Benefits Manager

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Job description

Description

The Town of Andover's Human Resources Office has an exciting opening for an experienced, dynamic Benefits Manager. Working under the general direction of the Town's HR Director, the successful applicant will administer and manage benefit programs to all employees, retirees and their beneficiaries, and will assist in formulation of plan design and policies.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources or related field, excellent customer service skills and a solid working knowledge of MS Office. Must have a minimum of five years' experience working with the public, preferably working for a municipality in a human resource environment.

Starting salary range of $85,000 to $95,000 commensurate with experience. The Town of Andover offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Interested applicants should upload a cover letter and resume with the online job application.

Responsibilities

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the HR Director administer benefit programs to employees, retirees and their beneficiaries, including welfare and retirement plans; and assists in formulation of plan design and policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

* Serves as benefit administrator
* Assists with design of employee benefits and retiree benefit programs to ensure the delivery of services, the coordination of benefits, the regulatory compliance with federal and state laws and municipal by-laws and policies. Administer programs including health, life, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Savings Account, and Employee Assistance Program. Manage the administration of the Town's 457 deferred compensation plans and Roth IRA plans in accordance with IRS Guidelines.
* Explains benefit plans, costs and procedures, advising employees and eligible retirees on benefit options. Acts as an educational resource.
* Assist employees with enrollment changes and termination of benefits, ensuring the correct payroll deductions are made and COBRA administration is provided
* Coordinate with Town/School Payroll Coordinators to resolve deduction issues
* Coordinate with School HR Generalist regarding school employee enrollment issues
* Conduct annual open enrollment for health, dental and vision plans
* Audit enrollment of plans for accuracy
* Respond to employment and compensation surveys and other requests for information, as well as employment verifications; Track compensation and benefit benchmarking data.
* Act as the ACA Compliance Coordinator ensuring 1094c and 1095c compliance with IRS regulations. Resolve discrepancies and reissue certifications as necessary.
* Administer all Town side Leave of Absence Requests and Family Medical Leave Requests
* May serve as the Director during periods of absence
* Participates in special projects.
* Performs a variety of related duties
* Assist when needed with a variety of clerical and administrative duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Human Resources Director, following department rules, regulations and policies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

JUDGMENT & COMPLEXITY

The work requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices, regulations and precedents which may be complex. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying federal, state and local regulations. The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field.

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Relationships are constant with co-workers, vendors, the public, employees, groups and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The employee has access to extensive amounts of confidential information including personnel files, medical information, and dependent information.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree and three to five years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification and experience, preferable with a municipal human resources department.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS

Must have the ability to work cooperatively with other staff, supervisors, public, vendors. Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal with highly sensitive medical and personal information with discretion. Must have knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to benefits administration. Knowledge of standard office procedures, practices and equipment. Must have the ability to prepare routine and complex documents and reports. Must have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing. Must be able to prioritize and multitask. Must have attention to detail. Must have mathematical ability. Must have the ability to read, understand and apply rules, regulations and policies. Must have the ability to serve as ombudsman and resource for employees. Must be able and willing to stay up to date on changes in the human resources industry and in benefit administration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The majority of work is performed in an office setting with frequent traffic and interruptions.

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills

The work principally involves sitting, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers, office supplies, and office equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Motor Skills

Duties require motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment.

Visual Skills

Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.