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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Benefits Specialist
FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (50) Para-Prof
Class Code: 11069 Salary Grade: TA2
Approved: April 09, 1998 Last Revised: July 24, 2019

Purpose:
 

Provide human resources (HR) advice and problem solving in the area of benefits on City-wide programs.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Implements, administers, and evaluates benefits programs designed by the Human Resources Department (HRD).
  2. Develops benefits systems, procedures, and processes for the implementation of City or department HR benefits programs, policies, or strategies.
  3. Provides advice and counsel to management and other employee groups related to the communication, interpretation, and implementation of City Benefits Policies and other benefits-related laws and regulations.
  4. Assists in solving benefits problems, then monitors implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
  5. Coordinates the resolution of benefits issues with third-party administrators and other City of Austin vendors.
  6. Provides advice for benefits-related decisions.
  7. Assists in the analysis of morale indicators such as but not limited to surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents benefits recommendations for corrective action when needed.
  8. Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other team members.
  9. When necessary, prepares, reviews, maintains, and approves financial transactions and/or information for routine and non-routine accounts payable, cash receipts, billing, or other handlings by verifying documentation from multiple sources.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of assigned areas within Benefits.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing benefits activities.
  • Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  • Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in handling hostile conflicts and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software.
  • Skill in planning and organizing.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in the area of benefits.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a related field, plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to Benefits.
  • Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of two (2) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
  None.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.