Performs analytical work in support of the pension and benefits and unemployment insurance administration functions.

• Participates in the preparation of the design, Request for Proposal (RFP), written communication instruments, and implementation procedures for Metro′s Flexible Benefits Program, which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other insurance programs, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Oversees annual review process for all group insurance plans, plan changes, and changes in providers

• Meets with group plan providers and benefit consultants to coordinate preparation, printing, and distribution of books, certificates, and contracts for all group plans, and to discuss relevant federal and state legislation that may affect group plans

• Prepares and reviews historical data to generate retirement benefit estimates, vested benefits, withdrawals and rollovers, death benefits, pension refunds, and other related information; provides accurate information during personal retirement counseling meetings

• Calculates pension benefits by utilizing the concepts of interpolation and actuarial equivalency to verify accuracy of benefit

• Designs, coordinates, and implements retirement and financial planning seminars for Metro employees

• Assists employees in resolving issues relating to their benefits and/or pension plans

• Maintains active and retiree files, and makes necessary updates as reported

• Administers the Unemployment Insurance Program, including processing claims and attending appeal hearings

• Reviews forms, medical documents, and pension documents for accuracy

• Provides technical information relating to employee benefit plans for labor negotiations, as needed

• Completes benefit surveys from other employers, benefit consulting firms, and healthcare consulting firms

• Ensures timely processing of invoice payments for unemployment Insurance, benefits consultants, and Retirement and Financial Planning Seminars

• Researches and writes responses to inquiries from executive officers, department heads, employees, consultants, brokers, and account executives

• Prepares reports for the Board of Directors, management, and outside agencies

• Performs other major projects as assigned by department leadership

• Acts as Pension and Benefits Supervisor when assigned

• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

May be required to perform other related job duties

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• Theories, principles, and practices of pension and benefits, and unemployment insurance administration

• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing pension and benefits administration, and unemployment insurance for a public agency

• Research and report preparation methods

• Mathematical concepts

• Applicable business software applications

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)

• Performing pension, benefits, and unemployment insurance administration work

• Managing and prioritizing multiple tasks or projects from inception to completion

• Analyzing situations, identifying problems, and recommending solutions

• Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making conclusions and recommendations

• Communicating effectively orally and in writing

• Preparing comprehensive reports and correspondence

• Listening to and understanding complex situations

• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)

• Compile and analyze complex data

• Handle highly confidential and sensitive information

• Lead staff members providing work direction and guidance, when required

• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements

• Read, write, speak, and understand English

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, or a related field

Experience

• One year of relevant experience in the area of benefits administration; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment; experience administering an unemployment insurance program preferred

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

• Typical office situation

• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting at a desk or table

• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium

• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions

• Communicating through speech in the English language required