Job Summary

Under basic supervision, the Benefits Specialist assists in the administration of the insurance and benefit programs offered by Scott County while supporting and promoting the County's wellness initiatives and programs. Provides clerical and administrative support for the Human Resources Department.

Job Responsibilities

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Administers group insurance programs: educates employees and retirees regarding benefit options; handles enrollment and verification of coverage; processes benefit enrollment data and changes in ERP system and vendor software systems; reviews payroll deductions and benefit costs for accuracy; processes adjustments as necessary; responds to benefit questions and issues.

Promotes and administers County benefit programs including Deferred Compensation/IRA, flex savings, Retirement Health Savings (RHS) programs, and tuition reimbursement programs; maintains contribution files to ensure proper balancing of payroll deductions and submission of employee's contributions occur; schedules annual employer contribution matches for deferred compensation program.

Administers County's wellness program including scheduling annual wellness testing, ensuring participation guidelines are met through extensive tracking, makes necessary benefit enrollment plan changes, and deduction/benefit changes; monitors enrollment and participation and ensures participation requirements are met.

Administers annual Insurance Open Enrollment; builds open enrollment processes in ERP system; ensures accurate insurance information including rates and plan options are communicated to staff; processes necessary enrollment changes in vendor software systems; ensures deductions and benefits are correct.

Reconciles monthly billing of benefit plans; retrieves invoice information from vendors; maintains and prepares self-administered billing spreadsheets and updates invoice remittance as necessary.

Compares invoice to payroll deductions to ensure accuracy; processes health insurance claim information received from vendor on a weekly basis and dental claim information received monthly; separates data into proper general ledger accounts and submits information to Treasurers Office for ACH payment to vendors.

Administers COBRA provisions and determines eligibility; creates and provides election notices; creates monthly billing in ERP system; collects and deposits COBRA and retiree life insurance payments.

Processes bi-weekly claims for Human Resources and addresses invoice discrepancies; maintains up-to-date account balances; reconciles purchasing card program for Human Resources department and ensures submitted statement includes purchases in-line with County policies.

Maintains accurate 1095-C data in ERP system; provides required documentation in a timely manner to employees in accordance with ACA regulations; builds year-end data processing in ERP system; transmits required reporting data to IRS.

Administers new employee orientation; reviews insurance and benefit options available, County policies, and new hire paperwork including tax forms, I-9, direct deposit, IPERS enrollment, and beneficiary designation; assists with departmental recruitment.

Performs a variety of clerical functions; screens incoming calls; processes daily mail; composes correspondence.

Coordinates departmental records retention program; maintains all department files for active and inactive employee files; determines dates for destruction of records in accordance with State and Federal regulations.

Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Standards for Initial Consideration

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND three (3) years of clerical, human resources or insurance experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:
Records maintenance and retention policies, procedures, and practices.

Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

HIPPA compliance requirements.

General office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Skill in:
Maintaining and handling confidential and sensitive information.

Completing basic mathematic calculations.

Maintaining accurate records and filing systems.

Using a computer including standard and some specialized software.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

License and Certification Requirements
None.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits provided to non-union County employees. Benefits for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary somewhat depending on specific contract provisions.

• Scott County Employment Benefits