Sumter County is Presently Seeking a Benefits Coordinator for the Human Resources Department
Starting Salary $48,200 annually. Compensation is based on qualifications and experience.
JOB SUMMARY
The Benefits Administrator is responsible for accurate and timely processing, monitoring, documentation, and follow-up associated with employee and retiree benefits and FMLA administration. The position serves as a primary liaison with the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), South Carolina Retirement Systems, insurance carriers, deferred compensation providers, and other benefit-related agencies and organizations.
The Benefits Administrator reports directly to the Human Resources Director.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following duties are representative of the essential functions of the position. Other duties may be assigned as required.
- Administers the County's employee and retiree benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, supplemental insurance, retirement, deferred compensation, COBRA, survivor benefits, and other employer-sponsored benefit programs.
- Serves as the primary liaison and point of contact, as assigned, for the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), South Carolina Retirement Systems, South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, insurance carriers, benefit providers, and other governmental agencies and organizations.
- Administers the County's Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) program by determining eligibility, issuing required notices, monitoring leave usage, maintaining documentation, coordinating return-to-work activities, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Coordinates the interactive process for leave and disability-related matters, in consultation with the Human Resources Director and other appropriate parties.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for employees, retirees, supervisors, department managers, benefit providers, and governmental agencies regarding employee benefits, leave administration, enrollment, eligibility, and related Human Resources matters.
- Processes, audits, and verifies benefit enrollments, eligibility, payroll deductions, premium calculations, beneficiary designations, and related documentation to ensure accuracy and timely resolution of discrepancies.
- Reviews payroll, benefit, eligibility, arrearage, enrollment, and other related reports; identifies discrepancies; initiates corrective action; and coordinates resolution with Payroll, Finance, benefit providers, and other appropriate parties.
- Plans, coordinates, and conducts new employee orientation and provides information regarding County benefits, eligibility requirements, enrollment procedures, leave programs, and other applicable Human Resources programs.
- Plans and coordinates annual open enrollment activities for active employees and retirees, including preparation of communications, educational materials, enrollment information, and required forms.
- Maintains accurate and confidential electronic and paper records, files, correspondence, forms, reports, and documentation related to employee benefits, retiree benefits, FMLA, COBRA, and other assigned Human Resources functions.
- Maintains appropriate tracking systems, calendars, logs, or other tools to monitor pending benefit, leave, enrollment, eligibility, certification, deadline, and employee assistance matters.
- Communicates and coordinates with benefit providers, governmental agencies, insurance carriers, healthcare providers, employees, retirees, Payroll, Finance, department managers, and other appropriate parties to resolve benefit and leave-related issues.
- Interprets and applies applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, procedures, plan documents, benefit materials, and administrative requirements relating to employee benefits and FMLA administration.
- Maintains current professional knowledge of employee benefits, FMLA, applicable laws, County policies, and administrative procedures through continuing education, professional development, consultation with subject matter experts, and approved training activities. Recognizes knowledge gaps and promptly seek appropriate guidance or assistance when necessary.
- Prepares correspondence, reports, notices, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and other documents related to employee benefits, FMLA, and Human Resources operations.
- Conducts research and gathers information necessary to resolve employee benefit and FMLA questions and provides accurate information and appropriate guidance.
- Provides training, information, and assistance to employees, supervisors, department managers, and other staff regarding benefit programs, FMLA procedures, enrollment processes, and related Human Resources matters.
- Maintains strict confidentiality regarding employee, retiree, medical, benefits, leave, payroll, and other sensitive Human Resources information.
- Performs other related duties as required.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional Human Resources experience, including experience in employee benefits, leave administration, FMLA administration, HRIS, or a related area.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Thorough knowledge of employee benefits administration, FMLA, COBRA, retirement programs, applicable federal and state employment laws, and Human Resources policies and procedures.
- Requires the ability to compare, analyze, evaluate, and interpret data, records, reports, forms, benefit information, leave documentation, and other materials to identify discrepancies, determine compliance with established requirements, and make appropriate decisions.
- Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, benefit plans, policies, and procedures while exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to review work for accuracy, identify discrepancies, resolve problems, and ensure timely completion of assignments.
- Demonstrates strong organizational and time-management skills by establishing priorities, monitoring assignments and deadlines, maintaining tracking systems, and ensuring timely completion of work.
- Ability to communicate complex benefits and leave information clearly and professionally to employees, retirees, supervisors, governmental agencies, healthcare providers, and benefit vendors.
- Proficiency using HRIS, payroll systems, benefit administration software, Microsoft Office applications, spreadsheets, databases, and other technology required to perform assigned duties.
- Demonstrates initiative by pursuing continuous professional development, identifying knowledge gaps, applying new information to assigned responsibilities, and seeking guidance from appropriate subject matter experts when necessary.
- Establishes priorities, manages deadlines, monitors pending matters, and adjusts work activities as necessary to meet departmental and County needs.
- Demonstrates personal accountability by accepting responsibility for assigned work, exercising sound judgment, producing accurate and timely results, and following assignments through to successful completion.
- Provides exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries promptly, communicating professionally, treating all individuals with respect, and delivering accurate and timely assistance.
- Identifies opportunities to improve benefit administration processes, internal controls, recordkeeping practices, and customer service while promoting efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be physically able to operate a computer, telephone, printer, copier, scanner, and other standard office equipment. Must be able to sit for extended periods, with the ability to stand and walk periodically throughout the workday.
- Must be able to move throughout the workplace and access different floors of the facility using available means of access, including elevators and stairs. Must occasionally lift, carry, or move office materials and equipment weighing up to ten (10) pounds.
Benefits
Sumter County offers a competitive benefits package for eligible full-time employees. Benefits may include health, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the South Carolina Retirement System, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, life insurance, employee assistance programs, and other County-sponsored benefits.
Benefit eligibility, coverage, and participation are subject to applicable plan provisions, County policies, and eligibility requirements. Sumter County reserves the right to modify, amend, or discontinue benefits in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
Request Assistance
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to access job openings or apply for a position. Please contact Human Resources at (803) 774-2824 or [email protected].
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities may request accommodations at any time during the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Sumter County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
