Benefits Specialist

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The Johnston County Human Resources Department has an opening for a Benefits Specialist position.

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for assisting with the administration of benefits and wellness programs. Work involves reviewing and interpreting policies and data, assisting employees with benefit concerns, providing benefits orientation to new employees, and assisting with annual Open Enrollment. This position is also responsible for developing programs that enhance overall employee wellness and providing related resources. This position will report to the Benefits Manager; work is performed in-person with potential for a hybrid schedule in the future.

Duties and Responsibilities

Explains county benefits and the options available to employees; assists with completion of benefit forms and answers benefit questions and claim concerns.
Responsible for New Hire Orientation, which includes preparing and distributing orientation packets and ensuring paperwork completion.
Processes benefits enrollment elections and changes in benefits databases, as well as auditing payroll changes.
Ensures the accuracy of all enrollments for benefits in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information; creates eligibility files for vendors as requested.
Develops, coordinates, manages, and maintains total wellness programming to reduce health risk, medical costs and encourage healthy lifestyles. This includes employee health screenings, wellness seminars, health fairs, group stretch breaks, etc.
Responsible for preparing promotional materials for benefits, wellness, and human resources initiatives; coordinating onsite events; advertising to employees; event setup and cleanup, etc.
Tracks and analyzes employee participation in events, screenings, classes, etc.
Prepares weekly, monthly and annual reports from benefits administrator; analyzes data; and completes benefits and wellness audits.
Participates in benefits planning sessions and assists with annual Open Enrollment.
Prepares COBRA materials and notifies employees of their rights.
Prepares and mails correspondence to employees and retirees about any changes or updates with their health benefits.
Conducts training on benefits and wellness topics; assists staff with preparation of training materials and setup.
Prepares ID and security badges; assists with auditing and scanning of personnel records.
Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of employee benefits, wellness initiatives, and applicable laws.
General knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques relating to health education, human resources management, and benefits management.
Considerable knowledge of graphic design software and creation of promotional materials.
Ability to provide excellent customer service to employees, retirees and outside agencies.
Strong attention to detail and ability to prepare, analyze, and maintain accurate records; as well as audit weekly, monthly and annual reports.
Ability to exercise judgment in applying selected policies, procedures and regulations.
Ability to practice effective communication techniques, both orally and in writing, and to conduct applicable training programs.
Ability to resolve problem situations and be resourceful in gathering and giving information.
Ability to interpret program policies, rules, regulations and procedures for departmental personnel and the general public.
Ability to present information in an in-person, virtual or hybrid training environment.
Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office products; intermediate level experience with Microsoft Excel preferred.
Ability to develop and administer surveys.

Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and 10 pounds of force frequently.
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, stooping, kneeling, typing, and standing for long periods of time.
Vocal communication is required to express and exchange information accurately in person and by phone by means of the spoken word.
Visual acuity is required for depth perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Desired Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited college or university, with coursework in human resources, health promotion or a related health science field, business administration; or graduation from high school and two years of benefits and wellness experience, preferably in a local government setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

• Please document all work history relevant to the position for which you are applying. Determination of qualifying for the position and salary may be based on years of experience listed on the application itself, not in supplemental documents attached. Failure to document complete work history may affect qualification determination and salary. Electronic applications cannot be amended once submitted.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

• If the position requires a degree, you will be required to furnish original transcripts within 30 days of hire date.
• We may require a background check that may include criminal, motor vehicle, sexual offender registry, pre-employment drug screening or others based on job requirements.
• Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment.

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com

• This description applies to benefits eligible positions.