BENEFITS AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION MANAGER

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 administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Division within the Human Resources Department including employee benefits, Public Employment Retirement System (PERS), and self-administered workers’ compensation programs; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Human Resources.

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.

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Division including employee benefits, Public Employment Retirement System (PERS), and workers’ compensation programs.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Division’s annual budgets; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Manages the administration of benefit programs; conducts surveys and performs research to evaluate programs and performance of providers; provides oversight and direction to City staff, Insurance Broker, Insurance Providers and Third Party Administrators; analyzes and compares current and potential benefit programs; proposes and recommends changes relative to current developments and practices; implements change to programs; ensures benefit plan documents and contracts contain current language and negotiates issues, concerns, and changes.
• Assists in research, cost analysis, projections, and preparation for employee negotiations; advises on feasibility of proposed benefit-related negotiation items; prepares language for implementation of union contracts; oversees staff implementation of negotiated benefits.
• Oversees staff during annual open enrollment for health and benefits plans; monitors system implementation of annual plan and program changes.
• Manages the administration of Workers’ Compensation programs including reviewing settlement requests, instructing City staff on workers’ compensation issues, and ensuring conformance to applicable laws and regulations; proposes and recommends changes to programs; implements changes; prepares and presents reports as necessary.
• Monitors changes and ensures organizational compliance to all federal, state, and local laws for the City’s benefits, PERS retirement and workers’ compensation programs; develops, maintains, and monitors City policies and procedures for assigned programs.
• Oversees and assists staff in maintaining a high level of customer service; monitors customer comments and may conduct employee surveys; manages employee communications related to benefits and workers’ compensation; communicates benefits to employees and retirees through a variety of methods, such as group presentations, question-and-answer sessions, individual meetings, publications, and electronic media; develops and implements wellness programs.
• In cooperation with the City’s Insurance Brokers, monitors health care plans, assesses performance, and investigates alternatives for cost containment; serves as Chair to the City’s Health Insurance Committee (HIC); presents alternatives to management and the Health Insurance Committee as necessary.
• Processes applications and prepares staff reports pertaining to PERS disability retirements; serves as staff liaison on the Personnel Board of Review for retirement hearings.
• Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Human Resources; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to benefits and workers’ compensation programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Serves as the liaison for the Benefits and Workers’ Compensation Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of benefits and workers’ compensation administration.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. May serve in the capacity of Human Resources Director in his/her absence. 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:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of benefits and workers’ compensation programs.
• Public agency benefits and workers’ compensation administration principles, practices and standards.
• City governmental organization, functions, and management.
• Current issues and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to employee benefits, PERS retirement, workers’ compensation (e.g. COBRA, HIPPA, IRC Section 125 and Section 415).
• Methods and techniques of benefit costing, municipal financing and budgeting.
• Current courts decisions related to employee benefits, workers’ compensation and PERS retirement.
• Principles and practices of customer services.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of comprehensive benefits and workers’ compensation programs.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Perform complex professional benefits and workers’ compensation work with a minimum of supervision.
• Understand and analyze statistical information.
• Make complete and accurate analysis, reports, and recommendations, in a variety of benefits, workers’ compensation and human resources areas.
• Utilize and interpret related legislation.
• Maintain confidential records and to prepare reports from records.
• Make independent decisions.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Prepare and administer large program budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• 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:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; related work experience in lieu of education may be considered on a year-for-year basis.

Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible benefits and/or workers’ compensation experience including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

License or Certificate - Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license or the ability to arrange transportation as required. Possession of a credential as a certified employee benefits specialist (CEBS) and/or Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Certificate are 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 and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and 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, and reaching 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: April 2003
Johnson & Associates