the county benefits programs are consistently administered in compliance with county policies and government regulations.

It administers employee health, welfare, and retirement plans county-wide in accordance with federal and state regulations and ensures that plan provisions are followed. It acts as a liaison between employees and insurance providers to resolve benefits‑related problems, ensures effective utilization of plans, and promotes positive employee relations.

• Supervises and evaluates staff; provides input in hiring, termination and disciplinary action decisions.
• Administers employee health, payroll, welfare, and retirement plans by ensuring day‑to‑day processing is in accordance with federal and state regulations and ensures that plan provisions are followed.
• Participates in organizational strategic planning and administration of benefits management, employee engagement and experience, and the human resource information system (HRIS).
• Prepares and presents initiatives, and directives; conducts research; compiles pertinent data and makes recommendations on benefits, payroll and employee engagement functions.
• Develops metrics and audits to analyze performance, value, accuracy and compliance of benefits programs; performs regular audits per schedule; takes appropriate action based on audit results.
• Works with benefits brokers in the insurance selection process; suggests benefit program changes, plan design and other improvements to ensure the most comprehensive benefits package is offered; acts as a liaison with insurance carriers and fosters effective relationships with client representatives.
• Manages the processing of retirements, termination of benefits, COBRA and employee deaths; facilitates survivor benefit processing and life insurance claims.
• Manages annual open enrollment; arranges for distribution of plan summary materials and required notices; assists with communicating changes to employees; conducts employee presentations; processes changes within deadlines; plans, coordinates, and presents activities relating to annual open enrollment periods.
• Assists in new hire orientations for benefits processing; ensures all new employees are correctly enrolled and are fully educated in the valued benefits package as a function of total compensation; counsels employees regarding benefits plans.
• Reviews and approves monthly billing reconciliations and ensures timely payment processing; resolves discrepancies with carriers, payroll and the county; completes reports as requested.
• Facilitates employee understanding of benefits programs; generates regular communications and counsel to employees/dependents as needed; resolves employee complaints related to payroll, health and welfare plans; refers difficult or very complex complaints to plan broker or the Human Resources Manager as needed.
• Develops employee lifecycle engagement improvement strategies.
• Implements and manages the annual employee engagement survey; analyzes results and initiates the action planning process.
• Analyzes employee exit survey data, identifies trends, and proposes recommendations.
• Develops promotion and communication plans for employee engagement and appreciation programs throughout the county.
• Assists with the coordination of internal communications for county employees; determines appropriateness and timeliness of information to be released; drafts emails and printed communication for distribution to employees; and assists in coordinating communication activities during emergency response situations requiring prompt communication to affected county workforce.
• Attends department meetings to facilitate employee engagement and benefits program training.
• Promotes and coordinates wellness activities to include…