Human Resources Manager – Benefits

Albemarle County Government

Department of Human Resources

Full-Time, 12 months

Exempt, Pay Grade 20

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

The County of Albemarle is creating a new Human Resources Department!

Through a restructuring initiative, the County of Albemarle has an exciting opportunity to build and implement a new Human Resources Department for the sole function of supporting Albemarle County Local Government.

You are invited to join this unique time as we form the new department. We will be filling positions focused on recruitment, policy, performance management, employee relations, and more! Now is your chance to make an impact in the organization, local community, and those we serve.

We invite you to join us!

Join the Albemarle County Team:

Albemarle County is one of the most desirable locations in Virginia and the nation, with an excellent school system, low taxes, low crime and unemployment rates, a skilled and educated workforce, and a wealth of cultural, historical, and recreational amenities in a beautiful setting. 

It’s our mission to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds. 

We deliver this in a diverse locality, with rural, suburban and urban characteristics. The Albemarle County Core Values are the foundation for all we do.

• Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment. 
• Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change. Learn about this from the People of Albemarle. Have you heard about our partnership for an autonomous shuttle in Crozet?
• Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human and financial resources respectfully and responsibly. 
• Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth. We support our team through internal and external training opportunity. Check out our free in-house training opportunities.
• Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission. See how we’re living out this value in the Office of Equity and Inclusion 2020 Annual Report.   

We take care of our team, offering employees BE WELL Albemarle support to provide opportunities to understand and follow an active lifestyle that promotes a culture of good health and wellness.

We take care of the environment, with a department dedicated to programs supporting Pollution Prevention (P2), Energy Conservation and other environmental initiatives.

The HR Manager – Benefits

The Albemarle County Department of Human Resources is actively recruiting an HR Manager – Benefits to join our team. The successful HR Manager – Benefits will perform difficult and complex professional work involving the development and implementation of benefit-related programs (health and retirement plans, leave, safety wellness, workers’ compensation, etc.) Albemarle County Government employees. Supervises HR benefits staff. Supports the strategic plan and initiatives through the research, design, implementation, management and continuous improvement of Benefit programs.

The Expectations

Essential functions and responsibilities of HR Manager – Benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Analyzes, designs and administers employee benefits programs, such as medical, dental, retirement, life and disability insurance, safety, wellness and workers’ compensation plans;
• Partners with benefit consultants in researching, evaluating, and designing benefit plans and programs;
• Supervises both regular and temporary benefits staff and interns; Trains employees; Evaluates performance and recommends personnel actions such as hiring, termination, etc.;
• Establishes the agenda for, and leads the meetings of, the Health Care Executive Committee (HCEC);
• Receives and responds to inquiries and complaints, and coordinates resolution of problems;
• Ensures compliance with State and Federal regulations, including but not limited to, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) program;
• Ensures that benefit program practices are in compliance with Board of Supervisors policies;
• Oversees development and delivery of multi-modal benefit program communications, which may include small or large group presentations;
• Manages open enrollment process;
• Assists in the integration of benefit systems with other HR and end-user systems;
• Oversees the evaluation and selection of new vendors, including leading and/or participating in RFP processes;
• Serves as subject matter expert and internal consultant to senior leaders, supervisors and employees on benefit issues and regulatory changes;
• Advises individuals or groups of employees on complex, problematic or sensitive benefit issues;
• Develops recommendations for benefits changes based on external market conditions and trends and internal needs;
• Stays current with and evaluates or assists in the evaluations of market trends; Identifies and assesses trends and best practices for benefits strategies;
• Provides recommendations for programs, policies, practices and processes associated with meeting the strategic goals of the Albemarle County;
• Participates in cross-functional teams as assigned;
• Assists with projects as needed;

Performs related tasks as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises approximately 1-2 employees leading the collaborative work of the Albemarle County Benefit programs. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Education and/or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited undergraduate program with major work in business or public administration as well as a minimum of five years of related experience. Masters degree and Certification as a Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of public or business administration; thorough knowledge of benefits administration; ability to analyze and solve complex human resources problems; ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to plan, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates; thorough knowledge of cost/benefit, forecasting and statistical techniques; ability to devise detailed procedures and methodology; understanding of state and federal employment laws and regulations; sound knowledge of automated HR information systems through the use of PC. Intermediate software skills including Microsoft Office Suite and HR information system; ability to devise detailed procedures and methodology, ability to plan, organize and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to maintain confidentiality of employee information.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to make appropriate recommendations. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints orally and in writing. Ability to make effective presentations to management, employees, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to resolve conflicts.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Work is typically performed in an office setting with occasional extended periods of time at computer terminals. Occasional walking, light lifting up to 40 pounds and other limited physical activities are required. Occasional visits to off-site county locations are required. Occasional program necessity requires working hours beyond set hours and days. Contact with department heads, principals, administrators, consultants, partner entities and Board of Supervisors is necessary. These contacts often require considerable skill, tact, diplomacy, persuasion, and/or negotiation and may cover confidential, sensitive material.

THE SALARY RANGE

The hiring range for this position is $66,594 - $79,912 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

There is a travel expectation for this position.

TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY

This position is telework eligible per Albemarle County policy and procedure.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Tuesday, January 18, 2022, 5:00 p.m. EST

PROCESS: For consideration please apply at https://albemarleva.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

EOE/EEO

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.

This position is subject to Emergency Management Order 21-3 and its amendments to protect our community against COVID-19. All employees, including new hires, are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 OR to be tested for COVID-19 once per week if not vaccinated.