County of Sonoma

Job Announcement-Employee Benefits Representative - EXTRA HELP Bulletin

Employee Benefits Representative - EXTRA HELP

(CST: Senior Office Assistant)

Recruitment #0910-0003-EH

Salary:

$18.26 - $22.20/hour

Department:

Human Resources

Date Opened:

10/23/2009 11:50:00 AM

Filing Deadline:

11/9/2009 11:59:00 PM

Job Type:

Temporary/Extra Help

Recruiter:

Lynne Durrell

HR Tech:

Kathy Williams

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Bulletin

INTRODUCTION

The Risk Management Division of the County of Sonoma Human Resources Department is seeking a dedicated, customer-oriented individual to join their Benefits Unit for one EXTRA-HELP vacancy as an Employee Benefits Representative (Civil Service Title: Senior Office Assistant).

POSITION INFORMATION

The Employee Benefits Representative is responsible for enrolling new County employees in the County healthcare plans, coordinating coverage changes, and researching and responding to employee questions regarding their County medical and dental health coverage. This position provides support, counseling and training for group insurance and benefits policies for all County divisions, and ensures client service and satisfaction are attained in all areas of this position.

Typical responsibilities include:

responsible for processing all group insurance in accordance with benefit plans, insurance guidelines & contracts

researching and resolving benefits-related issues for personnel & management

performing benefits orientations for new employees

substituting for other Benefits Team Members as needed

overseeing maintenance of benefits files, and inventory of group insurance plan booklets, forms & supplies

opening & distributing Benefits Unit mail

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities:

two to four years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in benefits administration or accounting
detailed knowledge of group insurance programs, contracts, policies and procedures
ability to handle confidential policy and insurance information
highly organized with ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
ability to solve complex problems
high attention to detail
excellent written and verbal communication skills
advanced knowledge of word processing and accounting systems and software, including Excel and Microsoft Word. Familiarity with HRMS systems preferred.
ability to work in a team environment
ability to work overtime as necessary

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one EXTRA-HELP (temporary) vacancy in the Benefits Unit of the Risk Management Division of the Human Resources Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future extra-help vacancies as they occur during the active status of this list.

EXTRA-HELP EMPLOYMENT
Extra-help employees relieve or augment permanent staff. Temporary, extra-help employees are not in the classified civil service and do not have property rights to permanently allocated positions. In addition, they do not receive most employee benefits such as: long-term disability insurance coverage; accrual of vacation and sick leave; participation in the County retirement program; or eligibility to take promotional examinations. Temporary extra-help employees are limited in their employment to a maximum of one calendar year. These employees must be off of work for three months before they can be re-employed on an extra help basis. Extra-help employees who meet the eligibility requirements (generally worked 11 consecutive pay periods with a minimum of 440 hours and are scheduled at least 40 hours per pay period) qualify for a 80% County contribution toward employee-only Kaiser Health Plan. Dependent coverage is also available at employee’s cost.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of: clerical and department practices, procedures, programs, services, policies, and regulations; the purpose and processing of a diversity of forms and documents; English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and composition.

Working knowledge of: methods and techniques used in researching, proofing, evaluation, gathering, organizing and arranging data; techniques and practices for leading workers; basic mathematics; business letter writing; the use of electronic information equipment and specific systems as used within the department.

Ability to: read English at a level necessary to understand procedures, manuals, policies and guidelines; write English at a level necessary to prepare correspondence and record incoming information; speak English at a level necessary to communicate information clearly; answer a variety of questions related to department programs, services and operations; exercise sound judgement when initiating processes, actions, and alternatives within established procedures and regulations; understand and carry out written and oral instructions; prepare and maintain accurate reports and records; establish and maintain harmonious work relationships with employees and the public; communicate effectively verbally and in writing with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds; enter data accurately into automated systems; maintain confidentiality of restricted information; use discretion in organizing work and carrying out assignments with minimum supervision; use electronic information equipment and specific systems as used within the department; understand and apply specific rules, codes, regulations, procedures, policies, and precedents; select, interpret and explain regulations and procedures to others; locate, identify, and correct technical inaccuracies; provide direction to others; work independently in performing assignments and in resolving problems and deviations; establish, organize and arrange and revise the maintenance of department files; research, proof, evaluate, gather, organize and arrange a diversity of information; produce on a computer keyboard or a typewriter a variety of material to include graphs, charts, statistical statements, specifications, purchase orders, reports and standardized forms; independently research and prepare correspondence in answer to inquiries about department records, programs, services and regulations; maintain and process a variety of records and transactions; make accurate and rapid mathematical calculations; operate office equipment to include personal computers, alpha readers, typewriters, calculators, printers, copiers, adding machines, microfilm equipment, and data processing terminals;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, two years as an Office Assistant II with the County or two years of comparable work experience in an office environment will provide this opportunity.

Special Skill Assignment: Some positions may require the ability to type at a corrected speed of 45 words per minute. All positions require considerable ability to operate a personal computer and multiple software. Some positions may require the ability to communicate in a language other than English.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: The information contained in the application and responses to the supplemental questions will be evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the employment process. Applicants should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions. You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, please list each position separately. Failure to comply with these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE MANDATORY SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal (pass/not pass) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's combination of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position to ensure satisfaction of the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications for the position will be placed on an Extra-help employment list and referred to the department. The department may contact candidates from the employment list who possess the most appropriate job-related qualifications for further consideration.

A background investigation may be required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additionally, a pre-employment medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required prior to employment.

Applications are accepted on-line at www.jobaps.com/sonoma. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma is committed to a policy and actively pursues a program of equal employment and non-discrimination.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

The County has implemented a work furlough for regular full-time and part-time employees. The County holiday closure will occur December 24, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Most County offices, activities, and services will be closed during this period. Extra help employees will not be scheduled to work during the closure period, except in emergency circumstances.

SONOMA COUNTY BENEFITS

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

GENEROUS PAID TIME OFF:

Vacation Leave: Generous vacation accrual based on years of County service
Sick Leave: No limit on accumulation
Holidays: 11 paid holidays plus 8-10 hours annual compensatory time

COMPREHENSIVE RETIREMENT:

Retirement Plan: 3% @60 general retirement tax deferred contributory system under the County Retirement Act of 1937. Fully integrated with Social Security. 3% @50 for most law enforcement job classes
Deferred Compensation: 457 plan
Retiree medical: The County provides a reimbursement program to assist in funding health benefits upon retirement.

EXCEPTIONAL HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS:

Insurance: Vision and employee long term disability plan paid by the County. Dental coverage and choice of three health plans with generous portions of premiums paid by the County

Cash Allowance: Effective May 2009 a cash allowance of approximately $600/month that may be used towards health contribution accounts, deferred compensation, or as cash
Group Term Life Insurance for $10,000 paid by the County
Textbook & Tuition reimbursement: For approved job-related training and educational course work
Tax exempt health/dependent care reimbursement program

AND MORE......

Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process, more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.

Updated 12/29/08

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information set forth on this page has been furnished by the County and includes information obtained from other sources, which are believed to be reliable. Any statement involving matters of opinion or estimates, whether or not so expressly stated, is set forth as such and not as representation of fact, and no representation is made that such opinion or estimates will be realized. The information and expressions of opinion contained herein are updated periodically and are subject to change without notice, and shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the County or in the other matters described therein between updates.

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