Description

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs a wide range of analytical, technical, and administrative duties related to benefits administration, such as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, leave absences, workers compensation, deferred compensation plans, reconciliation of benefit invoices, CalPERS benefits enrollment administration; ACA compliance reports; assists in other human resources programs and activities; and performs other related duties as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

A Human Resources Analyst performs, coordinates, and administers journey-level professional human resources activities related to benefits. Incumbents receive occasional supervision while planning and/or determining specific procedures or equipment required to meet assigned objectives, solving non-routine problems, and working toward a definite objective that requires the use of a wide range of procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

The Human Resources Analyst receives general direction from the Human Resources Manager. Incumbents may provide functional direction to subordinate technical and/or clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Coordinates and administers benefits activities; prepares benefit new hire packages; prepares correspondence to employees regarding the variety of benefits offered by the Agency; works with benefit vendors; maintains confidential benefits records.
• Administers employee leave programs; verifies employee eligibility for workers’ compensation, state disability, FMLA, COBRA, CFRA, unemployment, and other benefits.
• Processes workers compensation incidents with the insurance carrier and safety staff.
• Reviews and analyzes annual medical rates; completes and files ACA reporting and non-discriminatory deferred compensation testing.
• Coordinates and administers the CalPERS medical benefit program, as well as the dental, vision, and life insurance plans. Provides support to employees’ planning retirement; develops and coordinates annual enrollment procedures.
• Conducts new employee benefits orientations, explains agency policies, procedures, and benefit enrollment processes.
• Reconciles benefits, vendors billing, invoices, and resolves billing errors.  
• Processes employee benefit enrollment/change forms; responds to questions from employees and managers; researches and resolves retirement, deferred compensation, and other benefit related issues.
• Plans, coordinates, and administers benefit open enrollment processes, wellness activities and other special events.
• Administers the agency’s education assistance program.
• Manages monthly retiree medical premiums reimbursement with a third-party administrator (IGOE).
• Maintains confidential benefits records; assists with records management; enters and maintains accurate benefit employee information in automated system.
• Prepares benefits technical reports, letters, presentations, and e-mails. May present and train employees on the variety of Agency benefits programs.
• Enters benefits information in Oracle HCM (Human Resources Capital) software as well as in other systems such as CalPERS, bswift, etc.
• Prepares annual benefits budgets and works with Finance to project benefits costs.
• Interfaces closely with payroll staff to ensure accuracy of employee benefits deductions and in the preparation and administration of payroll as required.
• Assists with other human resources programs when needed, such recruitment; classification, and compensation studies; performance evaluations; training; and employee relations.
• Operates a variety of office equipment.
• Operates a computer and assigned software including word processing, spreadsheets, and related applications.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS 

A position in this class requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities.  The work requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data and using a computer keyboard.  Additionally, near and far vision is required for reading correspondence, preparing statistical data, and using a computer.  Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.  The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.

Work is typically performed in a standard office environment where the noise level is quiet.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Human Resources Analyst. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

• An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, human resources, psychology, labor relations, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is desirable, but not required.
• Three (3) years of experience performing professional or technical work in human resources with emphasis in the benefits area.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) 

Knowledge/Skills of:

• Principles and practices of public employment human resources functions, including those related to employee benefits administration, reconciliation of benefit invoices, record keeping, and other human resources activities.
• Verse in CalPERS administration rules and regulations as apply to managing benefits and retirement.
• Extensive experience and knowledge with the administration in FMLA/SDI/PFL leave programs.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Equal Employment Opportunity laws (EEO), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and other related laws.  
• Familiarity with maintaining benefit information in Oracle HCM or other HRIS systems.
• Principles of public administration, organization, and management, including supervision, basic budgeting, and program development/administration.
• Analytical research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Statistical analyses and various methods of presentation of data and recommendations.  
• Principles and practices of public relations and sound business communications.
• Effective techniques for speaking before groups and making public presentations.
• Business mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and percentages.
• Office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.
• Principles and practices of safety in the workplace.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Perform professional analytical work to support human resources functions and programs related to benefits administration; ability to provide support in other human resources areas.
• Read, understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, and technical information related to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Understand CalPERS administration, policy, rule and regulations as well as FMLA laws and regulations.
• Plan and conduct effective projects and studies by researching and analyzing information, compiling data, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and effectively presenting information and reports.
• Analyze and evaluate data and prepare recommendations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures, and other written material.  
• Effectively represent the department and agency in meetings with community groups, various business organizations, and individuals.  
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.  
• Maintain strict confidentiality of information as required.
• Perform accurate mathematical and financial calculations.
• Maintain accurate files and records.  
• Operate standard office equipment.
• Operate a computer and assigned software.
• Effectively utilize HRIS system and standard business software, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, and email programs to track and maintain information.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with agency staff, outside organizations, and the public.