Human Resources Generalist - Benefits

General Function:
Provides administrative support for the daily operations of the Human Resources Department, focusing on employee benefits processes, including enrollment, claims processing, compliance, and employee inquiries, while also assisting with related administrative tasks. This position ensures compliance with federal and state laws, including but not limited to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while actively supporting the design and testing of new benefit-related systems, processes, or reporting tools. Coordinate and correspond with various internal and external customers, such as external agencies and benefit plan administrators, analyze the flow of employee benefits data, and develop internal procedures, guidance, and training for staff to ensure the timely and accurate update of employee information and benefits records. It also identifies changing needs due to legal or contractual changes affecting benefits, researches and evaluates complex employee benefits issues to develop effective solutions and options, develops and implements short- and long-term benefit plans, and performs other related duties as assigned.
Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, this position will assist the Benefits division with administering employee benefit programs, as well as supporting wellness and incentive initiatives. The position will coordinate all aspects of employee benefits to include, but not limited to, health insurance, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, basic and voluntary life insurance, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, wellness program, and benefit-related account reconciliation. The position will collaborate with the Benefits Manager during open enrollment, assist with employee insurance inquiries and claims resolution, ensure compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, and oversee the administration of employee benefits systems. This position will work closely with the Human Resources Director, Benefits Manager and Finance Department to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support the administration of the employee benefits program to include all related account reconciliations. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements as mandated by federal and state laws. Position requires the exercise of discretion, independent judgment, and independent thought.

Reports To:
Director of Human Resources

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Interns as needed 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages the administrative functions of the City’s employee benefits program, including but not limited to the healthcare plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance and retirement plans.
• Supports the Benefits Manager with new hire and annual enrollment, ensuring effecting communication to employees and leadership. Administers benefit changes/additions due to qualifying life events.
• Assist the Benefits Manager in developing and maintaining a fair, competitive, and equitable total compensation and benefits package that aligns with the City’s strategic objectives and operational goals.
• Analyzes benefits utilization and cost data to identify trends and make recommendations for plan improvements.
• Coordinate the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by promoting available resources, assisting employees with accessing services, and ensuring confidentiality. 
• Oversee compliance with medical provisions outlined in union agreements, such as scheduling required health screenings, vaccinations, and physicals. Maintain records and notify employees of upcoming medical requirements.
• Support the implementation and compliance of the city’s Drug-Free Workplace policies, including coordinating testing procedures and maintaining related records.
• Responsible for monitoring and auditing the payroll benefit deductions and codes, ensuring minimal errors. Assists with the billing reconciliation process to verify accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with facilitating leave of absence programs, including FMLA, disability, and military leave, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Partners with others as appropriate to process ADA accommodations for City staff.
• Develop and distribute benefits-related materials, conduct employee benefits orientations, and provide ongoing education about available programs, open enrollment, and policy changes to enhance employee understanding and engagement.
• Planning, organizing and directing wellness activities. Acting as a liaison between all health plan representatives and Human Resources.
• Serves as the system administrator for the benefits enrollment and management system, overseeing system maintenance, updates, and development. Provides user training, manages system access, and ensures efficient functionality to support benefits administration.
• Handles incoming telephone inquiries, providing benefits-related information to employees, prospective candidates, and department leaders. Responds to questions from the general public, City employees, and department heads. 
• Addresses and resolves concerns or complaints from employees regarding benefits programs as needed.
• Ability to create informative and engaging benefits-related content, manage benefits communication calendars, and analyze outreach effectiveness to enhance employee engagement. Familiarity with visual design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.
• Ensure a positive candidate experience by maintaining regular communication and providing timely feedback throughout the onboarding process.
• Participate in salary and labor market surveys to determine prevailing pay rates and benefits. Conduct ongoing research into emerging trends, issues, and best practices.
• Supports the maintenance of personnel records and prepares reports as required, including various types of correspondence and annual benefit updates.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including FMLA, COBRA, ADA, HIPAA, and ACA. Maintain accurate benefits records and assist with reporting requirements and audits.
• May assist with the travel arrangements with the City of Homestead.
• Prepares and processes requisitions, FPO’s, and budget transfers and payment of various bills.
• May assist with Department Budget Preparation.
• May assist with Citywide benefit programs.
• Composes routine correspondence and performs other clerical duties.

• Full-time/Regular in-person position.
• Standard workweek, which is forty (40) hours of work per week usually consisting of five (5) days of eight (8) hours per day.  The work day may be varied for the efficient delivery of public service.
• Will be required to work other than the standard workweek on occasion, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Will be required to work occasional overtime or shift assignments, if applicable.

Requirements:

• Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related  field; Must have a minimum of two (2) years of previous benefits experience in a Human Resources/ Benefits Department.
• Experience working with public sector pension plans is highly preferred.
• Proficient in reviewing benefits-related materials, identifying operational issues, and implementing effective solutions. 
• Skilled in interpreting and communicating policies and procedures, providing clear guidance to employees, retirees, and department representatives while resolving benefits-related concerns.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to employee benefits. Knowledge of applicable laws, including EEO, Veterans Preference, Equal Pay Act, FMLA, COBRA, ACA, and other regulations governing public sector benefits administration.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with employees, supervisors, other departments, city officials, and the public.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft applications, with expertise in advanced features and functions of Microsoft Excel.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Must pass a background screening process.

Core Competencies:

• Judgment - Sound decisions based on fact; uses logic to solve problems.
• Quality of Work - Performs work thoroughly, accurately, and professionally.
• Reliability - Timely and consistently completes assigned work; consistently reports to work and is punctual.
• Safety - Committed to ensuring a safe environment and complies with applicable safety standards.
• Technical Capability - Applies knowledge to identify issues and works to develop skills; demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, and equipment.

• The employee must successfully pass a background screening process and comply with the City’s Drug-Free Workplace policy.
• The City will also verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired so the proper completion of Form I-9 is required, which includes the employee providing documents evidencing identity and employment authorization.