Benefits Specialists

County of Northumberland•Sunbury, PA

About The Position

The Benefits Specialists administers, coordinates, and communicates employee benefit programs for Northumberland County employees. The position serves as a liaison between employees, the Human Resources Department, and benefit providers, supporting accurate enrollment, effective communication, timely resolution of benefit-related issues, and compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and plan requirements. The role administers and tracks the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including determining employee eligibility, communicating about leave requests and required documentation, tracking continuous and intermittent leave, and maintaining accurate, confidential records. It also maintains employee benefit premium-share information in the County payroll platform and may assist with payroll-related duties. The position operates under the general supervision of the Human Resources Director and follows County policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements, benefit plan documents, and federal and state laws and regulations.

Requirements

Completion of a high school degree or equivalent.
Equivalent combination of education and training, or an associate's degree in HR.
Previous experience in employee benefits administration, FMLA or leave administration, payroll, or human resources.

Responsibilities

Administer and coordinate employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and other County benefit plans.
Serve as the primary liaison among County employees, Human Resources, insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and other benefit providers.
Assist employees with benefit enrollment, qualifying life events, coverage changes and terminations, and general benefit inquiries.
Communicate benefit plan provisions, eligibility requirements, enrollment procedures, deadlines, and coverage changes to employees.
Coordinate with benefit providers to resolve enrollment discrepancies, coverage issues, billing questions, and other benefit matters.
Maintain accurate employee benefit records and supporting documentation.
Assist with open enrollment activities, employee benefit communications, and distribution of required benefit information.
Provide guidance to employees regarding benefit options and administrative procedures.
Enter, upload, update, and maintain employee premium-share amounts for County benefit plans in the County payroll platform.
Verify benefit deduction information against applicable plan rules, employee elections, eligibility records, and approved changes.
Coordinate with payroll personnel to ensure benefit deductions are accurately reflected in employee payroll records.
Identify and assist in resolving discrepancies involving benefit deductions, employee premium contributions, and coverage charges.
Communicate benefit-related payroll changes and adjustments to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
Assist with payroll processing, payroll record review, reconciliation, and related administrative duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources.
Administer and coordinate the County's FMLA process in accordance with federal regulations and County procedures.
Receive and review leave-related information and identify circumstances that may require evaluation for FMLA eligibility.
Determine employee FMLA eligibility based on applicable service and hours worked.
Communicate with employees about potential FMLA eligibility, required notices, medical certification requirements, deadlines, and leave procedures.
Request, receive, review for completeness, and maintain required FMLA documentation.
Coordinate the designation of qualifying leave and ensure required notices are issued within applicable timeframes.
Track continuous and intermittent FMLA leave, including hours and days used, remaining entitlement, and applicable leave periods.
Monitor intermittent leave usage and coordinate with employees and department representatives to reconcile leave records and address discrepancies.
Monitor FMLA cases for deadlines, certification expiration dates, recertification requirements, and anticipated return-to-work dates.
Communicate with employees regarding leave balances, required documentation, and return-to-work procedures.
Maintain confidential FMLA and medical documentation separately from general personnel records, as required by law and County procedures.
Identify and refer potential accommodation needs, extended absences, and complex leave matters to the Director of Human Resources for review.