CLACKAMAS COUNTY

CLASSIFICATION NO. 084
Established: 1/93
Revised : 12/07
FLSA: Exempt
EEO: 2

Under general direction, to plan, organize and manage the personnel and activities within the Risk & Benefits Division; to manage and direct a comprehensive employee benefits program; to provide complex staff assistance to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, Director of Employee Services and advisory committees; and to do other work as required.

The Risk & Benefits Division within the Department of Employee Services administers a broad range of benefits and services to County employees, including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, post-employment benefits, retiree medical funds, deferred compensation, flexible benefits program, employee assistance program, family and medical leave, retirement plans, employee education, wellness and employee assistance program, worker’s compensation, safety and loss control and liability claims management.

The Benefits Manager is responsible for the implementation, maintenance and administration of the County’s employee benefits programs and ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and a variety of complex and detailed plan requirements. The incumbent assists the Director of Employee Services in strategic benefits planning, supervises and performs a range of professional and technical work, oversees several contract service providers and manages the administration of the Risk & Benefits Division.

The Benefits Manager differs from the Senior Human Resources Analyst which manages a program section within the Personnel Division, such as employee recruitment and selection, personnel ordinance and policy administration, position classification and compensation, diversity or employee training and development. It also differs from the Risk Manager which manages a comprehensive risk management program, including worker’s compensation, safety and loss control and liability claims.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Establishes division goals, standards and objectives; develops and administers benefits policies and procedures; ensures provision of services is in compliance with labor agreements and Federal and State statutes, rules and regulations; analyzes legislation and new regulations to determine effect on benefits programs and services.
   
2. Develops and implements flexible benefits programs; evaluates, plans and identifies opportunities for improving services; prepares, negotiates and administers contracts with insurance providers and consultants; develops requests for proposals for benefit plans and administrators and participates in the evaluation of bids; monitors contractor performance and resolves service delivery problems; analyzes claims utilization data and trend information to determine changes needed regarding benefit structure or vendor services.
   
3. Develops communications plans for all employee benefits programs; ensures plan documents accurately and clearly reflect benefits provided to employees; approves or develops benefits orientation programs and employee education on work/life benefits.
   
4. Coordinates the benefits review and deferred compensation committees; staffs committees with representatives from labor and management; prepares agendas and communicates with committee members; explains benefit options, costs and legal requirements; recommends and implements committee decisions.
   
5. Provides staff support to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, elected officials and department directors on benefits issues and projects; prepares or reviews and presents staff reports and recommendations.
   
6. Provides staff support in labor contract negotiations; drafts and recommends contract language on benefits issues; researches, analyzes and reports on costs of benefits in contract proposals.
   
7. Serves as benefits functional lead for HRIS project team; reviews application design and processes for applicability to business needs and processes; designs and maintains core benefits-related database tables; participates in testing and implementation for upgrades and new modules; provides backup for HRIS Manager.
   
8. Directs the development of annual and supplemental division budgets; prepares and manages budgets and accounting records for operating and self-insured reserve funds; presents budget proposals to department director; monitors revenues and expenditures.
   
9. Promotes and coordinates division activities and programs with other County departments; evaluates and responds to complaints from employees, citizens and other government agencies.
   
10. Hires and supervises professional and administrative support staff to provide quality service to citizens and County staff; prepares performance evaluations and provides counseling for career development; recommends and administers progressive discipline; conducts and/or facilitates staff training and development programs; promotes cooperative team efforts among staff and with other County departments.

Through knowledge of: Federal and State statues, rules and regulations applicable to employee benefits plans, cafeteria plans and deferred compensation and related plan administration, including continuation of benefits, Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations, Federal and State family leave laws, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Public Employees Retirement System requirements; principles and practices of health and welfare benefits administration; employee benefits options; methods and techniques of contract administration; principles of public administration, including budgeting and personnel management; participative management theories; principles and techniques of financial reporting and record keeping.

Skill to: Implement and maintain a comprehensive benefits program; monitor program compliance with legal requirements; analyze information and material related to benefits services; research, compile and analyze data; prepare clear and concise reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; direct staff in continuous efforts to improve quality, productivity and effectiveness; incorporate team participation in decision making; respond to changes desired by citizens and County staff; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with contractors, other government agencies, union officials, County employees and the public.

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.