Benefits Advocate

Under close supervision, performs benefits and wellness support work of moderate difficulty for a large County Department or the County overall; this position has countywide responsibility.

(Illustrative Only) Assists the Benefits Division in various benefit activities (seminars, training, lunch-n-learns, health fairs, open enrollment, etc); answers and assists employees, dependents, and providers with questions, completion of benefit forms and resolves issues regarding the requirements and provisions of the benefit programs; may assist with the preparation of procurement payments; assists with the preparation and distribution of drafts correspondence to employees, dependents, and providers; assists with recording and typing minutes, and distribution of YCEBT materials; prepares, maintains and ensures employee files for accuracy, compliance and confidentiality. i.e. HIPAA and COBRA; prepares and distributes orientation materials and Yuma County Employee Benefit Trust communication binders; assists with open enrollment meetings, new hire orientation and assists with the education on the benefit plans; provides assistance with the scheduling of health and benefit fairs, lunch & learns and wellness activities; responds to routine and non-routine questions and concerns from employees, managers and benefit providers; researches problems and resolves issues; prepares reports or extracts from the computer or database; maintains high standards of confidentiality regarding employee benefits and employee information; verifies benefits data entered into the computer system to ensure accuracy; embraces the County’s Core Values by ensuring, promoting and maintaining a productive work environment; effective communications programs and participative decision making; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service; assists with the maintenance of the employee benefits software program to include tracking of benefits changes, address changes and qualifying life events; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned.

High School Diploma or GED equivalent; And two (2) years of general secretarial experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license; required successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications: Associates degree in human resources, business or public administration.

Knowledge of: County policies and procedures; general office practices and procedures; business English, spelling, and arithmetic; computer software and HR Information systems; federal and state laws, rules, regulations including those pertaining to employee benefits and wellness administration (i.e. HIPAA, ACA, FMLA and COBRA) claims processing and payment functions.

Skill in: using computer software, computers, and other office machines; maintaining records and preparing reports; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; following written and verbal instructions; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; planning and organizing work effectively and efficiently; researching information regarding employees and employment material; maintaining confidentiality of personnel material; using discretion for imparting information.

Ability to: read, to write and synthesize data and reports; use modern office equipment and computers; establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers; communicate effectively verbally and written; plan, prioritizes, manages and responds to multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment; lift up to 5 – 25 lbs; perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity; generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing; working at a computer monitor for extended periods required; the job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.