Benefits Administrator

General Definition of Work

Performs difficult administrative work implementing, and evaluating various programs related to the City's insurance and benefits. Responsible for making complex changes in the HRIS and overseeing routine changes in the HRIS. Work is performed under the general direction of the Assistant Director of Human Resources and may be assigned supervisory responsibilities over assigned staff

Essential Functions/Duties

The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.

• Responsible for accurate maintenance of HRIS (20%)
• Counsels with employees on retirement options and processes all retirement paperwork; Process life insurance claims (30%)
• Implements city insurances and benefits as related to the day-to-day administration of these programs including researching, resolving and responding to employee questions; Evaluates administrative problems and makes recommendations in the absence of specific procedures and policies (20%)
• Prepares various written, statistical, and narrative reports of activities to support actions, or recommendations, or provide information; (20%)
• Maintains familiarity with current trends in compensation/benefits administration and may make recommendations accordingly; Assists in the design and administration of salary and benefits surveys; Assists in the formulation of reports and/or recommendations concerning compensation and benefits; Maintains all necessary records and participates in required audits; (5%)
• May assist with the development of budgetary proposals and the annual organizational budget related to insurance and risk management activities; Administers the position classification plan; May supervise the Human Resources Department during the absence of the Assistant Director of Human Resources absence. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of all City benefits as related to their day-to-day administration; extensive knowledge of and ability to effectively navigate and process information in the city's human resources data system; ability to prepare technical papers, manuals and reports.
• Excellent customer service is a primary driver for all Human Resources staff. An employee in this position must display a positive attitude and be committed to delivering outstanding customer service.
• An employee in this position must demonstrate a strong work ethic involving high quality, quantity; accurate work, personal motivation and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A successful employee in this position will demonstrate leadership qualities, strong interpersonal skills, problem identification and resolution, organization skills, creativity, and critical thinking.
• A successful employee in this position must have strong communication skills both verbal and written. Must be able to communicate well and concisely with staff and citizens.
• Must have a good understanding of all City departments and be able to communicate the role of HR in helping them to successfully reach their goals and objectives.

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

Education/Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or related field and considerable experience implementing benefits and human resources data management, or equivalent combination of
education and experience.

Physical Demands:
1. The physical activity of this position includes:

• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts.
• Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Office Environment Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following: preparing and analyzing data and figures; accounting; transcription; computer terminal; extensive reading;
• The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform one or more of the following:

• None: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in a typical office or administrative work environment).

• National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: ICS-100.b; ICS-200.b; ICS-700; ICS-300; ISC-400 within twelve months of hire. Valid North Carolina driver's license.

Drug screening, criminal background, and reference checks are required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/H)