Description

We are seeking a dedicated Human Resources Associate to play a key role in the administration of the City’s employee benefits and leave of absence programs. This position will have day-to-day responsibility for benefits and leave processes, including enrollment, life events, employee communications, and coordination of medical and disability leaves. The role also includes conducting the benefits portion of new employee orientation and supporting employees in understanding their benefits options and deadlines. This work requires a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in the administration of benefits and leave programs where errors can directly impact employees.

In addition to benefits and leave administration, the Human Resources Associate will perform general human resources and administrative work in support of core HR programs for the City of Rockville, including recruitment and staffing, training and performance management, classification and compensation, labor/employee relations, health and wellness, and safety and risk management. The work is conducted within established processes and procedures, working closely with the Benefits Manager.

This position will be part of a three-member HR Associate team that works collaboratively to support HR core functions, with a primary focus on benefits and leave administration and shared responsibility for other HR activities as required to ensure coverage and continuity of operations. 

Benefits Management:

• Assists with the administration of employee benefit programs (including health, dental, vision and life insurance, FSA, EAP, and retirement plans), ensuring accurate enrollment, timely communication, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Responds to inquiries from employees and retirees concerning standard benefits information and services.
• Provides guidance and resources to employees regarding life events and eligibility, and may conduct preliminary research on benefits or claims issues.
• Assists with administering and coordinating leaves of absence (FMLA, parental leave, disability); responds to requests for information and explanation; reviews confidential medical documentation, including return to work details; and provides appropriate and timely response to employees and instructions to supervisors.
• Assists with the annual open enrollment process, including reviewing communications, testing online portal setup, preparing printed materials, attending employee meetings, and answering employee questions.
• Supports new employee onboarding activities; reviews and distributes orientation materials, presents information, and helps employees understand benefits options and election deadlines.
• Reviews mid-year qualifying event documentation and processes as appropriate.
• Communicates benefits continuation information to separating employees.
• Helps employees access and navigate online self-serve business transaction processes.

Employment, Staffing, and Employee Recognition Programs:

• Performs front desk duties and serves as first point of contact to answer questions from employees and the public regarding job opportunities, salary information, and HR programs.
• Processes a variety of correspondence, policies and procedures, ensuring proper format and distribution; assists with routine administrative tasks to support HR programs.
• Assists the Department’s managers with various projects and programs.
• Reviews invoices, ensuring availability of budgeted funds and timely and appropriate payment, processes all requests for purchases; and coordinates reimbursements to employees through the Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Coordinates placement of temporary clerical staff as directed with various City Departments.
• Establishes and maintains electronic personnel records of City employees; processes a variety of personnel actions (e.g., new hires, promotions, resignations); ensures that all actions are recorded and processed in a timely manner; transmits compensation and pay actions to Payroll as appropriate.
• Assists with verification, processing, and recording of documentation and actions related to the employee length of service recognition program and employee picnic. Queries automated records system, obtains and organizes data, and prepares reports summarizing results and findings. 

Performance, Learning, and Development: 

• Provides administrative and technical support to the City's automated performance and evaluation system.
• Monitors timely submission of departmental performance plans; initiates notifications and reminders; and accesses performance-related data to develop reports and data summaries.
• Assists with the compilation of training materials; set-up of classrooms; and monitoring of training sessions.

Classification & Compensation: 

• Assists with the collection, formatting, and recording of data related to the City's classification and compensation functions.
• Assists in the collection and review of salary survey information; conducts limited analysis of compensation data.
• Maintains the class plans list and updates specialized information in class specifications as directed.

Labor/Employee Relations: 

• Participates in the collection, documentation, and/or distribution of information related to adverse actions and grievances; records and transmits documentation in a timely manner as directed. 

Health and Wellness:

• Assists with wellness events as necessary, e.g., health fair, flu shots.
• Provides administrative and technical support to the wellness program's health risk assessment and tracking system.

Safety and Risk Management:

• Provides support in responding to internal and external inquiries regarding injury, damages, or loss involving City property, assets, or activities and aids in creating a First Report of Loss for submission.
• Provides support in maintaining City drug and background test administration.

• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s degree; and three (3) years of progressively responsible work in human resources with at least two (2) years of experience with health and welfare benefits, medical and disability leave and return to work processes; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of human resources practices and processes in one or more human resources specializations. Benefits experience preferred.
• Knowledge of (or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of) applicable regulations and requirements, particularly those governing the human resources specialization(s) to which assigned.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, to various audiences.
• Knowledge of automated data management systems and/or web-based business transaction systems, particularly those related to human resources functional areas.
• Ability to assemble data and reports using available electronic and data management tools.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to exercise judgment and to determine when issues need the attention of senior team members.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple processes and priorities and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to interpret and explain processes and procedures appropriate to one or more human resources specializations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.