Program Specialist (Benefits) - HELPS PROGRAM*

Under general supervision, an incumbent of this class assists in the coordination and administration of a variety of employee benefit programs including health, dental, and vision care. This position is also responsible for assisting in the administration of unemployment and workers compensation insurance, using a variety of database management systems to enroll employees, enter payroll deductions, and post and receive payments to and from retirees, etc., and establishing and maintaining extensive and substantive contact with insurance carriers and worker’s compensation company representatives. Other duties involve assisting in the implementation and administration of changing laws and regulations relating to health care and benefits, and serving as a point of contact for individual employees and/or departmental administrators to resolve customer issues relating to their benefits. Technical advice and assistance are provided as needed. Supervision may be exercised over clerical and staff support personnel. Does related work as required. THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE HAS DEVELOPED A HIRING PROGRAM THAT STREAMLINES THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS TO ALLOW AGENCIES TO HIRE DIVERSE, QUALIFIED PERMANENT EMPLOYEES QUICKLY AND WITHOUT EXAMINATIONS. EMPLOYEES HIRED UNDER THE HELP PROGRAM WILL BE APPOINTED ON A PERMANENT BASIS. THE HIRING FOR EMERGENCY LIMITED PLACEMENT (HELP) PROGRAM TEMPORARILY REMOVES THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAM REQUIREMENT FOR THIS TITLE.