HR Benefits Specialist

Status: Full Time, Non-ExemptStarting Wage Range: $28.97/hr. - $31.90/hr. Position Open Until Filled - Application Review Date: June 11, 2025Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume with application *Alternative work schedule opportunities* Do you excel at Excel? Are you a proactive problem solver with a passion for helping employees navigate benefits? We're seeking a Benefits Specialist with strong analytical abilities, and a talent for identifying root causes. In this role, you'll take initiative to streamline processes, resolve employee benefit issues, and provide data analysis. Your ability to work independently while collaborating across teams will make a direct impact on employees! Join a team that values teamwork, integrity, and forward-thinking!

Dodge County offers a generous benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) - available for use after 30 days of employment
• 10 observed paid holidays
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) - with employer contributions - HRA
• Life insurance, Long-term disability, short-term disability and Flex spending
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) - an exceptional pension plan with employer match (upon vesting) and lifetime retirement payment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides leadership in attracting, retaining, and developing an engaged workforce in the delivery of superior services to County residents and families.
2. Serves as the first point of contact for current and past employees, supervisors, department heads, and benefit vendors for all fringe benefits matters.
3. Assists new and existing employees with enrolling and managing their benefits, provides benefit orientation, and manages employee benefit files.
4. Provides assistance on benefit-related policies, procedures, legislation, and plan documents.
5. Processes status changes and open enrollment benefit plan transfers. Ensures timely submission of all insurance and benefit documents for enrollments, changes, and terminations.
6. Provides vendors appropriate documentation for life, pension, and disability benefits claims.
7. Assists in preparing materials and presenting benefit plan changes to employees.
8. Updates and maintains HRIS database with benefit and related payroll changes.
9. Compiles necessary periodic Wisconsin Retirement Fund and other fringe benefit reports.
10. Ensures the County's compliance with all Affordable Care Act requirements and reporting.
11. Complies, reconciles, and ensures timely submission of all monthly insurance billings.
12. Responds to inquiries from Wisconsin Retirement Fund, Social Security, insurance representatives, unemployment office, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance agencies and assists with unemployment claims.
13. Responds to all insurance and benefits coverage and prepares related correspondence.
14. Coordinates benefit administrator presentations, meetings, and health fairs.
15. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and policies/procedures concerning employee benefit programs, Worker's Compensation, Wisconsin retirement, Unemployment Insurance, ACA and COBRA.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of public personnel administration and human resources management.
• Knowledge of Human Resources techniques utilized in employee relations, discipline, recruitment, job classification, job analysis, record-keeping, labor relations, and training.
• Knowledge of application and interpretation of Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and legal precedents governing human resources administration, labor relations, and civil rights.
• Knowledge of the County's and Department's operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.
• Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to develop department goals and objectives.
• Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs.
• Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department specific documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications consistent for this position.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
• Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting.

Dodge County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page: Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Bachelors (preferred)
Associates of Human Resource Administration (required)

Previous experience working with HRIS. (preferred)
4 years: Years of human resources or benefits administration experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience which provides necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. (required)