HR - BENEFIT COORDINATOR

Town Greenfield - Greenfield, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Greenfield, MA

About the position

The Human Resources Benefits Coordinator is a skilled professional responsible for performing routine and general clerical and administrative support functions, particularly in the administration of benefits for both active and retired employees. This role requires a high level of responsibility and confidentiality, as it involves handling sensitive information related to employee benefits, collective bargaining, and various legal matters. The coordinator assists the Director and Generalist in the operation of the Human Resources department, demonstrating initiative and the ability to work independently under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail. In this fast-paced municipal personnel department, the Benefits Coordinator serves as the first point of contact for incoming calls, emails, and visitors, requiring prompt and courteous responses. The position involves interpreting and applying city policies, union contracts, and state and federal laws related to employee benefits. The coordinator monitors compliance with relevant legislation and ensures that all benefit enrollments, status changes, and terminations are processed accurately. This includes coordinating with the Retirement Administrator and notifying payroll of any changes in benefits. The role also encompasses the development and implementation of communication strategies to promote employee awareness regarding health, wellness, and cost-saving initiatives. The coordinator is responsible for organizing annual open enrollments, conducting presentations for retirees, and maintaining accurate records of insurance coverage and employee health records. Additionally, the position requires the use of various computerized systems for data tracking and reporting, ensuring that all benefits-related data is accurate and up to date. Overall, the Human Resources Benefits Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting the HR department and ensuring that employees receive the benefits they are entitled to while adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform broad benefit administration and varied administrative tasks for the HR department.
• Interpret and apply City policies, union contracts, and state and federal laws related to employee benefits.
• Monitor program activities for compliance with Federal and state laws and policies.
• Serve as the first point of contact for incoming calls, emails, and visitors, providing assistance as needed.
• Ensure the accuracy of all benefit enrollments, status changes, and terminations for active and retired employees.
• Coordinate with the Retirement Administrator on retiree effective dates and notify payroll of changes.
• Develop communication strategies and promotional outreach activities related to employee benefits.
• Organize and conduct annual open enrollments for active benefit eligible employees.
• Research and develop presentations for upcoming retirees and maintain Medicare reimbursements.
• Provide census reports for insurance carriers and respond to surveys regarding employee benefits.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required; Associates degree in public, business administration, Human Resources or related field preferred.
• PHR certification highly desirable; two years experience in Human Resources or as an insurance/benefits coordinator preferred.
• Knowledge of health, life, dental insurance plans and programs; working knowledge of Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts General Laws.
• Ability to operate a personal computer in a Windows environment with proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with MUNIS and database programs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple concurrent projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with compliance and regulatory requirements related to employee benefits.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and external stakeholders.
• Experience in developing and implementing employee wellness programs.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Life insurance coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling options