Benefits Specialist
Xxx, Fort Myers, FL, United States
Job Overview
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Benefits Specialist to support the administration of employee benefits programs across the organization. The role ensures County employees receive timely, accurate, and supportive assistance with their benefits—including enrollments, qualifying events, retirement options, and carrier communications—while maintaining compliance with State and Federal regulations.
Responsibilities
Assist employees and retirees via phone, email, in-person, or virtual platforms with questions regarding benefits, enrollment processes, claim forms, and eligibility requirements.
Support enrollments and changes, including new hires, qualifying events, and Florida Retirement System (FRS) applications and plan elections.
Coordinate dependent eligibility verification processes.
Perform accurate benefits-related data entry and maintain supporting documentation.
Review and validate benefit elections and determine required payroll or reporting actions; ensure timely follow-up when additional information is needed.
Communicate with benefit carriers to resolve enrollment, eligibility, and reporting issues.
Assist with Benefits Briefings, Updates, and Annual Open Enrollment activities.
Conduct research, complete surveys, and prepare reports to support improvements in benefits practices and procedures.
Participate in reviewing and updating standard operating procedures related to benefits.
Support benefits plan setup, maintenance, testing, and updates within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
Maintain accurate records, forms, and documentation in accordance with County ordinances and applicable State and Federal regulations.
Participate in professional development activities such as training, seminars, and conferences to stay current on benefits regulations and best practices.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications Minimum Requirements
Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Insurance Management, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of closely related professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
Benefits administration, including enrollment processing or eligibility management.
Payroll administration involving benefit deductions or reconciliations.
Retirement plan administration (e.g., FRS or similar systems).
Leave administration, including FMLA, ADA, or workers’ compensation coordination.
HRIS benefits setup, testing, maintenance, or reporting.
Healthcare or insurance eligibility, claims processing, or enrollment operations.
Administration of self-funded health, dental, or pharmacy plans.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
One (1) year of experience administering employee benefit programs, including IRS Section 125 cafeteria or wellness programs.
Experience with self-funded benefit plans.
Professional certifications such as CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP.
Benefits Package (Summary) The County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, flexible spending accounts, health and disability insurance, and Florida Retirement System (FRS) options. Employees also receive paid sick, vacation, and holiday leave, along with additional leave and family benefit programs.
EEO Statement
Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high-quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Lee County's benefits package is offered to both regular Full‑time positions and Part‑time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi‑weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On‑Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre‑employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.
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Responsibilities
Assist employees and retirees via phone, email, in-person, or virtual platforms with questions regarding benefits, enrollment processes, claim forms, and eligibility requirements.
Support enrollments and changes, including new hires, qualifying events, and Florida Retirement System (FRS) applications and plan elections.
Coordinate dependent eligibility verification processes.
Perform accurate benefits-related data entry and maintain supporting documentation.
Review and validate benefit elections and determine required payroll or reporting actions; ensure timely follow-up when additional information is needed.
Communicate with benefit carriers to resolve enrollment, eligibility, and reporting issues.
Assist with Benefits Briefings, Updates, and Annual Open Enrollment activities.
Conduct research, complete surveys, and prepare reports to support improvements in benefits practices and procedures.
Participate in reviewing and updating standard operating procedures related to benefits.
Support benefits plan setup, maintenance, testing, and updates within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
Maintain accurate records, forms, and documentation in accordance with County ordinances and applicable State and Federal regulations.
Participate in professional development activities such as training, seminars, and conferences to stay current on benefits regulations and best practices.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications Minimum Requirements
Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Insurance Management, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of closely related professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
Benefits administration, including enrollment processing or eligibility management.
Payroll administration involving benefit deductions or reconciliations.
Retirement plan administration (e.g., FRS or similar systems).
Leave administration, including FMLA, ADA, or workers’ compensation coordination.
HRIS benefits setup, testing, maintenance, or reporting.
Healthcare or insurance eligibility, claims processing, or enrollment operations.
Administration of self-funded health, dental, or pharmacy plans.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
One (1) year of experience administering employee benefit programs, including IRS Section 125 cafeteria or wellness programs.
Experience with self-funded benefit plans.
Professional certifications such as CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP.
Benefits Package (Summary) The County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, flexible spending accounts, health and disability insurance, and Florida Retirement System (FRS) options. Employees also receive paid sick, vacation, and holiday leave, along with additional leave and family benefit programs.
EEO Statement
Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high-quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Lee County's benefits package is offered to both regular Full‑time positions and Part‑time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi‑weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On‑Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre‑employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr