Benefits and Retirement Specialist

Position Definition: Responsible for managing and analyzing employee benefits and the City of Norwalk’s pension programs.

General Duties:

Benefits Administration

• Analysis and Management: Analyze current benefits, evaluating the use, services, coverage, effectiveness, cost, plan experience, and competitive trends in benefits programs. Recommend improvements to benefits plans, ensuring they are competitive and compliant with legal requirements.
• Communication and Support: Act as the point of contact for employees regarding benefit queries and issues. Provide support in understanding their benefits, including how to enroll, make changes, and manage open enrollment.
• Vendor Management: Work with vendors, overseeing contracts and ensuring that services meet the needs of both the City and its employees.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data analytics tools to report on benefits trends, costs, and forecasts. Prepare analytical and technical reports for management.
• Project Management: Participate in or lead projects related to benefits enhancements, implementations, or changes.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Assist in the budgeting process for employee benefits and work to control costs while maintaining high-quality benefits.
• Employee Education: Develop and conduct educational programs and materials to help employees understand their benefits and make informed decisions.

Retirement Administration

• Maintaining Pension Records: Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of pension plan members, including their contributions, service years, and benefit entitlements.
• Calculating Benefits: Determining pension benefits based on plan rules and individual member records. This involves calculations for retirement, disability, or death benefits.
• Providing Customer Service: Assisting plan members with inquiries, providing information about pension benefits, options, and regulations.
• Benefit Payments: Administering the payment of pension benefits, including processing and verifying benefit claims and overseeing direct deposits or check payments.
• Educating Members: Conducting seminars or workshops to inform members about their pension benefits and any changes to the plan.
• Problem Resolution: Addressing and resolving issues or disputes related to pension benefits or contributions.

Supervised By: Receives general supervision from the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not all-inclusive of every task and responsibility. Incumbents would be required to attend relevant Board and Common Council Committee meetings which occur after normal work hours.Knowledge of the administration of health, dental, life, retirement programs and flexible spending accounts. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential, as is proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office. Excellent problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate complex information clearly. Ability to read and understand pension regulations, union contracts and other documents to ascertain what healthcare and retirement benefits are provided. Excellent numerical and analytical skills. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with plan members and other stakeholders.
A bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field, along with experience in benefits and pension administration and three years’ experience in the administration and operation of benefit plans which shall preferably include both pension and retirement plans.License or Certificate:  Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation preferred. 

This position is a Grade 15.

Salary : $76,910 - $84,820