BENEFITS SPECIALIST

About the role

The Benefit Specialist provides daily operations management of Benefits for 59,000+ City of Houston employees, retirees, and their families. This role is responsible for responding to questions regarding Benefits coverage, processing Benefits plan changes due to Qualified Life Events, reviewing and verifying new dependents' supporting documentation, and processing other Benefits forms and paperwork. The Benefit Specialist answers calls to the Benefits Call Center line, returns voicemails as needed, and assists walk-ins to the Benefits Division. This position also assists with oversight of processes through review of reports ranging from bi-weekly to annually to ensure accuracy and quality of benefits processes.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Process Qualified Life Events and review and verify required supporting documentation for adding or dropping dependents from benefits plans.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of benefits, including the administration of health plans offered to employees (medical, dental, vision, life, and other benefits).
• Provide accurate written communication to employees, department liaisons, and City health care vendors.
• Ensure callers, walk-ins, department liaisons, and vendor representatives are informed about available benefits when prompted.
• Participate as a facilitator for Open Enrollment meetings.
• Research, analyze, and resolve customer issues.
• Review weekly, monthly, or quarterly Benefits Reports and make updates in SAP or other Benefits systems as needed based upon findings.
• Utilize programs such as SAP, OnBase, KRONOS, SharePoint, Benefit Focus, etc.
• Serve as a back-up to other benefits representatives.
• Proactively support additional functions within the Human Resources Department as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Science, Liberal Arts, or a related field.

Experience: One year of para-professional or professional health benefits, customer service, administrative, or other related experience is required. Pertinent experience at the professional level may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

License: None

Preferences

Preference will be given to candidates with one (1) or more years of benefits experience; proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; excellent communication skills for correspondence; good mathematical ability; ability to coordinate multiple tasks. Candidate should be able to communicate with all levels of management and assist with persons from diverse backgrounds. Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

General Information

Selection/Skills Tests Required: Department may administer skills assessment test.

Safety Impact Position: Yes

Pay Grade: 17

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (subject to change)