Human Resources Generalist - Benefits

Summary of Job

Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develops, modifies, and administers systems for enrolling and orienting newly hired employees and advising employees of changing information in the benefit programs.
• Acts as a liaison between benefit providers and City employees to interpret benefit provisions, process adjustments, and to expedite any problems in receiving benefits.
• Develops, monitors, and administers processes for adjusting employee benefits upon termination of employment.
• Develops and administers the processes to initiate and monitor insurance billings, payments, enrollment, membership, audits, COBRA, and retiree insurance systems in conjunction with the Payroll, Accounting and Human Resources systems.
• Develops and implements employee benefit communication programs including an employee benefits fair, paper communications, training programs, and sometimes new employee orientations. Takes lead in answering employee questions regarding benefits.
• Schedules and reviews City benefits provided under City policy or applicable labor agreement; reviews applicable City policies and procedures and collects forms; processes and enters information into HRIS system and vendor sites; will be required to answer questions, explain procedures, and provide information to employees and retirees either in person or over email/phone.
• Leads annual benefits open enrollment by distributing and explaining benefits materials to City employees, data entry in Munis and vendor sites, and auditing materials that are turned in.
• Reviews, enters, and monitors all incident reports/Workers’ Compensation claims using CVMIC – Origami.
• Assists in conducting loss prevention surveys which involve the use of questionnaires, personal interviews, on-site observations, and review of accident/injury records. Summarizes and analyzes results, develops recommended solutions for identified hazards, works with management and/or the Safety Committee to establish a plan of action and on-going hazard management systems to eliminate or moderate the identified hazards. Develops a written report on the results of the survey, follows up on the actions taken by the unit relative to the plan, and prepares final reports as necessary.
• Conducts, coordinates, or assists in in the investigation of accidents and/or injuries. Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and programs designed to reduce the incidence of job-related accidents and illnesses. Identifies and works to eliminate hazards and encourages safe working habits and environments.
• Manages employee benefit changes/life events and enters changes into HRIS as appropriate.
• Works with outside vendors (Health Center and EAP, for example) to increase participation in wellness initiatives and increase compliance rates for preventive screenings.
• Prepares and processes wellness forms and information for payroll. Enters and audits employee payroll deductions for benefit and retirement items.
• Establishes relationships and consults with departments and employees to align efforts and reinforce a culture of wellness.
• Keeps abreast of current national wellness and wellbeing initiatives and activities, develops a network of resources and contacts to use as appropriate.

• Establishes and maintains effective public and working relationships with the general public, department heads, City personnel, and various governing bodies.
• Receives and screens telephone calls and visitors and provides administrative support for the department when necessary.
• Develops and/or updates policy documents and procedures.
• Serves as secondary for FMLA administration.
• Serves as backup to HR Generalists.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field required.
• Minimum of three years relevant Human Resources experience preferred.
• Minimum of two years benefit administration experience preferred.
• Possession and maintenance of valid driver’s license and auto insurance in accordance with state of Wisconsin law required. Use of personal vehicle while on the job required.
• SHRM Certified Professional or similar certification is a plus.

Qualifications & Skills

• Advanced professional knowledge of and skill in using office equipment and personal computers is required, including proficiency in business intelligence software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and prior experience with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) is required.
• Considerable knowledge of departmental programs, operations, and policies with respect to functions performed.
• Working knowledge of billing payment processes and practices.
• Working knowledge of related employment laws and regulations.
• Working knowledge of the process used to gather and compile information related to Human Resources functions.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and effectively carry out a variety of assignments.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, and City policy and make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and prepare complex reports and documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and tact in dealing with employees, guests and visitors.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form and to prepare and maintain accurate and complete reports and records.
• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of employee health care and benefit programs and their administration.
• Knowledge of the techniques involved in conducting investigations and research
• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices in the fields of personnel management and labor relations.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to personnel and benefits.
• Ability to make sound independent decisions.
• Ability to maintain regular punctual and predictable attendance and to works additional hours as required.

The City of Sheboygan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.