Benefits Manager

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources & Performance Management, manages and coordinates the implementation and administration of various employee benefits programs for the County.

·        Oversee the development, impleneatation, administration, and maintenace of benefits programs, policies and procedures.

·        Establish and maintain relationships with external vendors and providers and ensure procedures are followed to minimize costs

·        Respond to elevated inquiries, troubleshoot benefit issues, and resolve conflicts

·        Review & ensure contracts and recommend amendments with carriers are processed through internal processes.

·        Analyze rate renewals and evaluate alternative plan design, and identify opportunities for savings.

·        Analyze benefits experience for ensuring programs are equitable, meet employees needs, comply with legal requirements, and are cost effective. 

·        Recommend any benefit changes, rate changes, carrier changes and financial arrangements to senior management. 

·        Prepare and communicate information about benefit programs, procedures, changes, and government-mandated disclosures.

·        Monitor regulatory compliance with county policies, state and federal requirements (e.g., FMLA, ADA, ADEA, COBRA, FLSA, Worker’s Compensation, IRS Section 125, County Pension Act 96).  

·        Audit benefit plans for compliance with government regulations.

·        Administer self-insured worker's compensation program.

·        Review open worker’s compensation claims to determine need for surveillance, medical case management, independent medical examination or litigation.

·        Discuss all claims in litigation with attorneys and review results of surveillance with investigator.  

·        Review all open claims with the Third Party Administrator. 

·        Assist in developing modified jobs for injured employees returning to work with restrictions.  

·        Complete annual filings and the Department of Labor's Pennsylvania Self-Insured Certification for Exemption.

·        Assist staff & employees with elevated complex retirement issues.

·        Organize & schedule employee pre-retirement seminars.

·        Lead and supervise staff, to include work allocation, training, employee performance reviews, disciplinary actions, interviewing, hiring, attendance, etc.  

·        Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Nine years of job-related experience.
• Strong understanding of personnel policies, procedures and laws.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in interpreting and applying regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to understand and manage multiple revenue sources with multiple requirements.
• Strong Management Skills.
• Strong supervisory skills.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.
• General understanding of fiscal planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to develop, read and interpret conracts, budgets, audits, and financial reports.
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Accurate and detail oriented.
• Ability to follow office protocols.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to other’s views.
• Easily adapts to changes in the work environment.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and proceed with handle confidential matters.
• Strong professional ethics.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Ability to stay current on trends and changes in the market place
• General understanding of Human Resource guidelines.
• Strong working knowledge of budgets, spreadsheets and interpreting audits.
• Displays willingness to make decisions.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Administration, Finance or related field.
• Five years of experience in employee compensation and benefits.
• Five years of Employee Relations experience.
• Five years of Employee Benefits and Worker’s Compensation experience.
• Five years of experience managing a professional staff.
• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

• Intermediate Word skills
• Intermediate Excel skills
• Basic Excel skills
• PeopleSoft skills (HR & Financial) or the ability to learn PeopleSoft
• Basic OutLook skills (email & calendar)
• Intermediate Internet skills for research purposes

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

• Ability to work extended hours, as required.
• This position requires professionalism.
• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.
• Will have signature authority for Human Resources vouchers, requisitions and timesheets.
• Will serve as a resource for employees and management regarding all benefits and workers compensation.
• Will be required to approve or reject requests for exceptions to the prescription program.