Benefits Officer

Employment with the City provides an opportunity to connect with the community while working on meaningful projects that impact lives every day. Learn more about our core values and how City staff support one another to make Overland Park a great place to live, work, and play.

About the Role

The Benefits Officer performs highly responsible professional, technical, and administrative work in supervising and coordinating a range of Human Resources (HR) functions. This position oversees the administration of employee benefits and retirement programs, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, manages audits, processes HR-related invoices, and supports strategic HR initiatives.

Ensuring compliance with FMLA, HIPAA, ACA, COBRA, and other regulatory requirements. Knowledge and compliance with federal and state laws and contracts, the Kansas Employee Retirement System (KPERS), and other pension legislation is also necessary, along with supporting and implementing the City's policies and procedures. The role requires leadership, in-depth HR knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Daily physical on-site presence in the office, consistent attendance, and reliable punctuality are essential functions of this position. Any changes or adjustments to your assigned work schedule or shift hours must be approved by your supervisor in advance. This position has core business hours and days, Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm, with a one hour scheduled lunch.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate the day-to-day operations of benefits and retirement programs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely service delivery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex employee benefit and retirement inquiries, resolving issues and providing expert-level guidance.
• Oversee the enrollment, maintenance, and termination processes for a variety of benefit and retirement plans, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and pension or 401(k) programs.
• Lead and conduct internal audits of benefit and retirement data, payroll deductions, vendor invoices, and compliance procedures; identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws (e.g., FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA) and internal policies related to benefits and retirement administration.
• Review, process, and approve HR-related invoices, such as insurance premiums, vendor service charges, and retirement contributions; ensure accurate coding and reconciliation with finance.
• Maintain and monitor confidential HRIS data and documentation to support benefits, retirement, and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with payroll, finance, and external vendors to ensure accuracy and timeliness of benefit deductions, retirement contributions, and invoice payments.
• Supervise and support HR team members or administrative staff involved in benefit-related functions, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Lead or assist in the planning and execution of special HR projects and initiatives, including annual open enrollment, benefits fairs, and wellness programs.
• Analyze benefits and retirement utilization data, prepare reports, and present findings to HR leadership to support decision-making.
• Develop and implement procedures to streamline benefits processes and improve service delivery.
• Assist in the development and distribution of employee communication materials, policy updates, and training related to benefits, retirement, and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA).
• Coordinate and manage FMLA leave requests and ensure accurate tracking and documentation.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in business administration, a related field of study, or an equivalent combination of formal education and work experience is required. Certification as a benefits professional is preferred. Prior benefit and retirement experience in municipalities or states preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible HR experience with at least two (2) years focused on benefits and/or retirement administration.
• Prior experience in a supervisory or lead role preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting HR or financial audits and processing/reconciling invoices.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable HR laws and compliance standards.

Required Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Expert Excel level experience required (i.e. V-look up).
• Must have working knowledge of windows-based word processing and spreadsheet software applications, along with familiarity with HRIS software systems
• Ability to comply with City's confidentiality policy

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Attention to Detail:

• The role requires a high level of accuracy and thoroughness in completing tasks. The ability to focus on detailed work for extended periods is essential to ensure…