Division Director -Benefits Administration - 001224

The Division Director of Benefits Administration directs the planning and administration of the health and welfare benefits for Wayne County which includes over 2500 active classified employees represented by seventeen (17) unions including twenty-three (23) locals, Elected Officials, Appointees, and over 5000 retirees. Reporting to the Director of Personnel/Human Resources, the position leads the Benefits Administration Division in health and welfare benefit plan design, getting responses for proposals, consultants, and other third-party vendors to provide equitable and sustainable benefits that are in compliance with Federal and State regulations, the Wayne County Charter, Civil Service Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements and Executive Benefit Plan. This position is tasked with the strategic planning, design, and administration of all benefits programs to ensure they meet the needs of employees while aligning with the County's culture of excellence and becoming the employer of choice. 

Delivering new and best practice options as the internal subject matter expert providing guidance employees and working with the Executive Office, Labor Relations, the Wayne County Retirement Board, Wayne County Commission, Unions, Employees and others. As the leader of the Benefits Division, this position will provide instructions and guidance to Benefits Specialist and other direct reports, manage the day-to-day delivery of services including Open Enrollment, make decisions regarding business and fiscal transactions, and administrative transactions related to Benefits Administration Division. 

Required Tasks

• Design, evaluate and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive and in compliance with legal requirements.
• Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations.
• Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees and retirees of benefit, disability and occupational safety policies.
• Administer, direct and review employee benefit, disability and occupational safety programs.
• Plan, direct, supervise and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff.
• Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees and retirees by working with third-party administrators, brokers and consultants and researching benefit, disability and occupational safety issues and trends.
• Design and manage the development of tools and communications to assist employees in benefit selection.
• Assist in preparation of budget for funding health and welfare benefits, disability programs and occupational safety programs.
• Analyze, design and re-engineer processes to enhance operational efficiencies and effectiveness.
• Ensure division practices and policies are reviewed against external benchmarks and trends and aligned to Wayne County and P/HR strategic plan.
• Support Executive Office plans and strategy by reviewing and improving the effectiveness of those plans and strategies.
• Assist in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements.
• Formulate policies, procedures and programs for benefits, disability and occupational health and safety.
• Mediate between benefits providers and employees, such as by assisting in handling employees’ benefits-related question or taking suggestions.
• Study legislation, legal decisions and collective bargaining contracts to assess industry trends.
• Analyze statistical data and reports to identify and determine trends and causes of increased costs related to benefits and disability; develop recommendations for improvements to reduce costs.
• Represent department / division at hearings, investigations, Commission meetings and other, similar meetings.
• Review, develop and implement contracts with vendors and suppliers.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelors Degree, preferably in Business/ Management or related field of study.
• Certificate(s) in benefit plan administration, benefits and compensation management, health care plans or public sector benefits administration or other related area preferred but not required.

Experience Requirements

• 10 years of experience in the area of health and welfare plan design and administration.
• Demonstrated ability to design, prioritize and implement projects and initiatives, while ensuring communication and training to produce adoption and desired results.

The Charter County of Wayne

The Charter County of Wayne is Michigan's largest county. We are home to 34 cities and nine townships. From Rockwood to Livonia, from Sumpter Township to the Grosse Pointes, each community in Wayne County offers residents and businesses a unique blend of opportunity to live, work, play and raise families.

Headquartered in Detroit, our largest city and the automotive capital of the world, Wayne County offers a diversified economy and high standards for our residents' quality of life. Our history is rich and we take pride in being one of the most diverse communities that values culture, arts, and world-class amenities.

Wayne County provides leadership that ensures the County operates efficiently, effectively, and responsibly. We provide transparently while building a stronger County inclusive of collaborations, innovation, and a clear focus on serving our residents.

Administration Focus

Public Health Response

Economic Response

Fiscal Responsibility

Operational Efficiencies

Economic Development

Infrastructure Maintenance & Enhancements

Access to Health Care

Community Support

Homeland Security Emergency Management

Parks & Recreation