Job Summary
Do you bring a positive attitude, strong motivation, and a passion for public service? Franklin County Government is seeking a Human Resources (HR) Benefits Manager to lead the design, implementation, and administration of the County's comprehensive employee benefits programs.
In this vital role, the Benefits Manager oversees health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and other employee benefit programs, ensuring they remain competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This position is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing new and revised benefits programs, policies, and procedures that support the County's strategic goals and reflect best practices in employee benefits administration.
The Benefits Manager also ensures consistent program administration through audits, reporting, and collaboration with employees, vendors, and County leadership to maintain compliance with County policies and government regulations. Additionally, this position oversees the County's self-insured workers' compensation program, helping to promote employee well-being and effective claims management.
If you're a self-starter with a passion for serving others and making a positive impact in your community, we'd love to hear from you!
About Us
Franklin County is a great place to live and work! Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Tuscarora mountains in South Central Pennsylvania but not far from DC, Baltimore and the beaches of the mid-Atlantic, Franklin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth. We want the best people working to serve the 155,000+ residents that call this beautiful area "home."
Requirements
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Bachelor’s degree in a business, human resources, social sciences or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Five (5) to seven (7) years working experience in Human Resources, for a County government preferred, or any combination of acceptable training/experience. PHR and or SHRM Certification preferred. One (1) to three (3) years of supervisor experience preferred.
Job Description
FRANKLIN COUNTY
HUMAN RESOURCES BENEFITS MANAGER Revised: July 29, 2026
Position Description Exempt
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB
The Human Resources (HR) Benefits Manager is responsible for the design, implementation, and administration of the organization's employee benefits programs. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and other employee benefits. The Benefits Manager ensures that these programs are competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. This position plans, develops, and implements new and revised benefit programs, policies, procedures, in order to be responsive to the County’s goals and competitive practices. Assures through audits, reports and personal contact that benefit programs are consistently administered in compliance with County policies and government regulations. Also, oversees the County’s self-insured workers’ compensation program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB
1. Analyzes existing benefit offerings, conduct benchmarking studies, and stay abreast of market trends to ensure programs remain competitive and meet employee needs.
2. Develops a benefit plan strategy, which meets the changing and competitive needs of the County of Franklin based on benchmark analysis and employee feedback and recommends new or modified plans and employee benefit policies and administers existing plans
3. Manage relationships with benefit vendors and brokers, negotiating contracts and ensuring quality service.
4. Manages the functions of benefits for all bargained and non-bargained employees.
5. Assesses and solicits input and feedback from administration, management and staff relative to benefit issues.
6. Manages all aspects of Healthcare Reform as required by State and Federal law.
7. Evaluates and compares existing County benefits with those of other employees by analyzing other plans and surveys; analyzes results of surveys and develops specific recommendations for review by management.
8. Designs and reviews benefit plan structure to assure user applicability, cost effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
9. Markets and negotiates contracts/agreements in conjunction with consultants and vendors to assure appropriate cost effective plan design.
10. Interacts with internal and external consultants and legal counsel, plan actuaries, auditors, and financial officers to assure timely and appropriate responses on technical issues and government imposed requirements.
11. Works closely with Fiscal staff and Controller’s office staff to assure and monitor invoice and deposit process regarding benefits.
12. Reviews bills and costs on a regular basis, examines medical, dental, vision, life insurance billings, makes necessary adjustments to reflect changes, terminations and new hires.
13. Oversees timely and accurate completion of COBRA forms and insurance claims for terminated employees.
14. Oversees and supports the County's employee wellness program by facilitating program planning, implementation, communication, reporting, incentive tracking, committee participation, and wellness event coordination to promote employee health and engagement.
15. Develops management/employee training programs relative to benefit related issues to include, FMLA, ADA, benefit changes, etc.
16. Implements approved new plans and changes by preparing announcement material, booklets, and other media for communication of new plans to employees.
17. Provides direct support to administration and management advising on benefit matters.
18. Administers employee benefits programs such as basic hospital, medical, surgical and major medical insurance plans; Section 125 benefits; term life insurance plans; temporary disability programs; and accidental death policies; etc.
19. Manages annual benefit open enrollment period to allow employees, COBRA participants and retirees the opportunity to make changes to their existing benefit package; conducts employee meetings and arranges for enrollment of employees in optional plans; conducts benefit seminars for County employees.
20. Meets and interacts with Insurance Agents and other Insurance company employees regarding benefit proposals and associated costs, renewal contracts, invoicing, plan documents, handling claims, resolving benefit problems/discrepancies, etc. Makes recommendations for any changes to such benefit matters.
21. Reviews insurance related contracts and documents and makes recommendations; reviews monthly claim reports, billings, etc., sent by the insurance companies (Medical, life and related benefit programs); submits invoices to Accounts Payable for payment of various benefits.
22. Assures that all benefits plan filings are completed, distributed, and submitted as required by law.
23. Responsible for the administration of COBRA, Family Medical Leave Act and employees on leaves of absence; bills respective employees for premiums due.
24. Processes all new insurance enrollments/terminations and any changes regarding the insurance program or employee situations. Process death and disability claims and conversion policies. Maintain accurate records for claims, insurance coverage, and premiums. Monitor status of claims.
25. Assists all employees, retirees and COBRA participants with questions regarding employee benefits; identifies problems and concerns regarding benefit issues.
26. Composes letters, memos, forms and documents as required for the administration of benefits.
27. Calculates benefit eligibility dates and processes paperwork in timely manner.
28. Interacts with software/computer analysts to maintain updated and accurate information.
29. Responsible for handling large sums of money received for benefit premiums, retiree and employee benefit payments, COBRA disbursements, etc.
30. Administers County Tuition Reimbursement program.
31. Monitors, tracks and notifies part time employees of benefit eligibility.
32. Assists Director with department projects and programs to include contracts, surveys, annual budget estimates and other fiscal and statistical reports.
33. Processes, composes and maintains confidential correspondence, reports and documents, establishes and maintains files, logs and statistics required within the department.
34. Provides support and assistance to the Director of Human Resources with contract negotiations, participating in labor management meetings and researching issues, serves as needed on impartial panels at employee grievance hearings to determine disposition of grievances.
35. Acts as liaison with County departments and personnel at all levels. Interacts with internal and external government departments, outside bureaus, agencies, courts and general public on a daily basis.
36. Handles benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick, equitable, courteous resolution; maintains contact in person, and by phone or mail, with hospitals, physicians, insurance companies, employees and beneficiaries to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees.
37. Manages the Sick Leave Bank program, ensuring accurate maintenance of the sick leave bank balances and uses.
38. Interacts regularly with payroll and risk management in administration of various leave policies to include FMLA, ADA, LWOP, and benefit related payroll deductions.
39. Oversees the FMLA and ADA process required by law; developing and implementing modified assignments for injured/ill employees able to return to limited work.
40. Processes workers’ compensation claims and monitors program and status of claims.
41. Conducts exit interviews for retirees.
OTHER DUTIES OF JOB
1. Assists other department employees, as necessary.
2. Arrange/attends meetings, training, seminars, hearings and orientation as required.
3. Performs other job-related duties, as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives occasional instruction from Director of Human Resources in regard to daily work duties.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
Supervises the Human Resources Benefit Specialist and performs as point of contact in the Human Resources Department in the absence of the Human Resources Director.
WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Works indoors in adequate work space with adequate temperatures, ventilation and lighting.
2. Works with average indoor exposures to noise and stress, but subject to frequent disruptions; normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
3. Occasionally works flexible hours to meet needs of the job.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIRMENTS
1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
2. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the work day, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties.
3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties.
4. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of fifty pounds.
5. Must demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
7. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/TRAINING
A. Bachelor’s degree in a business, human resources, social sciences or related field.
B. WORK EXPERIENCE
Five (5) to seven (7) years working experience in Human Resources, for a County government preferred, or any combination of acceptable training/experience. PHR and or SHRM Certification preferred. One (1) to three (3) years of supervisor experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential functions of job.
2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Must possess ability to work and communicate effectively as a team player.
4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with clients, coworkers and others.
5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client and department information and records.
6. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers and other office equipment.
7. Must possess knowledge of Federal, State and County laws, policies and procedures regarding insurance, workers compensation, COBRA and other HR related benefits.
8. Must possess ability to interpret and advise employees regarding current benefit information.
9. Must possess accurate computer and typing skills and the ability to maintain accurate and updated information, files and computer records.
10. Must possess basic math skills and the ability to make calculations and prepare premiums, reports and other documents as necessary.
11. Must possess some knowledge of principles/practices and regulations regarding workers’ compensation laws and applications to County employees, and the ability to apply same to duties of job.
12. Must possess ability to process and monitor workers’ compensation claims and to effectively interact with physicians, employees and others in regard to returning employee safely to work.
13. Must possess ability to offer employees encouragement and support throughout their disability period and in returning them to gainful employment.
14. Must possess some knowledge of the County payroll system, and a willingness to interact and assist the payroll department with related employee salary and benefit data.
15. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
16. Must be able and willing to travel as needed.
Contact Details
We offer an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision, prescription, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and a retirement plan!
To apply for this position, please complete our online application. Franklin County is an equal opportunity employer.
If you need assistance completing the online application, please contact Human Resources at 717-261-3150.
Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide advancement opportunities to everyone. Our employment practices are not influenced or affected by race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, or any other categories protected by law.
