Benefits Specialist - Austin Human Resources

City of Austin•Austin, TX

14h•$28 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. 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. Job Description: Benefits Specialist Purpose: Provide human resources (HR) advice and problem solving in the area of benefits on City-wide programs. Join Our Team as a Benefits Specialist! The City of Austin is committed to providing high‑quality benefits that support the health, security, and peace of mind of our employees, retirees, and their dependents. Our benefits team serves a community of more than 35,000 people, ensuring they receive accurate information and exceptional service. As a Benefits Specialist, you will assist employees and retirees with benefits questions, guide them through enrollment, and review Qualifying Life Events and dependent documentation through the City’s online eligibility platform. You will also manage billing for employees on leave, reconcile eligibility and enrollment reports, and complete timely and accurate data entry. This role provides essential customer service and operational support, including occasional front desk assistance and other duties that help keep our department running smoothly. If you are detail‑oriented, service‑minded, and enjoy helping others navigate important benefits decisions, we would love to connect with you

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.