About the position
The Benefits Manager for the City of Chula Vista is responsible for planning, directing, organizing, and managing a comprehensive City-wide employee benefit program. This role involves overseeing the maintenance and processing of employee records, benefits enrollment, and human resources-related reports within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). The Benefits Manager ensures compliance with Federal and State laws as well as City policies, coordinating activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies. The position requires performing a variety of technical tasks related to benefits management and providing complex staff assistance to the Human Resources management team. The Benefits Manager will manage a range of employee benefits including group health, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and wellness programs. Responsibilities include developing goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Benefits Division, recommending and administering policies and procedures, and monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods. The role also involves supervising assigned staff, reviewing employee performance, and implementing disciplinary procedures as necessary. The Benefits Manager will ensure compliance with health and welfare benefit regulations, manage the administration of benefit programs, and conduct research to evaluate program performance. Additionally, the Benefits Manager will oversee the annual Open Enrollment activities, coordinate the enrollment and orientation of eligible employees in various benefit programs, and manage employee communications related to benefits. This position requires a strong understanding of employee benefit plan designs, public agency benefits administration principles, and the ability to analyze and interpret complex legislation. The Benefits Manager will also be responsible for building and maintaining positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public, ensuring a high level of customer service throughout the organization.
Responsibilities
- Plan, direct, organize, and manage a comprehensive City-wide employee benefit program.
- Manage the maintenance and processing of employee records and benefits enrollment in the HRIS.
- Ensure compliance with Federal and State laws and City policies regarding employee benefits.
- Coordinate activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
- Supervise, assign, and review the work of assigned staff.
- Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods.
- Conduct surveys and perform research to evaluate programs and performance of providers.
- Provide oversight and direction to City staff, Insurance Broker, Insurance Providers, and Third Party Administrators.
- Analyze and compare current and potential benefit programs and propose changes as necessary.
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct annual Open Enrollment activities.
- Manage employee communications related to benefits and resolve complex customer complaints.
- Conduct exit interviews with separating employees and assist in the resolution of coverage discrepancies.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Four years of professional human resources experience, including experience administering employee benefits programs and HRIS in a public sector environment.
- One year of lead or supervisory responsibility.
- Possession of a valid California driver's license.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with public agency benefits administration principles and practices.
- Knowledge of Federal and State laws related to employee benefits and CalPERS retirement.
Benefits
- Disability insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
