Employee Benefits - Employee Benefits Specialist I,II,III,IV

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

12h•$22 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

Provides progressively responsible administrative and technical support in the administration of the City’s employee benefits programs under the general direction of the Benefits Division Manager. Responsibilities include benefit plan administration, employee and retiree support, compliance with applicable laws, coordination with third-party administrators (TPAs), HRIS processing, and financial reconciliation. Positions are flexibly staffed and distinguished by level based on complexity of work, independence, technical expertise, and scope of responsibility.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state laws related to benefits administration including HIPAA, FMLA, ACA, COBRA, ADA, and USERRA.
Knowledge of HRIS systems and benefit administration platforms.
Knowledge of payroll processes related to benefits deductions and reconciliation.
Knowledge of general office procedures and administrative practices.
Skill to analyze data and identify discrepancies.
Skill to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, management, and vendors.
Skill to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Skill to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
Skill to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
Ability to interpret and apply policies and regulatory requirements.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to solve problems and make sound decisions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrate the City of Abilene Core Values.
A high school diploma or GED is required (Benefits Specialist I).
Two (2) years of administrative or HR-related experience preferred (Benefits Specialist I).
Three (3) years of relevant HR or administrative experience required (Benefits Specialist II).
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources or benefits is required (Benefits Specialist III).
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources or benefits is required (Benefits Specialist IV).
A valid driver’s license or a military waiver is required.

Nice To Haves

An Associate’s degree in Human Resources or general Business Administration is preferred (Benefits Specialist I).
An Associate’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred (Benefits Specialist II).
A Certified Government Benefits Administrator from SALGBA or an advanced supplemental HR-relevant certification approved by the Director of Human Resources based on role is required (Benefits Specialist II).
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Management, Business Administration or related field is preferred (Benefits Specialist III).
A Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) certification from World at Work or an advanced supplemental HR-relevant certification approved by the Director of Human Resources based on role is required (Benefits Specialist III).
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Management, Business Administration or related field is preferred (Benefits Specialist IV).
An advanced supplemental HR-relevant certification approved by the Director of Human Resources based on role is required (Benefits Specialist IV).

Responsibilities

Administers employee benefit programs including health, dental, vision, life, retirement, flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and voluntary benefits, ensuring accurate enrollments, changes, and terminations.
Provides guidance to employees and retirees regarding benefit options, eligibility, plan provisions, and enrollment processes in compliance with plan documents and applicable laws.
Processes and audits benefit transactions within the HRIS to ensure accuracy and alignment with payroll deductions and vendor billing.
Serves as liaison with third-party administrators (TPAs) and vendors to resolve eligibility, claims, billing, and service issues.
Reconciles benefit invoices and premiums; identifies discrepancies and coordinates corrections with Payroll and Finance.
Coordinates with leave administrators (e.g., Sedgwick) to support compliance with FMLA and ensure proper tracking and required notifications.
Assists with open enrollment activities including employee communications, system configuration, vendor file transmissions, and post-enrollment audits.
Supports onboarding and offboarding processes including COBRA administration, benefit terminations, and retirement processing.
Maintains benefit records, plan documents, and required notices; prepares reports for audits and compliance reviews.
Assists in developing and delivering benefit education programs and communications.
Operates a City or personal vehicle to attend meetings, training, and work-related activities.
Performs routine benefits transactions under close supervision (Benefits Specialist I).
Provides basic customer service and escalates issues as needed (Benefits Specialist I).
Learns systems, policies, and procedures related to benefits administration (Benefits Specialist I).
Independently processes enrollments, changes, and terminations (Benefits Specialist II).
Resolves routine discrepancies between HRIS, payroll, and vendors (Benefits Specialist II).
Provides detailed guidance to employees regarding benefits processes (Benefits Specialist II).
Administers complex benefit transactions and resolves escalated issues (Benefits Specialist III).
Performs advanced reconciliation and supports audits and compliance activities (Benefits Specialist III).
Analyzes benefit data and identifies trends or process improvement opportunities (Benefits Specialist III).
May train or mentor lower-level staff (Benefits Specialist III).
Serves as subject matter expert for benefits programs and compliance (Benefits Specialist IV).
Leads complex issue resolution involving vendors, systems, and employees (Benefits Specialist IV).
Assists with RFPs, contract renewals, and vendor performance management (Benefits Specialist IV).
Supports budget tracking, reporting, and presentations for leadership (Benefits Specialist IV).
Provides guidance and coordination for staff workflow (Benefits Specialist IV).
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.