City of Tampa

This is highly responsible administrative and professional work in planning, coordinating and directing human resources services in the areas of employee benefits procurement, communication and administration.

Under administrative direction, the employee in this class is responsible for substantive program policy determination and selection and administration of benefit programs, providing cost-effective options for city employees and retirees.  Work involves the application of technical knowledge and skill in benefit plan performance, benefit procurement, communication and administration.  Work is of unusual difficulty and requires the application of knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of public personnel administration, federal and state laws and guidelines relating to job duties, Technology and Innovation Department (T & I) and computer applications and work processes. Work is reviewed by conferences, reports submitted, and results achieved. Appointed position: employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.  

Develops, recommends and implements health, life, dental, flexible spending accounts and long-term disability insurance programs to provide employees with options suited to their needs; participates in development of benefits strategy; compares plan design and rates with other public and private agencies; monitors health and disability programs, emphasizing provider performance and satisfaction of employees and retirees; develops quality standards to measure the city’s health insurance provider.  

Conducts research, prepares and completes requests for proposals (RFPs), oversees the selection of providers, negotiates contracts and prepares plan summary documents for benefit offerings.  

Schedules and coordinates enrollment periods, presentations and training concerning city benefit programs.  

Develops and executes cost containment strategies including Wellness Centers and related efforts, medical case management, disease management, on site nurse, on site health coach, and other wellness offerings.

Meets with health insurance experts, hospital administrators and peers for review of possible changes to programs; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with plan providers and their representatives.  

Leads, guides and directs staff who confer with employees and retirees on benefits questions in consultation with vendors, as necessary.  Analyzes the flow of employee benefits data and develops internal procedures, guidance, and training for staff to facilitate the timely and accurate update of employee information and benefits records.

Creates and distributes routine employee benefits wellness communications.  

Prepares reports and correspondence; assigns, develops and evaluates staff; manages unit budget and work processes.  

Performs related work as required. 

Extensive knowledge of: medical, pharmacy and other benefit plan performance, health economics concepts, benefits procurement, communication and administration, modern management practices and procedures; modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Considerable knowledge of: request for proposal (RFP) process, principles, practices, and procedures of public personnel administration; federal and state laws and guidelines relating to job duties, IT and computer applications to work processes.

Working knowledge of: healthcare trusts; 457 plan administration

Ability to: write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, health and benefit providers, and the general public; plan, assign, direct, and coordinate the work of professional, para-professional, and clerical employees in a manner that promotes full performance.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in human resources, business or public administration or related field and five (5) years of experience in human resources benefits administration, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.  Public sector collective bargaining experience desired. 

Preference will be given for Kronos and Oracle experience.

Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.

Certification as a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Group Benefits Associate (GBA) or Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) desired. Professional in Human Resources (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) certification is desired.