Hybrid Benefits & Wellness Administrator bei St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, FL

About the Department

The Benefits & Wellness Administrator plays a pivotal role in coordinating and administering the day-to-day operations of the County's comprehensive benefits and wellness programs. This responsible professional position operates with a high degree of independence and judgment. The Administrator ensures the efficient delivery of benefits services to employees, retirees, and dependents while aligning wellness initiatives with organizational goals. This role acts as a subject matter expert on employee benefits and wellness strategies and may provide supervision and direction to staff.

Position Duties

Benefits Administration

• Administer a full spectrum of employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary insurance plans, as well as FMLA and deferred compensation.
• Coordinate and lead annual benefits open enrollment activities and ensure all communications are timely, comprehensive, and accessible.
• Maintain compliance with applicable laws, including FMLA, FLSA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and Florida Retirement System (FRS) regulations.
• Serve as a key liaison between employees, vendors, brokers, and internal departments to resolve complex benefits-related issues.
• Serve as custodian for all plan documents, contracts, and confidential benefits data.

FRS Retirement Coordination

• Act as the official Retirement Coordinator for the County’s participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS).
• Provide accurate and timely guidance to employees regarding retirement eligibility, plan options, and application procedures under FRS.
• Process and submit FRS-related documentation, including retirement enrollments, terminations, and service credit verifications.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of FRS laws, rules, and procedural changes, and communicate relevant updates to staff and leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Florida Division of Retirement and ensure compliance with all FRS reporting and administrative requirements.

Wellness Program Management

• Design and execute wellness programs and campaigns aimed at improving employee health and reducing healthcare costs.
• Monitor and evaluate wellness program effectiveness and align initiatives with organizational wellness goals.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and promote wellness resources, incentives, and services, including coordination of the Workplace Wellness Committee.

Employee & Stakeholder Communication

• Respond to inquiries regarding benefit policies, eligibility, and procedures from staff and external partners.
• Create and review employee communications related to benefits and wellness in partnership with HR staff and the Communications Department.
• Conduct engaging benefits presentations for new hire orientations and other internal events.

Strategic & Compliance Support

• Research trends and best practices to make informed recommendations for plan design, vendor selection, and policy updates.
• Assist with the development and implementation of benefit plan changes, renewals, and vendor negotiations.
• Monitor legal and regulatory changes; recommend and implement compliance strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.   Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in benefits administration required; at least one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience in any capacity preferred; experience with self-insured plans, workplace wellness programs, and the Florida Retirement System (FRS) preferred 
• In-depth knowledge of group benefit programs and related laws and regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, benefits administration platforms, and HRIS systems
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex information both verbally and in writing, and to interact effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Comfortable presenting to groups and explaining complex information clearly
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, IPMA-CP, or CEBS preferred

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use. The position requires the use of hands and fingers with dexterity, clear vision (with or without correction), and the ability to speak and write effectively. Occasional walking and standing may be required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: 

The work environment is primarily indoors in a climate-controlled office. Travel to remote offices and outdoor sites may occur. Extended computer usage may pose a risk of vision strain or repetitive stress injuries. No safety equipment is typically required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:  

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: 

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.  During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. 

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO STATEMENT:

St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Pay Grade:  G205

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.