Personnel Assistant I/II - Benefits

Position Description This position announcement will be used to fill full-time, permanent Personnel Assistant I/II - Benefits vacancies within the Health Benefits Unit of the Office of Personnel with Anne Arundel County Government. This is full-time paraprofessional work in the Health Benefits Unit of the Office of Personnel. Employees in this class are responsible for initiating, processing, reviewing, and resolving personnel matters directly affecting employee and retiree benefits. An employee in this class applies and interprets county law, rules, regulations, and bargaining unit agreements, and maintains strict confidentiality. A Personnel Assistant II is differentiated from Personnel Assistant I in the complexity of work and the considerable responsibility associated with the application and interpretation of various types of documents/references, policies and procedures, bargaining unit agreements, and federal, state, and county laws and regulations. The work of the Personnel Assistant II has significant responsibility for benefits eligibility interpretation and has a higher level of personal contact with various County department staff, individuals from other private and public organizations, as well as employees and retirees to resolve or provide more complex information or present solutions to administrative concerns. NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK Personnel Assistant I Work may involve responsibility for receiving, reviewing, and entering personnel actions and information updates into an automated Human Resource Information System (HRIS); explaining and calculating benefit information; and communicating information to employees, retirees, beneficiaries, and departmental representatives. Work is performed in accordance with established personnel procedures that employees must know, understand and communicate to employees and the public. An immediate supervisor gives instructions in situations and matters that deviate from current practices, policies and procedures. Work performance is evaluated periodically for completion of work products and accuracy of computerized information. Personnel Assistant I is differentiated from Personnel Assistant II by the guidance received in performing assignments, supervision exercised in reviewing completed work, the complexity of assignments, the degree of independent judgment, research, and interpretation required in the work performed. Work is sedentary in nature, is performed in an office environment using a personal computer, and it requires the ability to learn an automated human resources information system. Personnel Assistant II Work includes responsibility for receiving, reviewing, and entering personnel actions and information updates into an automated Human Resource Information System (HRIS); explaining and calculating benefit information; and communicating information to employees, retirees, beneficiaries, and departmental representatives. Work in accordance with established personnel procedures that the employee must know, understand, interpret, and communicate to employees and the public. An immediate supervisor gives instructions in situations and matters that deviate from the current practices, policies, and procedures. Answers questions from employees and retirees relating to employee/retiree benefits, options, and policies. Enrolls new employees in various benefit plans and processes benefit forms to effect changes within the required timeframe. Data enters enrollment information and benefit deductions on the vendor database and HRIS system. Tracks payment information for privatized agencies on a monthly basis. Researches benefit enrollment issues and resolves problems directly with the vendor. Reviews and tracks insurance enrollment for new retirees, retiree changes, and new Medicare participants and enters data into the HRIS system to reflect retiree benefit elections. Provide Benefits presentation at New Hire Orientation and for Pre-Retirement benefit planning seminars on a rotating basis. Prepares life insurance claim forms and correspondence to beneficiaries. Maintains confidentiality of employee/retiree records and files all benefits-related documentation. Process payroll adjustments and Child Support Orders (QMSCO) and track employees on Active Military leave. Assists with the coordination of annual open enrollment period and other special projects and audits as assigned. Examples Of Duties And Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.) Coordinates recruitment programs to include but is not limited to testing for all designated vacancies, position advertisement, and vacancy reporting statistics. Explains employee benefits related to health, dental, and optical insurance; enrolls new employees and processes forms to effect changes; and independently and accurately resolves problems directly with the vendor. Processes payroll data, resolves errors and ensures accuracy of payroll within the required timeframe. Provides answers to employees and retirees relating to employee/retiree benefits, options, and policies. Answers questions from employees and retirees relating to pension programs; keeps records regarding the pension system; monitors employee and retiree status and eligibility for pension benefits; meets with employees and retirees to accurately explain benefits. Provides accurate information regarding departmental rules, regulations, and activities, enrolls new employees/retirees, and assists with HRIS problems. Composes/drafts letters, tables, spreadsheets, reports, and other materials from copy or rough draft. Maintains confidentiality of employee records and ensures that files are in an orderly and complete form. Performs related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Knowledge of County Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Personnel/Payroll System. Knowledge of business English, spelling, and punctuation. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws governing the area of assigned work. Knowledge of wage and non-wage benefits and related provisions of the County bargaining unit agreements. Knowledge of modern office practices, and equipment. Knowledge of personnel departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and functions. Skill in the application of computer software programs to include special applications for benefits and health premiums, tracking spreadsheets, databases, Excel, Word, and e-mail. Skill in operating a personal computer, typewriter, and calculator. Skill in making arithmetic computations and tabulations with speed and accuracy. Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions. Ability to make decisions in accordance with departmental regulations, Anne Arundel County Charter and County Code, County personnel policies, procedures and precedents, federal and state laws, and to apply these to work problems. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with a variety of employees, departmental representatives, and the public. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Minimum Qualifications Personnel Assistant I - $46.568 - $86,105 EDUCATION: Graduation from high school EXPERIENCE: Two (2) or more years of experience in administrative support work, including data entry, data verification, and customer service Personnel Assistant II - $51,405 - $95,034 EDUCATION: Graduation from high school supplemented by educational or training courses in office practice EXPERIENCE: Four (4) or more years of experience in administrative support work including data entry, data verification, and customer service Note - A thorough background is required for this position. Supplemental Qualifications Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following: Experience in human resources, preferably benefits or a highly related field. Knowledge of the County Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and Personnel/Payroll System. Skill in the application of Microsoft Office Suite, including intermediate level and above in Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience maintaining confidentiality of employee and retiree information and records. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing the area of benefits. Experience working in a government environment. Medical/Health Insurance PlansBlueChoice Advantage EPOBlueChoice Advantage PPODental InsuranceCIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)Vision InsuranceEyeMedEmployee Life InsuranceTerm insurance of up to 2 times salary ($100,000 maximum) for employees at no cost.Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life InsuranceDisability Income InsurancePension PlanNormal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.Deferred Compensation Section 457 PlanDirect DepositCredit UnionHolidaysTwelve days provided per year, thirteen in general election yearAnnual LeaveLess than 3 years - 13 days3 to less than 15 years - 20 days15 years or more - 26 daysDisability LeaveAccrual at a rate of 15 days a yearPersonal Leave Day, 5 per calendar yearLeave SharingEmployee Assistance ProgramFree, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder careFlexible Spending AccountsDependent Care ReimbursementHealth Care ReimbursementVoluntary BenefitsProvides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deductionUniversal Life Insurance with Long Term Care RiderUnited Legal Benefits 01 The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to accurately and completely respond to each question by providing the information asked in each question. Your responses will be used to initially determine your qualifications and eligibility for this position. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" OR CUT AND PASTE YOUR RESUME IN RESPONSE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS. This response and a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. THIS MEANS YOU MAY BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement. YesNo 02 Have you graduated from high school or do you possess a GED? YesNo 03 Was your education supplemented by educational or training courses in office practice? This can include typing, computer courses such as Microsoft training, business mathematics, or other related coursework. YesNo 04 How many years of experience in administrative support work including data entry, data verification, and customer service do you possess? I do not possess this experience1 year of experience2 years of experience3 years of experience4+ years of experience 05 If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain your experience including position title, length of time in position and major duties. This experience MUST be included in the work history section of your application. 06 Do you possess experience in human resources, preferably benefits or a highly related field? YesNo 07 If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain your experience including position title, length of time in position and major duties. This experience MUST be included in the work history section of your application. 08 Do you possess knowledge of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and Personnel/Payroll Systems? YesNo 09 If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain the systems that you have experience with and your duties and responsibilities within those systems. 10 Please indicate your level of experience with Microsoft Word. BeginnerIntermediateAdvancedNo Knowledge 11 Please indicate below your level of experience with Microsoft Excel. BeginnerIntermediateAdvancedNo Knowledge 12 Do you possess experience maintaining confidentiality of employee and retiree information and records? YesNo 13 If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain how you possess this experience including position title, length of time in position, and major duties. This experience MUST appear in the work history section of your application. 14 Do you possess knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing the area of benefits? YesNo 15 If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain how you possess this experience including position title, length of time in position, and major duties. This experience MUST also appear in the work history section of your application. 16 Do you possess experience in a government work environment? YesNo 17 If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain how you possess this experience including position title, length of time in position, and major duties. This experience MUST appear in the work history section of your application. 18 Did a county employee refer you? If yes, indicate their name, department and badge/ID number. If you weren't referred by an Employee indicate N/A. Required Question