The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
 
Lead, plan, train and review the work of Employee Benefits staff responsible for performing a variety of professional level administrative, technical, and analytical duties and responsibilities in support of the City's benefits administration including, but not limited to, retirement plans, medical and dental plans, life insurance plans, and wellness programs.
 
Evaluate programs and review policies, procedures, and methods; identify areas of improvement, and work to enhance, streamline, and document processes; formulate, recommend, and/or implement action for program improvement.
 
Analyze, and interpret all local, State, Federal, and other regulatory agency laws, rules, regulations and policies applicable to Benefit programs to ensure prompt compliance.

Review, interpret, monitor and ensure compliance with the City Charter, personnel rules and regulations, and memoranda of understanding; accurately advise department managers, employees and staff.
 
Conduct research, analyze data, and prepare written and statistical reports and recommendations on a variety of employee benefits issues and topics; prepare comprehensive reports and make oral presentations; update and revise written policies, rules, and regulations; oversee and participate in the preparation of reports for City Council adoption.
 
Perform the most technical and complex Employee Benefits tasks and set work priorities for the division and determine best practices, methods and procedures to be used. 

Supervise the management of employee benefits records including application, maintenance of enrollment, and claims records.
 
Supervise preparation of reports and applications required by law to be filed with Federal and State agencies, such as Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor, CalPERS, insurance commissioners, and other regulatory agencies.
 
Effectively communicate benefit plans and regulations to all city employees through various print media, one-on-one employee meetings, and by conducting citywide educational seminars and workshops.
 
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of human resources; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.

Manage the division budget.

Develop and participate in the preparation of requests for proposals; interview and recommend the selection of contractors and consultants; and prepare and manage contracts to ensure ongoing compliance.

Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Provide assistance to the Human Resources Director and other Division Managers; conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modification to City programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. 

Candidates must possess at least four years of increasingly responsible professional benefits administration experience supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources, public administration, health administration, or a related field. Direct supervision of benefits staff is highly desirable. . 
 
Demonstrated knowledge of operations, services, and activities of benefits programs; principles of supervision and training; advanced principles and practices of human resources administration and benefits administration; basic principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; advanced methods and techniques of research and analysis of personnel administrative and statistical data; principles of city government organization, functions, and management; principles and procedures of record keeping; principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
 
Is able to lead, organize, and review the work of staff, independently perform the most difficult tasks; coordinate and direct assigned human resources programs; recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies and procedures for providing human resources services; understand the organization and operation of the organization and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; prepare clear and concise reports; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze and evaluate new program techniques, methods and procedures; gather, display and analyze statistical data; develop reports and recommendations; respond to personnel related requests and inquiries from City employees and the general public; plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines; problem solve; effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit; work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies; respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Possess an appropriate, valid driver's license.