Human Resources Business Partner/Benefits Specialist 2026-019
City of Chicopee, Chicopee, MA, United States
Human Resources Business Partner/Benefits Specialist 2026-019
City of Chicopee
Position:
Human Resources Business Partner/Benefits Specialist
Department:
Human Resources
Employment Status:
Non-Union; Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Schedule:
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM
SUMMARY The City of Chicopee’s Human Resources Department is hiring an HR Business Partner/Benefits Specialist to support the administration, coordination, and day‑to‑day management of employee and retiree benefits for City and School employees. This position serves as a supporting point of contact for benefits‑related inquiries and helps ensure accurate enrollment, billing, compliance, and reporting across all benefit programs. The scope of HRBP responsibilities includes supporting leadership on assigned, benefits‑focused initiatives, including reporting, process improvements, compliance activities, and general training and development efforts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE Enrollment, Billing, and Reconciliation
Support with annual open enrollment processes for employees and retirees.
Review, process, and reconcile monthly benefit billing statements and payroll deductions.
Balance and audit insurance accounts and retirement‑related deductions, including coordination with applicable retirement systems.
Prepare benefits‑related financial and reconciliation reports for Auditing, Treasury, and HR leadership.
Benefits Administration
Assist in administering employee and retiree benefit programs, including health, dental, life, and related benefits.
Serve as a secondary resource for employees, retirees, and dependents regarding benefits eligibility, coverage options, and plan provisions.
Assist employees and retirees with benefit enrollment, changes, cancellations, and terminations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Assist in resolving benefit‑related issues with insurance carriers, third‑party administrators, and vendors.
Training & Development
Manages and maintains HR policies and procedures, ensuring consistent interpretation and application; recommends updates to the CHRO as needed and provides guidance to employees on policy interpretation.
Reviews, develops, and enhances training programs to improve engagement, learning outcomes, and retention, and to meet evolving organizational and regulatory needs.
Conducts and facilitates required and recommended training sessions, ensuring training materials remain current, accurate, and effective.
Coordinates with vendors and third‑party training providers to arrange employee registration and participation in external training programs.
Advises department heads and stakeholders on personnel‑related matters, including but not limited to FMLA, sexual harassment, workplace conduct, and performance management, and supports related employee education efforts.
Collaborates with internal stakeholders to develop training tailored to departmental, operational, and functional needs, including roles within the Human Resources Department.
Monitors and analyzes legislation, arbitration decisions, collective bargaining agreements, and civil service requirements to identify municipal trends and support compliance and risk mitigation.
Maintains working knowledge of all applicable collective bargaining agreements and applies that knowledge to training, guidance, and policy support as needed.
HR Systems & Records
Enter and maintain benefits data within HRIS/ERP systems and related databases.
Maintain electronic and hard‑copy benefit records, files, and documentation.
Assist with benefits‑related reporting and data requests as needed.
Wellness & Retiree Support
Assist with City‑wide wellness initiatives related to employee benefits.
Provide benefits counseling and support to employees transitioning to retirement, including Medicare coordination.
Monitor benefits usage trends and assist HR leadership with benefits‑related analysis and reporting.
Other Duties
Perform other benefits‑related or cross‑functional duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope of this position.
(See attached for full job description)
QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field, with experience in benefits administration or related human resources functions; or
Associate's degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field with a minimum of four (4) years of experience in benefits administration or closely related human resources functions.
Preferred
Municipal or public‑sector experience.
Experience with HRIS/ERP systems (e.g., MUNIS).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of public‑sector benefits administration and applicable federal and state laws.
Understanding of insurance plans, enrollment cycles, billing, payroll deductions, and retiree benefits.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, retirees, vendors, and City departments.
Proficiency with standard office software and HRIS/ERP systems.
BENEFITS The City of Chicopee provides its employees (contingent upon employment status) with a robust benefits package which includes the following:
Recurring Sick Time
Vacation
Thirteen Holidays Per Year
Retirement Plan, and more…
HOW TO APPLY If this opportunity aligns with your skills, experience, and employment goals, apply today through one of the following:
Select: “Download Application” under “Tools”
The City of Chicopee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position:
Human Resources Business Partner/Benefits Specialist
Department:
Human Resources
Employment Status:
Non-Union; Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Schedule:
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM
SUMMARY The City of Chicopee’s Human Resources Department is hiring an HR Business Partner/Benefits Specialist to support the administration, coordination, and day‑to‑day management of employee and retiree benefits for City and School employees. This position serves as a supporting point of contact for benefits‑related inquiries and helps ensure accurate enrollment, billing, compliance, and reporting across all benefit programs. The scope of HRBP responsibilities includes supporting leadership on assigned, benefits‑focused initiatives, including reporting, process improvements, compliance activities, and general training and development efforts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE Enrollment, Billing, and Reconciliation
Support with annual open enrollment processes for employees and retirees.
Review, process, and reconcile monthly benefit billing statements and payroll deductions.
Balance and audit insurance accounts and retirement‑related deductions, including coordination with applicable retirement systems.
Prepare benefits‑related financial and reconciliation reports for Auditing, Treasury, and HR leadership.
Benefits Administration
Assist in administering employee and retiree benefit programs, including health, dental, life, and related benefits.
Serve as a secondary resource for employees, retirees, and dependents regarding benefits eligibility, coverage options, and plan provisions.
Assist employees and retirees with benefit enrollment, changes, cancellations, and terminations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Assist in resolving benefit‑related issues with insurance carriers, third‑party administrators, and vendors.
Training & Development
Manages and maintains HR policies and procedures, ensuring consistent interpretation and application; recommends updates to the CHRO as needed and provides guidance to employees on policy interpretation.
Reviews, develops, and enhances training programs to improve engagement, learning outcomes, and retention, and to meet evolving organizational and regulatory needs.
Conducts and facilitates required and recommended training sessions, ensuring training materials remain current, accurate, and effective.
Coordinates with vendors and third‑party training providers to arrange employee registration and participation in external training programs.
Advises department heads and stakeholders on personnel‑related matters, including but not limited to FMLA, sexual harassment, workplace conduct, and performance management, and supports related employee education efforts.
Collaborates with internal stakeholders to develop training tailored to departmental, operational, and functional needs, including roles within the Human Resources Department.
Monitors and analyzes legislation, arbitration decisions, collective bargaining agreements, and civil service requirements to identify municipal trends and support compliance and risk mitigation.
Maintains working knowledge of all applicable collective bargaining agreements and applies that knowledge to training, guidance, and policy support as needed.
HR Systems & Records
Enter and maintain benefits data within HRIS/ERP systems and related databases.
Maintain electronic and hard‑copy benefit records, files, and documentation.
Assist with benefits‑related reporting and data requests as needed.
Wellness & Retiree Support
Assist with City‑wide wellness initiatives related to employee benefits.
Provide benefits counseling and support to employees transitioning to retirement, including Medicare coordination.
Monitor benefits usage trends and assist HR leadership with benefits‑related analysis and reporting.
Other Duties
Perform other benefits‑related or cross‑functional duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope of this position.
(See attached for full job description)
QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field, with experience in benefits administration or related human resources functions; or
Associate's degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field with a minimum of four (4) years of experience in benefits administration or closely related human resources functions.
Preferred
Municipal or public‑sector experience.
Experience with HRIS/ERP systems (e.g., MUNIS).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of public‑sector benefits administration and applicable federal and state laws.
Understanding of insurance plans, enrollment cycles, billing, payroll deductions, and retiree benefits.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, retirees, vendors, and City departments.
Proficiency with standard office software and HRIS/ERP systems.
BENEFITS The City of Chicopee provides its employees (contingent upon employment status) with a robust benefits package which includes the following:
Recurring Sick Time
Vacation
Thirteen Holidays Per Year
Retirement Plan, and more…
HOW TO APPLY If this opportunity aligns with your skills, experience, and employment goals, apply today through one of the following:
Select: “Download Application” under “Tools”
The City of Chicopee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr