Position Description

This position announcement will be used to fill a full-time, permanent Personnel Assistant II - Benefits in the Office of Personnel with Anne Arundel County Government.

This is full-time paraprofessional work in the Benefits Division in the Office of Personnel. Employees in this class are responsible for initiating, processing, reviewing, and resolving personnel matters directly affecting employee and retiree benefits. An employee in this class applies and interprets county law, rules, regulations, and bargaining unit agreements, and maintains strict confidentiality. A Personnel Assistant II is differentiated from Personnel Assistant I in the complexity of work and the considerable responsibility associated with the application and interpretation of various types of documents/references, policies and procedures, bargaining unit agreements, and federal, state, and county laws and regulations. The work of the Personnel Assistant II has significant responsibility for benefits eligibility interpretation and has a higher level of personal contact with various County department staff, individuals from other private and public organizations, as well as employees and retirees to resolve or provide more complex information or present solutions to administrative concerns.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

Work includes responsibility for receiving, reviewing, and entering personnel actions and information updates into an automated Human Resource Information System (HRIS); explaining and calculating benefit information; and communicating information to employees, retirees, beneficiaries, and departmental representatives. Work in accordance with established personnel procedures that the employee must know, understand, interpret, and communicate to employees and the public. An immediate supervisor gives instructions in situations and matters that deviate from the current practices, policies, and procedures.

Answers questions from employees and retirees relating to employee/retiree benefits, options, and policies. Enrolls new employees in various benefit plans and processes benefit forms to effect changes within the required timeframe. Data enters enrollment information and benefit deductions on the vendor database and HRIS system. Tracks payment information for privatized agencies on a monthly basis. Researches benefit enrollment issues and resolves problems directly with the vendor. Reviews and tracks insurance enrollment for new retirees, retiree changes, and new Medicare participants and enters data into the HRIS system to reflect retiree benefit elections. Provide Benefits presentation at New Hire Orientation and for Retirement Information sessions on a rotating basis. Prepares life insurance claim forms and correspondence to beneficiaries. Maintains confidentiality of employee/retiree records and files all benefits-related documentation. Process payroll adjustments and Child Support Orders (QMSC) and track employees on Active Military leave. Assists with the coordination of annual open enrollment period and other special projects and audits as assigned.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)

Provides accurate information regarding departmental rules, regulations, and activities, enrolls new employees/retirees, and assists with HRIS problems.

Provides answers to employees and retirees relating to employee/retiree benefits, options, and policies.

Composes/drafts letters, tables, spreadsheets, reports, and other materials from copy or rough draft.

Maintains confidentiality of employee records and ensures that files are in an orderly and complete form.

Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the County's Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Personnel/Payroll System.

Thorough knowledge of personnel departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and functions.

Considerable knowledge of business English, spelling, and punctuation.

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws governing the area of assigned work.

Knowledge of wage and non-wage benefits and related provisions of the County bargaining unit agreements.

Knowledge of modern office practices, and equipment.

Skill in the application of computer software programs to include special applications for benefits, pension, and recruitment spreadsheets, databases, Excel, Word, and e-mail.

Skill in operating a personal computer and calculator.

Skill in making arithmetic computations and tabulations with accuracy.

Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.

Ability to make decisions in accordance with departmental regulations, Anne Arundel County Charter and County Code, County personnel policies, procedures and precedents, federal and state laws, and to apply these to work problems.

Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with a variety of employees, departmental representatives, and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school supplemented by educational or training courses in office practice; and four (4) or more years of experience in administrative support work including data entry, data verification, and customer service.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

Experience in human resources, preferably benefits or a highly related field.

Knowledge of the County Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and Personnel/Payroll System.

Skill in the application of Microsoft Office Suite, to include intermediate level and above in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Experience maintaining confidentiality of employee and retiree information and records.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing the area of benefits.