Benefits Administration Specialist

Description Human Resources is seeking a Benefits Administration Specialist to support technical coordination of benefits programs and vendor payments to ensure accurate and efficient delivery of Total Rewards to our employee population. This position will primarily work with direct entry of benefit transaction information into the PeopleSoft system.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit the employee referral program page.

Location and hours:

This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at 625 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415, and remote as job duties require. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About the position type:

This position is a full-time, benefit earning position. This position is internally classified as a Human Resources Representative, Associate. Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:

• Support program managers in administration of Total Rewards programs such as COBRA, Affordable Care Act (ACA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life/Disability, Leaves of Absence (LOA)/FMLA, etc.
• Audit eligibility rules for all benefits and life events to make sure they are compliant with IRS rules.
• Enter and review benefit enrollment information transaction and life event changes into the PeopleSoft system based on a bi-weekly payroll calendar; trouble shoot problems; manage work flow to ensure all benefit transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Perform reconciliation of monthly eligibility reports and payroll reports; resolve discrepancies with vendor; perform vendor administrative billing payment transactions for Total Rewards and benefits areas.
• Respond to a variety of benefit questions from employees and vendors and serve as the point of contact for escalated issues with employee enrollments.
• Provide first contact service for new employees regarding the county's benefits and inform employees of the value of these benefits as part of their total rewards.
• Provide administrative support to the Total Rewards operations team.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
• Two years of experience in a human resources environment.
• Two years of college, including at least 12 credits in a related field.
• Certificate in human resources from an approved college or university.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
• Working with Total Rewards programs including health, dental and vision insurance, PERA, and deferred compensation.
• Working with benefits administration and PeopleSoft (or a similar HRIS system).
• Entering benefit transactions into a computerized system (i.e., BAS Activity, benefits-related general deductions, new hires, transfers, family status changes, functions associated with final check requests, and miscellaneous events).
• With presentations.
• Ability to:
• Applying strong critical-thinking and analytical competencies.
• Handle multiple complex and simultaneous tasks while recognizing priorities and meeting deadlines; strong attention to detail and good organizational skills.
• Maintain, update, and protect confidential information.
• Use computer applications including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Teams or comparable programs at.
• Troubleshoot and problem solve technical issues.

This position is performed primarily in a standard office setting with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Spending extended periods sitting at a desk using a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Standing, walking, or moving between meeting rooms and shared office areas.
• Lifting or carrying office materials, typically up to 10–20 pounds.
• Repetitive motions associated with typing, writing, and operating office equipment.
• Navigating typical office conditions, including shared spaces, moderate noise levels, and regular foot traffic.
• Using standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, printers, copiers, and monitors.

About the department:

In Human Resources, we make it our mission to provide an employee experience that attracts and retains the best talent to serve our residents. HR programs and services are instrumental in realizing the county’s stated organizational value: “Continuous development and engagement of our workforce to reflect innovation, creativity, and diversity in planning for the future.”

About Hennepin County:

Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive.

Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest). Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a criminal background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Toufue VueToufue.Vue@hennepincounty.gov

Benefits

Why work here?

Hennepin County embraces the Total Rewards philosophy. We want our employees to succeed – not only at work but as they move through life and its milestones. We offer advantages and opportunities others can't – including:

• Meaningful work
• Public service
• Competitive pay
• Work-life balance
• Generous benefits
• Opportunities to grow
• Commitment to your success

By working in public service, we are a part of something larger than ourselves. Together, we support those in need. We help people access information and services. We empower vibrant and diverse communities. We serve residents.

Employee Benefits Summary

Visit our benefits page to learn more: bridge.hennepin.us/eligibility.

If you are a current Hennepin County employee please be aware that any change in job classification may affect your current benefits (such as a conversion from Vacation/Sick Leave to Paid Time Off and/or enrollment in a Health Care Saving Plan.) Information about the impact of job changes on benefits can be found here.