Listing Summary

The City of Covington is currently accepting applications for a Human Resources Benefits Specialist in the Human Resources Department with a starting hourly rate of $26.47 depending upon qualifications. Qualified applicants MUST download an application packet at cityofcovington.org or may apply in person at Covington City Hall, 2194 Emory Street, Covington, Georgia 30014. This position will remain open until 4:00 PM on Tuesday March 25, 2025. The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOB SUMMARY
An employee in this class performs routine and complex administrative, technical work in administering various components of the personnel system of the City of Covington, including, but not limited to, administration of benefits, to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability. An employee in this class is required to have a thorough knowledge of city-wide departmental operations, Human Resources policies and procedures. 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

    Human Resource Benefits Specialist I (GD 17)
•    Entry level

    Human Resource Benefits Specialist II (GD 18)
•    Minimum of 3 years’ experience in government Human Resources
•    Certified Human Resources Manager Certificate (GLGPA)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Serves as the subject matter expert for management and first point of contact for the City’s employees regarding all employee benefits issues, concerns, and questions
•    Ensures the accuracy of all benefits enrollments in the HRIS to provide vendors with accurate eligibility information.
•    Enrolls employees with carriers, updates HRIS and process life status changes, ensuring payroll and our broker is notified 
•    Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes.
•    Act as liaison between employees and insurance vendors/brokers.
•    Process long-term disability and Life Insurance Claims.
•    Initiate new HSA Accounts. 
•    Prepare and distribute all benefits enrollment materials for employees and retirees.
•    Audits monthly bills from brokers against eligibility reports for new hires, changes and terminations and process any corrections and notify payroll.
•    Organize and promote wellness events, open enrollment, lunch and learns and annual health fair 
•    Administers the tuition reimbursement program.
•    Responds to benefits inquiries from managers and employees on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes and other general inquiries.
•    Provides routine clerical support such as call taking; meeting and greeting applicants, employees and the public; as required.
•    Composes, types, and edits a variety of correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other material requiring independent judgment as to content, accuracy and completeness
•    Respond to open records request.
•    Coordinate, plan and execute special events for employees such as Employee Appreciation Day, annual Christmas party, retirement reception/Dinner etc.
•    Perform other related duties as directed and or required
•    Undertakes various projects as assigned by the HR Director or Manager.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:

(A)    Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university with an Associate’s Degree in business management, accounting, human resources or of a closely related field; and 
(B)    Four (4) years of experience in a human resource capacity, with at least two (2) years in benefits administration 
(C)    Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
•    Considerable knowledge of human resource and personnel administration functions and Benefit plans administration.
•    Considerable knowledge of event planning
•    Thorough knowledge of business English, spelling and composition
•    Ability to prepare written documents, including policies, procedures and directive memorandums with clarity and specificity.
•    Skill in the use of MS Office software; including Word, Excel, Power Point
•    Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion
•    Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, employees, and the general public
•    Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information
•    Ability to understand and follow instructions.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Requires frequent use of personnel computers, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, other payroll and spreadsheet programs; calculator, telephone, copy machine, postage machine and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

 The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.