Benefits Specialist - Austin Human Resources

City of Austin•Austin, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Austin Human Resources is dedicated to building a high-performing, diverse workforce that fosters a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all employees. Our department delivers strategic HR services across the organization, including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits, compensation, learning and development, and risk management. We focus on programs and policies that strengthen employee engagement, professional growth, and organizational excellence. As one of the fastest-growing and most innovative cities in the nation, Austin is known for its vibrant culture, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to exceptional public service. We strive to reflect the inclusive and dynamic community we serve by promoting equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We are seeking a Benefits Specialist to support City-wide benefits programs and provide direct assistance to employees and retirees. This role answers benefits questions, assists with enrollment, reviews and approves Qualifying Life Events and dependent documentation, and manages billing for employees on leave to ensure accurate premium collection.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience assisting employees and retirees with benefit inquiries, enrollment process, and QLE changes throughout the year and during the annual Open Enrollment period.
Experience in using Workday as an eligibility platform system to enroll employees/retirees in benefits and approve their benefits elections.
Experience in benefits data entry with strong attention to accuracy.
Experience in providing front desk coverage.
Experience in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Experience in working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

Implements, administers, and evaluates benefits programs designed by Austin Human Resources (AHR).
Develops benefits systems, procedures, and processes for the implementation of City or department HR benefits programs, policies, or strategies.
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.
Assists in solving benefits problems, then monitors implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
Coordinates the resolution of benefits issues with third-party administrators and other City of Austin vendors.
Provides advice for benefits-related decisions.
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.
Collaborates and participates on teams with HR and other team members.
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.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.