Benefits and Engagement Manager

Under the general direction of the Human Resources Manager, the Benefits and Engagement Manager is responsible for managing the benefits and employee engagement functions for Santa Rosa County Government. This position is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing new and revised benefits programs, policies, and procedures. This position is also responsible for ensuring through audits, legal reports, and personal interactions that the county benefits programs are consistently administered in compliance with county policies and government regulations. This position administers employee health, welfare, and retirement plans county-wide in accordance with federal and state regulations and ensures that plan provisions are followed. This position acts as a liaison between employees and insurance providers to resolve benefits-related problems, ensures effective utilization of plans, and promotes positive employee relations.

Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed. Personal characteristics required of all employees such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically.

• Supervises and evaluates staff; provides input in hiring, termination and disciplinary action decisions.
• Administers employee health, payroll, welfare, and retirement plans by ensuring day-to-day processing is in accordance with federal and state regulations and ensures that plan provisions are followed.
• Participates in organizational strategic planning and administration of benefits management, employee engagement and experience, and the human resource information system (HRIS).
• Prepares and presents initiatives, and directives; conducts research; compiles pertinent data and makes recommendations on benefits, payroll and employee engagement functions.
• Develops metrics and audits to analyze performance, value, accuracy and compliance of benefits programs; performs regular audits per schedule; takes appropriate action based on audit results.
• Works with benefits brokers in the insurance selection process; suggests benefit program changes, plan design and other improvements to ensure the most comprehensive benefits package is offered; acts as a liaison with insurance carriers and fosters effective relationships with client representatives.
• Manages the processing of retirements, termination of benefits, COBRA and employee deaths; facilitate survivor benefit processing and life insurance claims.
• Manages annual open enrollment; arranges for distribution of plan summary materials and required notices; assists with communicating changes to employees; conduct employee presentations; process changes within deadlines; plan, coordinate, and present activities relating to annual open enrollment periods.
• Assists in new hire orientations for benefits processing; ensures all new employees are correctly enrolled and are fully educated in the valued benefits package as a function of total compensation; counsels’ employees regarding benefits plans.
• Reviews and approves monthly billing reconciliations and ensures timely payment processing; resolves discrepancies with carriers, payroll and the county; completes reports as requested.
• Facilitates employee understanding of benefits programs; generates regular communications and counsel to employees/dependents as needed; resolves employee complaints related to payroll, health and welfare plans; refers difficult or very complex complaints to plan broker or the Human Resources Manager as needed.
• Develops employee lifecycle engagement improvement strategies.
• Implements and manages the annual employee engagement survey; analyzes results and initiates the action planning process.
• Analyzes employee exit survey data, identify trends, and propose recommendations.
• Develops promotion and communication plans for employee engagement and appreciation programs throughout the county.
• Assists with the coordination of internal communications for county employees; determines appropriateness and timeliness of information to be released; drafts emails and printed communication for distribution to employees; and assists in coordinating communication activities during emergency response situations requiring prompt communication to affected county workforce.
• Attends department meetings to facilitate employee engagement and benefits program training.
• Promotes and coordinates wellness activities to include creating flyers, schedules, emails, and activities for the county workforce.
• Maintains security, confidentiality and discretion related to human resources information.
• Interacts with the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Must demonstrate commitment to our mission, vision, values and goals and represent the County in a professional, dignified manner at all times both in actions and appearance.
• May have a role in the County’s disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as designated in the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; may be required to work before, during and/or after an emergency.
• Must be able to meet minimum attendance standards.
• Performs related duties as required.

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four year college or university in Business Administration, Human Resources, Public Administration or closely related field; supplemented by five (5) years of experience in insurance benefits administration, payroll processing, human resources or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. At least two (2) years of experience in a supervisory/lead capacity is required. Must be computer literate.

LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:
Requires a valid driver license at the date of hire and maintain said license while employed in this position. A Health & Life (Including Annuities & Variable Contracts) agent license is preferred.

Applicants must have at least the minimum educational documentation and/or certifications (requested within the job description) uploaded with their application to be eligible for consideration. Documentation may be uploaded at the time of application, scanned and emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered. 

NOTE: The information given on your application will be evaluated against the minimum qualifications of the job description. After all applications are evaluated, your name will be placed on the employment list and sent to appropriate hiring authority for consideration.

The online application and complete job descriptions can be viewed at www.santarosa.fl.gov Complete job descriptions may also be obtained at the Human Resources office located at 6495 Caroline Street, Suite H Milton, FL 32570.

Candidates may be asked to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the position during the interview process.

A Drug Free Workplace/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER /Veteran's Preference will be given in accordance with Florida Statutes.