Benefits Specialist

Overview
Administer benefits for group health, life, disability, dental, vision and critical care between carriers, providers and employees. Provide information and support to employees regarding their employee benefits and ensure that benefits are administered in compliance with current laws and regulations. Provide information and support regarding retirement plans. Counsel and provide support on disputes, appeals and grievances regarding employee benefits.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee benefits by researching and evaluating employees' files and queries, processing new hire elections, status changes, terminations, retirements and coordinating death benefits with beneficiaries
• Track employees eligible for benefits in compliance with Affordable Care Act and ensure benefits have been offered accordingly
• Provide insurance verification, COBRA information, CHIPS information, privacy practices and HIPAA certifications, and send no coverage letters to employees not electing benefits
• Administer benefits for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Illness/Accident plans. Provide information regarding plan benefits to current employees and retirees
• Provide information regarding the Employee Assistance Program, Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) and 457 deferred compensation programs
• Provide retirement estimates and retiree counseling, and process TMRS forms for address change, beneficiary changes (not vested and vested) and prior service credit, including military service
• Contact carriers with benefits issues and concerns and communicate with employees
• Provide prompt and efficient customer serviced via phone, email and walk-ins. Coordinate changes to benefits as a result of age-offs and medical support orders
• Coordinate new hire benefits and new employee orientations. Process long-term disability claims, employee status changes and arrears and refunds
• Assist with administrative duties by reviewing policies and procedures, coordinating benefits-related special projects, including the City Wellness Clinic, fitness center, Flex accounts and employee fringe benefits
• Respond to email and phone calls regarding employee benefits
• Ensure all documents are scanned properly into Laserfiche, and coordinate updates on the Employee Benefits website and proper dependent documentation is received and recorded
• Assist with the distribution of 1095-C forms in accordance with the Affordable Care Act, and maintain spreadsheets, logs as needed
• Coordinate yearly open enrollment for employee benefits by preparing and sending appropriate mail outs, updating enrollment forms and benefit guides
• Conduct benefit education sessions, respond to employee questions, providing specific understanding of and compliance with insurance/benefits laws and regulations
• Complete post enrollment audits to ensure compliance with insurance/benefits laws and regulations
• Coordinate Annual benefit events i.e., pre-retirement seminars, 457 Plan events, Flu Shots, Airrosti, Lunch & Learns, etc.
• May be asked to perform other duties as assigned

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Exempt – Full-Time
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirement
• In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.
Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• No prior experience

Preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish)

Licenses and Certifications
Required

• A valid driver's license is required; successful out-of-state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire

Employment Testing
Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:

• Criminal Background Check: Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record Check: Yes
• Drug Screening: Yes
• Physical Exam: Yes

Basis of Rating
A recruitment consultant will evaluate all applications against the posted qualifications and may request additional information. The city may also conduct additional skill assessment tests, in addition to the panel interview.

Supplemental Information
Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position with the City of Corpus Christi.

The City of Corpus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.