Human Resources Technician (Benefits Option)

Benefits Division Human Resources Position

To perform a variety of highly responsible technical, administrative, and advanced level clerical duties in support of the Human Resources Department; and to assist Human Resources professional and managerial staff in the administration of various human resources programs. There is one full-time vacancy in the Benefits Division of the Human Resources Department. This recruitment process will include a written examination tentatively set for Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Candidates who pass the written examination will be invited to an oral board interview, which is tentatively planned for the week of June 15, 2026. Additionally, this position is scheduled to receive a 5% increase effective July 10, 2026.

Essential Functions Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: perform technical duties related to area of assignment including interpreting, analyzing, and determining compliance or acceptance of information and materials; prepare reports to document results of duties performed; ensure compliance with related laws, codes, ordinances, and policies in area of responsibilities; advise professional and management staff of any irregularities in compliance; compile, research and prepare a variety of periodic and special reports relating to assignment, draft reports and correspondence; exercise discretion in dealing with confidential matters; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, applicants, and the public using principles of good customer service; perform other related duties as assigned.

When Assigned to Benefits: perform complex and responsible technical, administrative and clerical duties in support of the City's compensation and benefits programs for employees, retirees and COBRA participants; process health insurance benefits for employees and retirees according to established policies and procedures, Memoranda of Understanding, federal and state laws; maintain and update employee benefit documents for related files; create and update records in HRIS, CalPERS and insurance carrier systems; process personnel and payroll-related transactions including creating new hire records, separations, differential pay and merit increases; process onboarding and offboarding related transactions; extract and compile benefits information for internal and insurance carrier requested reports, calculate employee benefits costs; maintain and update databases; prepare reports, logs, and general benefits information; schedule and conduct individual and group benefit orientations; participate in reconciling enrollment and processing monthly premium payments for active and retired City employees; participate in open enrollment activities and record keeping; review and audit benefit transactions and records for accuracy and compliance; research and resolve discrepancies and complex issues in coordination with internal departments and external providers; verify eligibility documentation and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; monitor and meet deadlines; assist in developing and improving procedures and process documentation; maintain a positive rapport with employees, retirees and contract providers; act as liaison between employees, retirees and contract benefits providers; assist with employee outreach efforts, including coordination of the employee health fair; perform other complex, independent and technical duties requiring knowledge of benefits administration laws, policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: two years of increasingly responsible experience in employee benefits or experience involving the preparation and implementation of personnel-related services performing such duties as: compiling information for professional Human Resources staff; posting, checking, balancing and adjusting personnel records; reconciling membership and insurance premium reports; reviewing job applications for compliance with employment standards; explaining personnel rules, policies and procedures to others AND training equivalent to an Associate's Degree from an accredited college with major course work in, Business Administration, Business Management, Human Resources or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Knowledge of: personnel-related rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to assignment; pertinent laws and regulations; record keeping and monitoring requirements, rules and regulations related to assignment; business correspondence and report preparation; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment. Ability to: maintain confidentiality; prioritize work, coordinate several activities and follow up as required; work effectively in the absence of supervision; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; prepare and process personnel-related forms, records and/or examination material; read, understand and explain policy and procedures; proofread and review work for accuracy and completeness; exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner, maintain a calm demeanor in challenging situations; exercise a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy. When assigned to Benefits: interpret, apply and explain technical information regarding employee benefit programs; conduct presentations related to employee benefits; make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; create formulas to be used in Excel. Physical Demands and Working Conditions On a continuous basis walk, stand, bend, and sit for varying periods of time. Intermittently twist to reach office equipment or files at/above shoulder level; repetitive use of hands to write or use keyboard; may lift and carry files or books weighing up to ten pounds. See in the normal vision range with or without correction; hear in the normal range with or without correction. Work is generally performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person, telephone and email inquiries.

Additional Information

Recruitment No. 26331505B To be considered, applicants must submit a City Application by 12:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail. If e-mail address is unavailable, notifications will be sent via standard U.S. mail. Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. Note that the examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review. The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.