CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

CLASS SPECIFICATION

Title: Benefits Manager Level: 1723

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Under Supervision, manages and coordinates the administration of the Chicago Park District’s employee and retiree health insurance, dental, vision, flexible spending account plans, basic life insurance and EAP and benefits initiatives. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Manages the administration of scheduled employee benefit enrollment and insurance premium payment operations, including implementation of any new benefit plans and vendors or system changes affecting employee and retiree benefits.
• Provides direction to staff responsible for the processing of employee and retiree benefit transactions setting short and long-term work-plans and priorities.
• Prepares and ensures distribution of all benefits related communications for employees and retirees.
• Participates in the selection and negotiation with insurance brokers/consultants and related vendors serving as the Chicago Park District liaison to hired agencies and parties to resolve issues and to ensure their compliance with contract terms and service agreements.
• Ensures disputed benefit enrollment and claims are reviewed and assessed for validity and participates in recommending resolutions for claimant disputes.
• Keeps abreast of current and pending legislation and actions pertaining to benefits; conducts benefits research; responds to benefits issues, and; develops effective solutions and options including costing and implementation proposals.
• Analyzes the flow of employee and retiree benefit information and develops internal procedures, guidance and training for staff to facilitate the timely and accurate update of employee information and benefits records.
• Identifies required changes in business processes to ensure efficient and accurate workflow and the best utilization of system capabilities in order to fit the Park District’s needs
• Ensures compliance with Federal and State laws, including, but not limited to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), etc. and complies with required benefit reporting requirements.
• Identifies changing system needs due to legal or contractual changes affecting benefits.
• Establishes working relationships with sister agencies and other benefit administration organizations to share resources and develop partnerships.
• Develops quality standards and performance measures to ensure that insurance brokers/consultants and vendors adhere to established standards and recommends measures to ensure the operational efficiency of the Park District’s health insurance, dental, vision, programs, flexible spending account plans, basic life insurance and other benefit related program initiatives.
• Assists in the preparation of benefit program budgets, monitors expenditures and prepares management reports on program activities.
• Assists in labor negotiations as requested.
• Oversees the processing of payments to vendors for benefit programs.
• Manages COBRA and retiree payments.

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training, and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or directly related field, plus five (5) years of work experience in Benefits Program Management

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER WORK REQUIREMENTS

Comprehensive knowledge of:

• Program planning and administration
• Employee benefits programs
• Benefits eligibility programs
• Benefits program management and administration
• COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA & other benefit related Federal and State laws
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Moderate knowledge of:

• Management and supervisory methods, practices, and procedures
• Budget preparation and planning

Some knowledge of:

• Applicable computer software packages
• Knowledge of applicable Chicago Park District and department policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and ordinances

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

General work area is indoors, in a smoke-free environment, with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. Performs tasks that involve use of hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, standing, kneeling, climbing, reaching and sitting. May perform lifting tasks up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Senior Executive Service EEO: Professional FLSA: Exempt November 2022