Benefits Administrator

The City of Durango’s Human Resources department is looking for an experienced HR professional to join our team as Benefits Administrator.  

In this role, you will direct, plan, and coordinate the daily operations of a comprehensive employee benefits program that covers health, wellness, disability, and retirement plans, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. You’ll be the primary resource for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave of Absences, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing employees and managers with guidance on available leave-related benefits, rights, and expectations. Additionally, you will maintain accurate records, assist with payroll processing, and play a key role in data management and reporting.

This position calls for sound judgement, initiative, and the ability to work independently to address a range of HR and benefits-related tasks.

What You’ll Do in This Role:  

Benefits Administration

• Support employees with insurance elections, process new and mid-year coverage changes, and update enrollment files and payroll deductions.
• Coordinate Open Enrollment by updating the benefits guide and platform, managing employee communications, and tracking and processing benefit elections with vendors.
• Act as the primary point of contact for benefits inquiries, coordinating with brokers and providers to verify coverage and explain benefits, dual coverage, and claims.

Leave Coordination (FMLA & Disability)

• Manage the FMLA program, coordinating leave details, eligibility, documentation, and tracking while ensuring employee privacy.
• Provide information on benefits like Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ADA accommodations when FMLA is exhausted.
• Support employees in the return-to-work process, updating supervisors as needed.
• Coordinate short- and long-term disability programs, tracking eligibility and assisting with claims.

Compliance & Record Management

• Ensure compliance with government regulations, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) tracking/reporting, and maintain confidential employee records following Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines.
• Prepare, archive, and purge employee files to keep records organized and secure.
• Process unemployment forms, complete claims reporting, and attend hearings if necessary.
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Payroll & General HR Support

• Manage timely data entry and HR database updates for employee status and leave changes.
• Coordinate the Tuition Reimbursement program and process employee reimbursements.
• Serve as a backup for Payroll and assist HR staff as needed.

You Have:  

• A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Business Management, Public Administration, or related field (will consider experience and certifications in lieu of degree)
• Six years of progressing experience in employee benefits and payroll.
• Working knowledge of benefits legislation and Human Resources.
• Proficiency in database management and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Skill in tracking activities, supplies, and authorizations using specialized software or manual systems.
• Accurate data entry and document preparation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service with honest, integrity, and attention to detail.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.  
• Flexible scheduling and work-life balance.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.  
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.  
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.  
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.  
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.