City of Tampa

Lead Benefits Specialist (#050115) N35

$37.42-$56.11 Hourly / $6,486.13-$9,725.73 Monthly / $77,833.60-$116,708.80 Yearly


Introduction

This position is responsible for administrative and professional work in planning and coordinating work involved with the oversight and administration of employee benefits, and wellness programs.

Nature Of Work

Under administrative direction, the employee in this class performs tasks of unusual difficulty relating to City benefit programs including but not limited to health, dental, vision, life, disability and voluntary benefits. The employee will have a role in developing and administering City wellness initiatives. Requires the application of knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of public personnel administration, federal and state laws and guidelines relating to job duties, Oracle Advanced Benefits application and work processes. Requires strong written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills, as considerable interaction with city personnel and outside professionals is required. The employee must be able to apply and explain appropriate laws, rules, regulations, and procedures. Duties require the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgment in ensuring that tasks are completed with a high degree of accuracy and on a time basis. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results achieved.   

Examples of Duties

Serves as team lead for Benefits Specialist to train on new processes and procedures, coordinate tasks, lead eligibility audits, and serve as point of contact for resolution of issues in absence of manager.

Coordinates all functional testing of issue, new releases, and system changes for Oracle Advanced Benefits.

Responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of procedures to enhance the efficiency of established methods using acquired knowledge and experience in the interpretation and completion of assignments; research, analyze, and evaluates information as it relates to established policies relating to employee benefits.

Participates in the planning, development, coordination, and presentation of new/current City-wide yearly enrollment of employee benefits i.e., health insurance, long term disability and optional life insurances, dental, flexible spending account, medical and dependent.

Participates in producing benefits communication material such as benefits booklets, forms, memos, emails, brochures, flyers, and other related communications.  

Advises and consults with employees in updating group insurance records for health, dental, vision, life, LTD and optional insurances; advises employees and dependents of COBRA rights and benefits; monitors enrollees with the insurance company to ensure timely payment and continued eligibility.

Processes death claims for active and retired employees.

Works to resolve discrepancies, submit corrections, and respond to inquiries from health, dental, life, and optional insurance company representatives through meetings, memos, and telephone contact.

Reviews supporting documentation for enrollment or unenrollment of dependents and domestic partners in benefits. Approves benefit enrollments, life event changes, and cancellations, in Oracle.

Manages eligibility for benefits for active, inactive, and retired employees.

Coordinates the long-term disability claim filing process including interaction with the disability carrier and if necessary, City worker compensation staff and third-party administrator to facilitate early intervention to control costs.

Participation in producing Benefits communication material such of benefits booklets, brochures, flyers, and other related print material.  

Stay current on changing Federal and State regulations and legislation that may affect employee benefits.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: Group health, Medicare Advantage, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, coverage features and provisions.

Working knowledge of: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, and/or other tools; computer systems; ability to apply knowledge of Federal laws, State statutes including COBRA and HIPAA, and regulations pertinent to municipal personnel/payroll processing.  

Ability to: Work independently and complete activities assigned; maintain accurate records, collect, research, and analyze data and draw sound conclusions; formulate and present recommendations and implementation methods; effectively communicate and maintain working relationships with supervisors and managers, peers, and other employees; counsel employees; speak effectively in team or vendor meetings or as part of enrollment meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an bachelor’s degree in human resources, public or business administration or a related field and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a professional role supporting the delivery of benefit and wellness programs with emphasis on analyzing results and reporting to management; or an associate’s degree in human resources, public or business administration or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a professional role supporting the delivery of benefit and wellness programs with emphasis on analyzing results and reporting to management.  Advanced functional knowledge of Oracle Advanced Benefits or a comparable system is preferred.

Licenses or Certifications

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Examination

Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required.

Comments

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.


CLASS: 050115; EST: 3/20/2023;