EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COORDINATOR 0425

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for the supervision of the County’s employee benefits unit in the Suffolk County Department of Civil Service/Human Resources. Work involves day-to-day administration of all employee benefits programs for current employees and retirees, and assisting in the development and revision of policies and procedures to assure efficient implementation of any changes to employee health coverage contracts. The incumbent coordinates benefits for participants in various health programs, serves as a liaison with health insurance companies and the New York State Retirement System, and coordinates personal and unit staff responsibilities with those of the Employee Medical Health Plan Administrator. Responsibility is included for updating procedure manuals and informing employees of changes. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Supervision is exercised over a staff assigned to the details of the various programs. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Oversees the maintenance of records for health insurance, the retirement system and other employee benefit programs, and resolves employee and retiree problems in these areas;

Develops and conducts presentations in orientation sessions for new employees in order to familiarize them with the County’s benefit programs, and in seminars for prospective retirees to explain New York State Retirement System options;

Oversees the maintenance of confidential records and assures compliance with privacy regulations;

Initiates and prepares periodic bulletins to employees and administrators regarding changes in the benefit programs;

Counsels employees regarding benefits to which they are entitled and explains options that are available to them;

Participates in claims review and appeal processes;

Provides technical information regarding employee benefit proposals during collective bargaining sessions;

Assists in establishing policy pertaining to employee benefit claims;

Prepares reports for federal, state and local jurisdictions and related agencies.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of administering employee benefit programs; good knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of public personnel administration; good knowledge of financial and budgeting procedures; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to plan and direct the activities of a staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to maintain effective working relationships with administrators and public officials; ability to prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation with a Bachelor's Degree from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State, and four (4) years of supervisory or administrative experience in an administrative unit performing comprehensive employee benefit functions; or,

b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and eight (8) years of experience as described in a); or,

c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of a) and b).

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status in Suffolk County government as an Employee Benefits Supervisor.

R 9/13/2021

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive