Benefits Specialist

State of Colorado•Pueblo, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position exists to conduct the day-to-day operations of group benefit programs, including group health, dental, short-term and long-term disability, donated leave, worker’s compensation, overall leave management, life insurance, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, and retirement. As the primary point of contact for benefits and leave management issues, this position provides information on benefits to employees and answers benefit questions. Informs employees of deadlines regarding signing up for benefits and open enrollment and facilitates the new enrollment and open enrollment process. Develop procedures for administering benefits and coordinate with other work units as necessary. Oversee administration of Family and Medical Leave (FML), Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI), Workers’ Compensation and other leave entitlement programs in partnership with Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA), Risk Management, and CDHS Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Team; and work with employees and managers in assigned units to ensure compliance. Maintains employee benefits and leave records. Acts as a liaison to DPA, Payroll, Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA), legal and other vendors/partners for benefits-related information and programs. Ensures confidentiality of all information. Completes other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Six (6) years of relevant experience in Benefits Administration, including FMLA, STD, and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans OR A combination of related education from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Human Resource Management, or closely related field. AND Two (2) years of professional benefits administration experience which must have included FMLA, STD, and core benefit administration.
Must be able to report to: Pueblo: 1600 W 24th St, Pueblo, CO 81003
State of Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years professional administration of FMLA, STD, and knowledge of employee benefit plans in an organization
Experience with processing FAMLI claim information
Intermediate level of Microsoft and/or Google Suite experience
Exceptional communication skills demonstrated by the ability to communicate detailed and complex information successfully to others both in writing and verbally
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to set and track goals and timetables to achieve maximum productivity
Self-motivated and ability to take initiative
Strong customer service skills
Adaptability in a constantly changing environment and ability to handle multiple competing demands, and demonstrate a practical approach, resilience, drive, and optimism
Team oriented
Relevant years of State service experience.

Responsibilities

Application and processing of Family & Medical Leave (FML), Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI), Short-Term Disability (STD)
Explain programs and coverage available to employees and how to enroll during New Employee Orientation, open enrollment, and when an employee experiences a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).
Provide consultation and training to all levels of employees related to State benefits
This position contributes to the development and delivery of training related to the work unit. This may include benefit and leave processes, compliance practices and procedures, and effective communication.
This position also enhances individual and unit effectiveness by participating in professional development opportunities.
Other duties as identified and assigned by the Benefits Team Lead, Benefits Supervisor, Deputy Chief HR Officer, and Chief HR & Access Officer.

Benefits

PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
Employee Wellness program
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.