Department:

Human Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

In this role, you'll be responsible for oversight of efficient benefit program operations. Maintain and ensure accuracy of all benefit programs, operations, wellness initiatives, and vendor products. Ensure all programs and processes are executed effectively and in compliance with all applicable policies and regulatory guidelines. Make recommendations to appropriate parties, both internal and external, to promote continued improvement and efficiencies.

The Benefits Specialist is second level resource for all Benefits staff. Act as a referral source for HR advisors, providing second tier services for non-routine issues that require specialized attention including, but not limited to, claims processing and eligibility problems. Operate as vendor liaison to organize meetings, communications, and issue resolution. Work with the Employee Health & Benefits Team on special events and projects.

Responsible for maintaining confidentiality, especially when handling information containing Personal Health Information (PHI).

Manage benefits operations

Serve as a subject matter expert on all benefits, including operations. Maintain detailed and extensive background of County Benefit programs and process development. Lead Benefits Team on issue resolution for complex and/or escalated situations. Examine day-to-day issues for patterns or changes to vendor service levels and makes recommendations to vendors and senior staff for process improvement. Research and resolve complex service and/or claim issues for plan participants. Act as a liaison for elected official HR representatives for benefit related issues.

Monitor program operations/maintain cafeteria plan database accuracy

Formulate and perform audit/data comparisons for all benefits, comparing data from vendor records, payroll, and the County’s benefit administration system. Prepare analysis for management and payroll. Research and present solutions for identified discrepancies and issues.

Vendor liaison

Act as primary liaison for vendors for meeting facilitation, communications, and issue resolution. Ensure efficient administration and compliance of regulatory/county principles, policies and practices for all vendor programs. Manage oversight of all employee premium payroll deductions and file transfers of benefit eligibility to appropriate vendors. Identify operational deficiencies through verifiable analysis and present solutions for vendor deficiencies to senior staff and vendors.

General

Support New Employee Orientation and education processes. Ongoing maintenance, review and revisions of applicable Standard Operating Procedures. Contribute, and in some instances lead, special events and projects (e.g., open enrollment, new vendor implementation, RFP processes). Preparation of reports. Provide backup to Sr. Benefit Analyst and benefit team members when required.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Insurance or Business Administration or a related field AND three (3) years of professional related experience.

• Applicants that do not possess the degree but are enrolled in a degreed program (in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, or related field) will be considered on a case-by-case basis and if hired will be required to obtain their degree to maintain employment

About Everything Else

Starting Pay: $57,969.60 - $65,520.00 based on your experience

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, you will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! C hoose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!

• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net (https://www.scgov.net/government/human-resources/employee-health-and-benefits) for additional information.

• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.

• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally.

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.

Do you like leaving things better than you found them? We serve the greater good! Our team is here to make Sarasota the premier community to live, work and play!

Sarasota has 37 miles of award-winning beaches, over 80 parks and 100 golf courses, and is known as the cultural capital of Florida with museums of art, theaters, an aquarium, botanical gardens and the annual international film festival. Unsurpassed beauty, rich cultural offering, diverse educational opportunities, wide-ranging recreational possibilities make Sarasota a great place to live and work!

We believe in work-life balance with a generous leave plan.

“US News & World Report: Sarasota is No. 1 in Florida and No. 18 in the country for best place to live.”

We need YOU to help create wonderful experiences for residents and vacationing guests enjoying Sarasota! Apply today!