Benefits Administrator

Buncombe County Government•Asheville, NC

3d•$76,617 - $97,188•Hybrid

About The Position

Buncombe County Government is seeking an experienced Benefits Administrator to lead the administration of employee benefits programs for approximately 1,800 employees and their eligible dependents. This role is part of the Compensation, Classification & Benefits team and is crucial for delivering high-quality benefits programs and exceptional customer service to attract, retain, and care for the County's workforce. The Benefits Administrator acts as the primary benefits subject matter expert, managing health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, and wellness initiatives. This position involves close collaboration with employees, retirees, leadership, Payroll, HR partners, and benefit vendors to ensure accurate and compliant benefits administration while providing outstanding employee support. Key duties include managing benefit enrollments and qualifying life events, coordinating the annual Open Enrollment process, overseeing vendor relationships, ensuring compliance with regulations, reconciling benefit billing, and identifying areas for process improvement and enhanced employee experience. The role partners with various benefit providers such as Prudential, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS), MyGroup, Delta Dental, Ameritas Vision, USI Insurance Services, Southeastern Physical Therapy, and other vendor partners. The Human Resources Department is comprised of 24 professionals across six functional areas: Organizational Development, Recruiting & Staffing, HRIS, Employee Relations, Family Health Clinic, and Compensation, Classification & Benefits. Together, they support strategic workforce initiatives including compensation, classification, benefits, talent development, succession planning, employee engagement, performance management, and organizational effectiveness. The department operates under core values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Honesty, and Equity, aiming to provide exceptional service and foster a thriving workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits administration, including at least two (2) years of experience in benefits design, strategy, and/or program management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency in HRIS, benefits administration systems, Microsoft Office applications, and spreadsheet analysis.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with thorough knowledge of benefit plan design and administration.
Ability to evaluate complex information, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and make sound recommendations.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Skilled in developing and implementing short- and long-range plans, conceptual designs, and budget requirements for assigned areas, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and operational needs.
Ability to exercise sound and timely judgment and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Skilled in public presentations.

Nice To Haves

Human resources experience in local government or the public sector is preferred.
Certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or CEBS preferred.

Responsibilities

Administers employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits.
Serves as liaison between the County and benefit vendors, brokers, third-party administrators, and retirement agencies.
Assists in evaluating and implementing benefit programs and wellness initiatives.
Monitors vendor performance and assists with contract administration and renewals.
Processes employee benefit enrollments, changes, terminations, and qualifying life events in the HRIS and carrier systems.
Conducts benefit orientations for new employees and educates employees regarding available benefit programs.
Coordinates and administers the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, system configuration, vendor coordination, and employee meetings.
Reviews and reconciles benefit invoices and payroll deductions to ensure accuracy.
Serves as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and resolves complex benefit issues.
Creates and configures all benefit plans, rates, eligibility parameters and passive events within the HCM system.
Creates reports based on available benefit data.
Works closely with the HCM IT Support Team for bi-annual update testing and tenant changes.
Administers participation in the North Carolina Retirement Systems (LGERS and TSERS, as applicable).
Assists employees with supplemental retirement plans, including 401(k), and 457 programs.
Coordinates COBRA administration and monitors qualifying events.
Assists with ACA eligibility tracking and annual reporting requirements, including Forms 1094-C and 1095-C.
Maintains confidential employee records in accordance with HIPAA and other privacy requirements.
Develops communication tools to enhance understanding of the County’s benefits package.
In collaboration with Employee & Family Health, develops and implements outcomes-based programs designed to reduce employee healthcare costs and maximize return on investment.
Performs other related duties as assigned.