Benefits Supervisor II (Human Resources Department)

Salary: $76,396.00 - $94,881.00 Annually
Location : Coleman A Young Municipal Center, MI
Job Type: Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number: 20244114142HRJS
Department: Human Resources Dept
Division: Benefits Administration
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Closing Date: 4/25/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: 9000-Non Union Salary Regular Service General

Description
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
BENEFITS SUPERVISOR II

The major functions performed by a Benefits Supervisor include the development, application and resolution of issues and concerns regarding the roles and responsibilities associated with the successful day-to-day operations of the City of Detroit Benefits. The supervisor must manager both the benefits process and the Benefits Clerks who provide support for the Benefits function. The Benefits Supervisor must be aware of the policies and procedures regarding the effective administration and compliance required by the City of Detroit, State of Michigan and federal laws and regulations. This position reports through the Benefits Manager.

A Benefits Supervisor II has authority for personnel actions and oversees most day to day operations of group. Supervisors in this level have demonstrated advanced understanding, expertise, and background experience and in-depth knowledge of the administration of a benefits enterprise. Supervisors at this level demonstrate a very highly developed expertise in benefits and employee administration. The Benefits Supervisor II has a very highly developed understanding of the scope, depth and breadth of the position responsibilities. They understand the history and challenges to effectively perform at this level and consistently deliver a quality product.
Examples of Duties

Supervises the processing of benefits data while displaying an advanced level of expertise.

Organizes and reviews forms associated with City, federal, state, and local authorities.

Ensures benefits records are updated and reports on any matters of interest.

Accomplishes organization goals by accepting ownership for executing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

Accomplishes Benefits objectives by communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising job contributions and adhering to policies and procedures.

An employee in this class must exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in fulfilling assignments and responsibilities.

Assigns, trains, participates and supervises the activities of assigned employees in the Benefits department, including supervision of Benefits Clerks.

Assists management in developing and implementing new operational procedures to accommodate legislative changes.

Collects and analyzes data in order to develop and present detailed reports to management on various operational matters including statistical reports.

Compiles statistical data, prepares reports, and completes City, federal, and state and local, governmental surveys to fulfill reporting requirements.

Contacts City departments, employees, employee's representatives, other government agencies and various private entities to furnish and/or obtain information on specialized employee benefit matters.

Coordinates with Information System, Accounting, Actuary and Business Services Divisions to gather and analyze data, to process benefit payments and to manage pension administration.

Coordinates group insurance operational activities, audits, and special projects and programs.

Coordinates the administration of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Maintains and updates benefits procedural manuals.

Makes oral presentations regarding benefit programs.

Manages complex special benefits projects.

Manages and monitors business processes and workflow to ensure quality and timeliness of work product and resulting service to employees and management.

Oversees annual reenrollment process for employees and retirees.

Prepares and makes presentations to groups using benefit and wellness programs, software use, and related issues.

Researches and resolves employee and retiree complaints and issues involving group insurance plans.

Reviews current and pending legislation to determine its applicability to employee benefit programs.

Work involves responsibility for monitoring, researching, compiling, and evaluating data and information related to employee and retiree benefits and wellness programs, and assuring compliance with various City, state and federal laws, codes and regulations.

Works closely with human resources, labor relations and management personnel.

Works with outside parties in the area of benefits contracts and serves as liaison to benefits providers.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree preferred with emphasis in management, technology systems, human resource management, labor relations, business administration and/or a related field.

Experience

• Employees in this class are expected to remain current in technology and benefits processes and procedures as well as management best practices and legal requirements and may be required to participate in continuing education and training opportunities.
• Must have a minimum of three to four (3-4) years of total experience.
• Three to Four (3-4) years of direct experience in the employee services, human resource, labor relations, benefits and support areas or other human resource related positions, including supervisory experience.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Licensing and Certifications

• Designations from the Society of Human Resources Management, International Personnel Management Association - HR SHRM-CP/SCP Certification preferred.

Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

LRD: 04/09/2025
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge Of:

• Knowledge of business and management principles, including continuous process improvement.
• Knowledge of Benefits management.
• Knowledge of the Human Resource organization and Labor Relations divisions and supporting functions.
• Knowledge of management and supervisory theories and applications.
• Knowledge of the principles and best practices for providing excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of administration of employee benefits programs including pension or health, disability and dental programs.
• Knowledge of City, federal and state laws and trends applicable to health or pension employee benefit programs including benefit calculations, investigative techniques, benefits counseling, and medical and legal terminology, where applicable.

Skill In:

• Analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Conflict and crisis management.
• Customer service and customer orientation.
• Data collection and data analysis.
• Decision making.
• Delegation.
• Effective time management and project prioritization.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• HRIS and HRMS system applications.
• Interpersonal, listening, conflict resolution, and complaint handling skills.
• Negotiation.
• Policy and planning.
• Professionalism and credibility.
• Proficient technical skills in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Access.
• Project management.
• Teamwork, team development and collaboration.
• Technical systems required to support Benefits execution.
• Using complex computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

Ability to:

• Address employee concerns and problems.
• Analyze and calculate numerical data.
• Analyze and resolve benefit problems.
• Apply the principles and methods for employee health or pension benefits. Prioritize and delegate work.
• Assume individual accountability for achieving unit or team goals.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse staff, City officials and managers, and the public.
• Coach, train, and develop teams.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Create and implement processes that result in improved business and benefits performance.
• Demonstrate commitment to learning and continuing professional development.
• Drive results.
• Effectively plan and organize work, manage multiple priorities, and accomplish goals in a timely manner.
• Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships with a wide variety of employees at all levels in a diverse environment.
• Establish and maintain positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, often under pressure.
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information.
• Interpret and effectively communicate regulations, policies and procedures.
• Lead and supervise staff members engaged in customer service activities, including assigning and reviewing work.
• Manage multiple tasks, projects and priorities while simultaneously meeting deadlines on time and within budget.
• Monitor employee performance.
• Demonstrate organizational planning, project management and time management.
• Prepare clear and succinct reports, graphs, correspondence, and statistical reports.
• Read and interpret pension or health service regulations and guidelines.
• Work in a fast-paced team environment, remain positive and poised under pressure, and handle sensitive situations diplomatically and professionally.

Physical Demands

• The work is characterized as sedentary.
• Typically Benefits Supervisors sit comfortably to do their work, interspersed by brief periods of walking, standing, bending, and extended periods requiring the use of computer terminals, telephones and technology to accomplish work objectives.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in an office environment which is appropriately lighted, heated, and cooled.
• The work environment contains no significant hazards.
• Some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.

The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or

- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit
01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• PhD/J.D.
• No Education experience

02

How many years of direct experience do you have in the employee services, human resource, labor relations, benefits and support areas or other human resource related positions, including supervisory experience?

• No Experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3 to 10 years of experience
• 11 or more years of experience

03

List what Certification / License you possess:

• Society of Human Resources Management,
• International Personnel Management Association
• HR SHRM-CP/SCP Certification.
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
• No Certification / License

04

Indicate the areas in which you have knowledge of:

• Knowledge of Benefits Management
• Knowledge of HRIS and HRMS system applications
• Knowledge of Project Management
• Knowledge of Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of Federal, State and City laws
• Knowledge of technical skills in Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Access.

05

Select the following, in which you have work experience in planning, coordinating, implementing, and/or administering:

• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• COBRA
• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• None of the above

06

Explain in detail your work experience supervising a benefits team, including how you have managed daily operations and handled personnel actions within a benefits administration environment.
Required Question