benefits specialist

STARTING PAY: $47,500-$56,000 Exempt

SUMMARY

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits programs—including health, dental, vision, retirement, and wellness offerings—as well as coordinating all aspects of leave of absence (LOA) management. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while delivering exceptional service to employees and supporting the overall HR function.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer all employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives.
• Serve as the primary contact for employees regarding benefits inquiries, plan details, eligibility, coverage, and claims.
• Support open enrollment activities, including vendor coordination, communication campaigns, and system updates.
• Process benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in HRIS and vendor systems.
• Assist in audits of benefit plans and invoices to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of benefit trends and regulatory changes (ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA).
• Administer and track all leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-specific leaves, personal leaves, and company-provided leave programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave processes, documentation, eligibility, and return-to-work procedures.
• Coordinate leave cases with third-party administrators, healthcare providers, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant processing.
• Maintain accurate leave records, ensure proper notification and documentation, and monitor deadlines.
• Advise HR leadership on complex leave situations and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave laws.
• Ensure all benefits and leave programs comply with applicable laws and company policies.
• Directly interact with third-party leave administration vendors and employees.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for audits, compliance reviews, and HR leadership.
• Assist with audits and other recurring reporting requirements.
• Deliver high-quality customer service to employees regarding benefits and leave administration.
• Create and distribute communications, educational materials, and training sessions to enhance employee understanding of available benefits and leave processes.
• Support onboarding and offboarding tasks related to benefits and leave programs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Minimum of two (2) years of benefits administration and/or leave of absence administration experience. Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements preferred. Experience working with HRIS and benefits administration systems preferred. Professional certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, CEBS, PHR) preferred.

The City may consider any combination of education and experience to determine an employee's qualification for this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and electronic HRIS (e.g., Workday)
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with internal and external stakeholders.
• Capability to effectively plan and prioritize work assignments to achieve established deadlines.
• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of teams.
• Ability to research benefit and leave topics and develop recommended solutions and ideas to improve programs and/or address issues.
• Ability to work onsite and regularly report to work for the assigned hours.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal and state regulations and compliance requirements affecting employee benefits programs, including COBRA, FMLA, ADA, ADAAA, Section 125, workers' compensation, Medicare, COBRA, and Social Security and DOL requirements.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.  The employee is also required to  handle, reach, speak, stand, stoop, talk, see, and walk.  Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and preform repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work scheduled is standard office hours, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.  This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office