Wellness Specialist

The anticipated hiring range is $73,672 - $90,000

The Benefits & Wellness Specialist is responsible for performing professional level oversight of the City's employee benefit plans and systems. This position is responsible for subject matter expertise in benefit functions, including application of applicable federal, state, and local laws. This position supports organizational goals and initiatives, provides expert advice and consultation, maintains records, completes special human resources projects; and writes and develops plans, communications, policies, and procedures.

Incumbents provide analysis and participate in surveys to determine competitiveness.

This position is the technical leader for the City’s various employee benefits plans. This position will help manage citywide benefits programs and ensure accountability to internal and external stakeholders. The Benefits & Wellness Specialist will employ in-depth knowledge of benefits plans, regulations, and program data to develop program improvements and customer-focused solutions for city benefits initiatives. The Benefits & Wellness Specialist will ensure timely delivery to customer in benefits delivery.

The incumbent oversees administrative work and front-line escalations and implements tools and functional resources necessary to inform good decision making. This role requires leadership and a teamwork mentality, as the Benefits & Wellness Specialist will manage the internal customers and employee requests and questions process across different functional areas within the City of Richmond, as well as Human Resource employees.

• Regulatory Oversight: Manages benefit plans (health, dental, disability, life, voluntary, and retirement programs) in strict accordance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other federal, state, and local regulations.
• Vendor & File Management: Manages relationships, issue resolution, and activities with plan vendors; oversees administrative functions, inbound/outbound integration files, plan eligibility, contributions, and reconciliation.
• Financial & Data Analysis: Analyzes employee benefit costs to recommend cost savings and plan design changes; utilizes advanced Excel and system tools to track program performance and generate reports.
• Process Improvement: Evaluates processes, applies critical thinking to identify issues, and leverages technology to implement solutions that increase productivity and operational efficiency.

• Escalated Issue Resolution: Manages the customer service support process (calls/emails) for current and former associates; handles complex and escalated inquiries regarding plan provisions, eligibility, and enrollment in a timely manner.
• Retirement & Life Insurance Guidance: Gathers pension data, interviews prospective retirees, provides estimates, and delivers individualized support on retirement options and life insurance benefits.
• Education & Presentation: Conducts employee education and benefits information sessions, coordinates provider correspondence, and creates resources to help associates make informed benefit decisions.

• Pod Leadership: Serves as a operational lead to other Benefits Team members, providing guidance and fostering shared institutional knowledge.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners with internal teams and external agencies to ensure seamless benefits operations, data integrity, and a positive employee experience.
• Adaptable Execution: Manages multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strict accuracy, attention to detail, and executing additional duties as assigned.

• Human Resources &
  
  Employee…