Benefits Manager - City of Odessa : Job Details

Department: Benefits Reports to: Director of Risk ManagementSummary: The Benefits Manager oversees the strategic development, implementation, and management of the organization's self-funded [non-ERISA] health benefit plans. This role is responsible for ensuring that benefits programs align with organizational goals and comply with applicable regulations. The Benefits Manager collaborates with HR, Finance, and external vendors to optimize benefit offerings and enhance employee satisfaction. Key responsibilities include monitoring program performance, managing vendor relationships, analyzing benefits trends, and identifying improvement opportunities to support employee well-being and organizational objectives.Essential Functions: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:Program Development and Management:

• Design, implement, and manage self-funded non-ERISA health benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Continuously assess and enhance benefits offerings based on employee needs, market trends, and organizational goals.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight:

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines governing self-funded plans.
• Stay updated on changes in federal and state laws affecting benefits plans and adjust programs as necessary.

Vendor Management:

• Identify, select, and manage relationships with third-party vendors, including third-party administrators (TPAs), insurance brokers, and wellness program providers.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to ensure optimal pricing and services.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyze benefit utilization and claims data to assess the effectiveness of programs and identify opportunities for cost savings and improvements.
• Prepare regular reports on plan performance and present findings to senior management.

Employee Communication and Education:

• Develop and implement communication strategies to educate employees about their benefits options and promote program participation.
• Organize and conduct benefits orientation sessions and open enrollment activities.

Budgeting and Cost Management:

• Collaborate with Finance to develop and manage the benefits budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability of programs.
• Monitor and evaluate program costs to identify trends and implement cost-control measures.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to develop and manage the benefits budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and program sustainability.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries regarding benefits and assist with resolution of issues.

Wellness and Engagement Initiatives

• Develop and promote wellness initiatives to enhance employee health and engagement.
• Collaborate with external vendors to implement and measure the effectiveness of wellness programs.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.Minimum Qualifications:Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, Master's degree preferred. A minimum of 5 years of experience in benefits management, with a focus on self-funded plans. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of self-funded benefits, compliance regulations, and best practices.
• Experience in vendor management and contract negotiations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficient in benefits administration software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with healthcare cost management strategies.
• Experience with data analytics and reporting tools.

License and certification requirements: Certification in employee benefits (e.g., CBP, CEBS, PHR, SPHR) is preferred.Physical demands and working environments: Work is performed in a standard office environment. Occasional travel may be required for vendor meetings or conferences.