Benefits Administrator

City of Queen Creek, AZ•Queen Creek, AZ

46d•$90,840 - $131,718•Onsite

About The Position

In addition to completing the online application, a resume must be attached in the online application process for an application to be considered complete and move forward for further consideration. The full salary range for the position is $90,840 - $131,718 with an anticipated starting salary between entry ($90,840) and midpoint ($111,279) of the range. It's essential to note that the actual salary offered will be determined based on several factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, training and internal equity considerations. This position is open on a continuous basis. The first review of applications will be on December 4, 2025, with subsequent reviews conducted weekly. The posting may close at any time after the first review. IMPORTANT DATES First review of applications will be on December 4th. First round of interviews are anticipated to take place on December 9th. Second round of interviews for finalists are anticipated to take place the week of December 15th. Expected start date is January 2026 for the successful candidate. This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment and as determined by the Town of Queen Creek. JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY Positions assigned to this class are responsible for administering the Town's employee benefits and leave programs. This role focuses on day-to-day benefits and leave operations, including open enrollment, employee inquiries, liaison for vendors/carriers, compliance monitoring, data management and reporting. This classification serves as a knowledgeable resources for employees, providing support to ensure they fully understand and utilize their benefits options effectively. This position is non-supervisory and requires an in-depth understanding of benefits and leaves administration and related HR functions. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a fully qualified and experienced advanced level professional classification in the human resources job family. Incumbents perform the full range of duties that demonstrates knowledge of expected functional requirements or performance specifications within human resources. Work involves a variety of benefits and leave-related tasks independently, applying strong analytical, application of sound principles and best practices associated with planning and problem solving and customer service skills. This position demands both technical expertise in benefits and leave administration and the ability to address employee inquiries professionally. This role manages day-to-day benefits tasks, referring complex or strategic issue to HR management.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Business, Human Resources, Psychology, or a related field and 6 years of progressively responsible experience in benefits and leave administration; 2 years of overseeing benefits programs or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.
To be eligible, incumbents cannot be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Principles and practices of public personnel management, ethics and professional standards, benefits and leave administration;
Health and wellness programs and insurance terminology;
Organizational development theories and applications;
Training methods, programs, and techniques;
Employee engagement strategies;
Applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations;
Strategic planning and budgeting principles;
Project management/concepts and application;
Statistical concepts and methods;
Customer service principles;
English grammar, spelling and punctuation;
Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities.
Perform advanced-level benefit and leave administration, and various special personnel-related research studies/projects;
Maintaining compliance with benefits regulations and filing requirements
Identifying problems or needs, involving appropriate stakeholders, and developing viable plans of action to address issues;
Developing, planning and implementing assigned human resource program(s);
Maintaining confidentiality and exercising good judgment in handling sensitive information;
Assessing, analyzing, identifying and implementing solutions to complex problems;
Training methods, adult learning processes, and diversity concepts and applications;
Conducting comparison and statistical analyses;
Formulating reports;
Composing correspondence;
Performing research, making independent analysis, and reporting findings;
Using computers and related software applications;
Utilizing standard techniques to assess program effectiveness;
Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred.
Certification as a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR or SPHR), Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP), or Certified Professional in Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA-CP or PSHRA-SCP) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages the administration of employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Ensure all enrollments, changes, and terminations are processed accurately and timely.
Plans, coordinates, and conducts open enrollment, providing guidance to employees on plan options, changes, and enrollment procedures. Prepares and distributes communication materials, manage enrollment data, and collaborate with HR and payroll for seamless implementation.
Responds to employee inquiries regarding benefits and leave eligibility, coverage, claims, and provider issues. Educate employees on available benefits, helping them make informed decisions and ensuring a positive employee experience.
Serves as a point of contact with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefits vendors. Works closely with providers to resolve employee issues, track service levels, and ensures accurate billing and plan administration.
Administers Workers' Compensation claims, ensuring timely reporting, accurate documentation, adherence to state and federal regulations, maintains compliance with applicable laws, conducting periodic audits, and implementing best practices to minimize risks and ensure organizational compliance.
Oversees the Town's wellness program; organize and coordinate wellness initiatives, such as health screenings, fitness challenges, financial planning and mental health workshops and promote employee participation.
Assist with annual employee engagement program; coordinate and lead employee engagement activities, including focus groups, and surveys to foster a positive workplace culture and increase overall employee satisfaction and well-being.
Ensures benefits, leave and wellness programs comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA). Prepares and files required reports, such as ACA filings, and support audits or compliance reviews as necessary.
Enters, updates, and maintains benefits and leave data in the HRIS system. Generates reports to track enrollment, participation, and other benefits metrics. Monitors benefits deductions, reconciliation, and adjustments in collaboration with payroll.
Facilitates claims resolution and coordinates with insurance carriers to address any benefits-related issues that arise, ensuring prompt and effective resolution of employee claims and concerns.
Analyzes benefits, leave and wellness utilization and employee feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement. Recommends enhancements to programs and processes to enhance employee satisfaction and program efficiency.
Chairs and/or participates in Town committees as assigned.
Collects and analyzes program feedback to assess program impact and identify areas for improvement.
Interprets, applies and explains Town policies and procedures.
Provides individual, departmental, or organizational-wide training.
Performs related work as assigned.