Benefits Assistant II, (A262035-1), 208, Health & Benefits

Job Description

Under the direction of the Human Resources Department Health and Benefits Division, provides advanced administrative and technical support. Ensures compliance with department and program rules and regulations. Performs administration of employee and reitre benefits. Participates in policy development and coordination of key projects and assignments. Performs a variety of administrative staff assignments, which may not follow a prescribed routine.

Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Assists with personnel, payroll, benefits, retirees, projects and assignments.
• Assists in creating, reviewing, and revising City of Laredo policies and procedures, and guidelines related to benefits administration and compliance.
• Assists in researching best practices for benefits administration and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Assists the division manager in the planning, development, design, and implementation of major benefits programs initiatives, and related projects aimed at supporting employees and retirees' well-being and organizational goals.
• Assist with the preparation of the annual budget and monitoring costs.
• Responds to employee inquiries regarding health plans, life insurance, disability, retirement, and supplemental benefits.
• Assist employees with completing benefits forms, claim document, and retirement paperwork.
• Conducts benefits orientations for new hires and supports open enrollment activities.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations suich as COBRA continuation processes, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Personal Health Information (PHI), confidentiality standards, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements.
• Coordinates with benefit vendors, brokers, and third-party administrators to resolve employee issues or discrepancies.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of personnel policies, procedures, and practices in order to respond to citizens inquiries and complaints and to provide information to employees.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of public and business administration as is relates to the functions, needs, policies, laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the City.
• Knowledge of human resources, health insurance and retirement practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of assembling, analyzing, and presenting statistical data.
• Knowledge in the application of basic accounting principles necessary to accomplish financial management tasks such as preparing budgets and monitoring program costs.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods and basic mathematical skills.
• Knowledge of modern office administration, methods, procedures, and equipment.

• Skill in organization and time management.
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Ability to administer insurance and benefit programs in accordance with accepted practices, and procedures.
• Ability to use computer hardware, various software programs and technology including but not limited Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, etc.) and Canva.
• Ability to coordinate and monitor projects, programs, or functions to ensure compliance with policies, laws, and budgets.
• Ability to have organizational, planning, and time-management skills and must be able to handle multiple tasks and changing priorities.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries, and enforce policies, procedures, and rules.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to speak before public groups and make presentations.
• Ability to take and follow directions assigned supervisor.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and use rational judgement in making work-related decisions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

• Street environment (near moving traffic).
• Construction site.
• Confined space.

• Outdoor environment.
• Warehouse environment.

• Vehicles.

• Office or similar indoor environment.

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees).
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees).
• Communicable diseases.
• Moving mechanical parts.
• Fumes or airborne particles.
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances.
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds.

• Individuals who are hostile or irate.

• National travel.
• International travel.

• Regional travel.

• Local travel.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, or related field.
• At least two (2) years of experience in human resources, health & benefits, administrative work, or related field.

Valid Licenses and Certifications

Required License

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• 6 1/2 days sick leave per year
• Pension plan
• 16 paid Holidays
• Paid health*
• Dental plan*
• Life insurance*

• 30 day waiting period