Employee Benefits Specialist

At the City of Missoula, our employees serve the community every dayand our Benefits Specialist plays a vital role in supporting them. This position serves as a trusted resource for employees navigating benefits and leave programs, providing expert guidance, thoughtful problem-solving, and compassionate support during important life events. If you enjoy helping people understand their benefits, ensuring programs are in compliance, run smoothly, and contribute to a workplace where employees feel supported and valued, we invite you to bring your expertise to our HR team. Learn more about the HR Team HERE.

This position qualifies for a hybrid schedule after initial training period, allowing regular work from home up to 2 days per week. Our team values work life balance which allows flexible schedules M-F.

Priority screening of applications will begin on Monday, April 20 th . It is in your best interest to apply before this date.

To Apply: Complete the NeoGov application and supplemental questions.

Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application.

• Manage employee benefit programs, including self-insured health/dental/vision and all supplemental benefits through eligibility determination, benefit enrollment, qualifying life status changes, beneficiary updates, and processing of life insurance claims.
• Manage and ensure the accuracy of all entries of benefit enrollment and deductions in the Human Resource Information System (HRIS).
• Ensure compliance with several federal regulations related to health benefits and leave, including the issuance of mandatory compliance notices in a timely manner and monitoring enrollment for compliance with regulations, plan documents, and policies.
• Exercise independent judgment in interpreting benefit policies and regulations, identify compliance risks, and recommend corrective action when needed.
• Provide timely and empathetic guidance and support to employees and managers, answering questions related to benefits, leave processes, and benefit-related policies.
• Provide support with protected and personal leave through leave determination, recordkeeping, compliance, and communication with employees, supervisors, and care providers as needed.
• Manage Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Paid Parental Leave (PPL) requests; ensure prompt and compliant service.
• Manage unemployment claim responses in a timely manner.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program vendors and third-party administrators, resolving issues and ensuring effective service delivery.
• Oversee accuracy of employee benefit files and payroll records while ensuring compliance with retention requirements.
• Implement and manage HR systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery for employees.
• Create and maintain all benefits-related communications on the website, intranet, email, mailings, and fliers.
• Develop and facilitate education sessions for employees related to benefits.
• Perform audits and required state and federal filings, including annual 1095 reports.
• Process the monthly reconciliation of benefit invoices to identify and resolve discrepancies to ensure accurate billing, enrollments, and retiree benefit payments.
• Research employee benefit and wellness practices and recommend changes and/or modifications to existing health plan design, policies, and programs.
• Serve as HR staff representative to the Employee Benefits Committee; prepare and present benefits updates and recommendations.
• Manage the Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (VEBA) program for multiple departments and groups, providing clear and timely employee communications regarding VEBA benefits; deliver employee training and information sessions; administer annual VEBA voting processes with attention to election integrity and confidentiality; route documents for approval and signature; and ensure ongoing compliance with State regulations and City policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.

• Knowledge of human resources administration principles and practices, including benefits and leave administration, personnel management, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws such as FMLA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, Wage and Hour, etc.
• Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365 with the ability to learn job specific applications and equipment.
• Skill in organization, and time management with the proven ability to have keen attention to detail and accuracy in performing work with adherence to strict deadlines.

• Skill in creating educational materials, publications, and written reports.

• Skill in public speaking, with the ability to present information to a variety of diverse groups and individuals, while facilitating positive outcomes and maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Skill in multitasking in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects while prioritizing tasks with shifting priorities and timeline demands.
• Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to research, analyze, and provide solutions and recommendations to various situations.
• Proven ability to participate in a team-oriented environment, contributing as lead and/or collaborator to implement practices in an inclusive, high-performance organization.
• Ability to maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain and foster a culture of professionalism, adhere to departmental and City standards and specifications, and support a positive team environment.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply City and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to eight (8) years experience in human resources, benefit administration experience, or another relevant field.
• Benefits or HR related certification, preferred.