BENEFITS ANALYST I
BENEFITS ANALYST II
(A Management, At-Will Position)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision (Benefits Analyst I) or direction (Benefits Analyst II), oversees and coordinates the day-to-day administration of various employee benefit plans and programs; analyzes various benefits, conducting research and providing appropriate recommendations to facilitate changes and enhancements to benefits plans and programs; assists in implementing program goals and objectives; provides information and assistance to City employees and the general public regarding human resources activities, policies and procedures; may supervise or provide lead direction to clerical/administrative staff; explains and communicates benefit plans, information and options available; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Human Resources Manager/Benefits.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Benefits Analyst I: This is the entry level class in the Benefits Analyst series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Benefits Analyst II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the “II” level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Benefits Analyst II: This is the full journey level class in the Benefits Analyst series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Benefits Analyst I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed human resources knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Benefits Analyst II level are normally filled by advancement from the Benefits Analyst I level.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Oversees and coordinates the day-to-day administration of various employee benefit plans and programs including flexible benefits, group life, health and disability insurance, deferred compensation programs, and retirement plans.
• Assists and provides work direction to technical staff in the successful delivery of benefits; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; conducts performance evaluations and counseling as necessary.
• Assists in the development and implementation of new and/or enhanced benefit plans and programs for the City; analyzes various benefits, conducting research and providing appropriate recommendations to facilitate changes and enhancements to benefits plans and programs.
• Coordinates annual open enrollment activities; schedules and conducts open enrollment and change meetings; oversees preparation and assembly of all materials; organizes the collection of enrollment/change forms; supervises the input, audit, company notification, and employee confirmation of changes.
• Investigates and implements methods to effectively communicate benefits information to employees; composes informational benefit communication documents including brochures, materials, and articles for City publications.
• Answers questions and provides information and general assistance to City staff and the public regarding benefits and related human resources programs, plans, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; communicates a variety of information using various methods including orally and in writing; counsel and assist employees regarding benefit programs.
• Provides staff assistance to the Human Resources Manager/Benefits; conducts studies and research; collects, compiles, and analyzes statistical data; completes and prepares various reports, surveys, and tables; prepares, maintains, and disseminates information and documents as appropriate and necessary.
• Participates on a variety of committees; serves as recording secretary on the Health Insurance Committee; collects and disseminates data to the committee; assists in decisions related to annual health and dental plans.
• Coordinates assigned activities with other departments, outside agencies, and service providers including brokers and insurance carriers.
• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner. 
• Oversees and participates in providing customer service to internal and external customers; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of benefit administration.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive employee benefit program.
• The full range of employee benefit plans and programs including flexible benefits programs, group medical and life insurance plans, disability programs, retirement plans, and deferred compensation programs.
• Principles and practices of benefit program development and implementation.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to benefits administration.
• Methods and techniques used in conducting research and analyzing data.
• Business letter writing and report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to benefits administration.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and direct the day-to-day operations and services of a comprehensive employee benefits administration program.
• Coordinate open enrollment activities.
• Recommend and implement goals and objectives for effectively administering a comprehensive employee benefits program.
• Interpret and apply City policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Identify and respond to employee inquiries, complaints, concerns, and needs.
• Effectively explain various City insurance plans and programs to individuals and groups.
• Oversee and participate in the maintenance of accurate and complete employee records.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Obtain the cooperation and confidence of others and to understand their requirements and suggestions.
• Speak confidently to a group of individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
• Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
• Organize work to meet priorities and deadlines.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

 Benefits Analyst I/II

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Benefits Analyst I

Experience: One year of increasingly responsible professional human resources administration experience. Experience related to administering an employee benefits program in a unionized environment and/or public sector is highly desirable.

Benefits Analyst II

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible professional human resources administration experience. Experience related to administering an employee benefits program in a unionized environment and/or public sector is highly desirable. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting. CONTINUOUS working indoors, dust from paperwork. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting, upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity and light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls and other office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending and stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, reach above and at shoulder height, moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: September 2010
JP / Department

Date: November 2001
Johnson & Associates