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The Harford County Public Library offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Starting wage, depending on candidate qualifications, is between $54,795 and $81,024. This position is eligible for the following benefits: deferred compensation 457(b) retirement plan, pension plan, medical, dental and vision plans, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits, paid time off and more.

Position Summary: 

The Benefits Specialist manages and oversees the day-to-day administration of the library’s benefits program, complying with federal, state and local laws. Maintains all benefit records; researches and resolves benefit related problems; creates and updates benefit reports. Works closely with staff from the Payroll and Finance Departments, as well as outside vendors and county government personnel. The incumbent will manage the benefits program by being the initial point of contact for all employees and retirees.

Essential Duties:

1. Works closely with the HR team and payroll department to design efficient benefit processes and maintain accurate procedures.
2. Assesses the viability of current vendors and support potential RFPs to consider new vendors.
3. Oversee the library’s benefits budget, including budget projections; create spreadsheets to update and reconcile benefits budgets.
4. Serves as the primary Retirement Coordinator assisting staff with all facets of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.
5. Acts as main contact for all benefits-related questions/needs for employees researching and resolving benefit issues.
6. Processes benefits and personnel action enrollments for new hires, terminations, retirements, disability/workers compensation leave requests, and other requests.
7. Ensures that employee information is accurately processed in all vendor systems and maintains benefits personnel files.
8. Updates HRIS system as needed to ensure staff enrollments and changes in all benefit plans (medical, dental, Life, AD&D, STD, LTD, FSA,      Dependent Care, pension and any other benefits) are accurate.
9. Generate reports from HRIS system and vendor databases as necessary.
10. Manages Leave Administration: Family Medical Leave (FMLA), Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD).
11. Manages the Workers’ Compensation program; including contact with injured workers, claims representative; work safety program and representing HCPL in court hearings involving workers’ compensation claims, if required.
12. Processes invoices from benefits vendors, reconcile and audit monthly insurance invoices and deduction reports, and resolve billing, cancellations or change to coverages.
13. Manages and plans Open Enrollment meetings with insurance and broker representatives.
14. Works closely with Payroll to ensure payroll deductions pertaining to benefits are accurate.
15. Maintains retiree benefit program, informs retirees of any benefit changes, report retiree’s benefit information to Maryland State Retirement and Pension Agency.
16. Performs benefit plan cost analysis monitoring and analyzing utilization of all benefit plans to identify trends, opportunities for cost control/avoidance and education.
17. Provides recommendations for enhancements/changes to existing programs that are consistent with benefit objectives and strategies.
18. Drives continual improvement of the delivery of services to employees, ensuring high levels of customer service and responsiveness.
19. Prepares monthly reports, meeting agendas, and monthly schedules as required.
20. Promote awareness and participation in wellness programs through effective communication and engagement strategies.
21. Communicates benefits information to all employees and edit/update annual benefit guides.
22. Creates and leads benefit information presentations, including new employee onboarding sessions.
23. Assists with ensuring compliance with required federal, state and local requirements.

Standard Functions:

1. Serves on committees and participates in workshops, seminars, and training as requested.
2. Notifies Supervisor with suggested ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel and procedures and system-wide goals and  objectives.
3. Learns new skills and technologies to retain proficiency in areas of expertise.
4. Is dependable and punctual.
5. Maintains a positive, friendly, and cooperative attitude and provides consistent customer service.
6. Upholds all library policies and procedures as defined in Harford County Public Library’s Policies and Procedures Manual.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Four years or more professional experience in benefits administration.
3. SHRM, HRCI, CEBS and/or World at Work certification, strongly preferred.
4. Ability to provide documentation of a valid Driver’s License with no more than three (3) points.
5. Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable criminal background report.
6. Ability to work day, evening, and weekends hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of benefits programs, practices and principles
2. Knowledge of benefits and employment laws and ability to communicate with staff.
3. Advanced proficiency in the use of Excel, including the ability to create and interpret formulas.
4. Strong analytical and data analysis skills.
5. Effective written and oral communication skills.
6. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters.
7. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
8. Ability to prioritize, multitask and work independently.
9. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other professionals including vendor and consortium representatives.
10. Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines; Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Teams).
11. Ability to be adaptable, flexible and patient with staff.

Work Environment:

1. Work requires occasional physical effort in handling of light materials, up to 30 pounds, in non-strenuous work environment. For example, set up and take down of tables, chairs or other equipment for meetings or events, pushing/pulling of library carts.
2. Environment includes moderate noises (i.e. an office with conversations, photocopiers, and/or computer printers);
3. Requires sitting and use of computer and keyboard for extended periods of time.
4. Observes safe work place practices with uncluttered workspace, including office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, proper lifting techniques and following fire regulations.
5. Ability to travel to branch/outside locations is required.

Reporting Relationship:

This position reports to the Human Resources Senior Director. Does not supervise staff.

Work Week: 

The primary work schedule consists of weekday shifts but may occasionally require evening and weekend hours.

In addition to the specific duties and responsibilities of this job, it is the responsibility of every employee to comply with the Harford County Public Library’s Values statement, customer service guidelines, and all other policies detailed in the Policies and Procedures Manual.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The library administration reserves the right to change, modify, delete, and supplement job duties based on the organization’s needs.

This and all library positions are eligible for system-wide transfer. 

Harford County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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