HR Benefits Specialist

HR Benefits Specialist

Salary

$58,716.00 - $88,068.00 Annually

Location

(Ramsey County Government Center) Saint Paul, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-00312

Department

Strategic Team

Division

County Mgr/HumanRes/Admin

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/8/2026 11:59 PM Central

Union

Local 8 - General County

FLSA Status

nonexempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Were hiring a Benefits Specialist to help support the employees who serve our community every day.

In this role, youll guide employees through benefit and leave-related decisions, help navigate complex insurance and coverage issues, and ensure access to important programs during key life events. This is an opportunity to combine customer service, problem-solving, and public service while making a meaningful impact on the employee experience.

If youre passionate about helping others, enjoy working through complex situations, and want to support a mission-driven workforce, wed love to hear from you!

The current vacancy is in the Human Resources Department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or county.

To evaluate and maintain records, manuals, events or reports, and audit personnel and insurance-related transactions and documents in order to ensure accurate benefits, personnel, and/or payroll records for Ramsey County employees and retirees; respond to internal and external requests for benefit, or personnel information; to advise and instruct departmental staff of the proper methods for completing and processing transactions and other related documents; to perform other functions and related duties as assigned.

Flexible Workplace

This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to :Flexible Workplace policy.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this job, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

Benefit Specialist

• Advise and inform Personnel Transactions Benefits Assistants (PBTAs) about insurance coverage options, pretax benefit plans, requirements for enrollment, changes to existing coverage, and changes to union bargaining agreements and county work rules affecting insurance program status.
• Interpret and explain provisions of the county's insurance benefit programs for employees and retirees, including assisting employees in completing necessary forms to enroll or make changes in benefit programs, answering questions about changes in contracts and coverage, and determining if requests meet legal requirements.
• Ensure enrollment of all eligible employees/retirees in group insurance benefits by reviewing applications, entering in computer system, and enrolling employees with insurance carriers.
• Act as liaison between employees, retirees, or department PBTA's and insurance carriers to insure proper claim service and correct payment; resolve complex discrepancies; and provide information about filing appeals if necessary.
• Audit various billings for accuracy, research and reconcile errors, and collect premiums where no payroll deduction has occurred.
• Administer death and disability claims by gathering all required documentation, and processing waiver of premiums for disabled employees for life insurance coverage.
• Notify employees going on paid or unpaid leave and returning from unpaid leave of their benefits options, invoicing when no premiums are being deducted, and collecting premiums owed.
• Inform employees and dependents becoming ineligible for coverage of their rights to continue under state and federal law (COBRA) and may assist them in this process.
• Ensure that work status changes affecting employee insurance coverage are correctly entered in the HR system. Terminate coverage for employees, retirees, and/or dependents as requested or required, notify carriers, and maintain documentation of changes.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school graduation or equivalent.

Experience: Five years of experience performing administrative, employee benefits, records management, accounting or payroll, human resources or related fields, including one year of experience performing duties as described in the job description for the area assigned.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for the HR Benefits Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" Do not cut and paste resume as a response. Please answer all of the supplemental questions clearly and completely, failure to do so may affect your ability to move forward in the hiring process.

The names of all applicants who have submitted a completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a HR Benefits Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Applicants will remain on the list for 30 days here days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veterans Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veterans Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veterans preference should update their veterans DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application(Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application. For further information regarding this posting, please contact amy.jannetto@ramseycountymn.gov

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium

• Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity

• MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered

• VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program

• Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option

• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off

• Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)

• 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays

• Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below

• Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)

• Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits

• Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments

• New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years

• Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match

• Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking

• Fully funded Metropass.

• Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being

• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.

• Wellness programming

• Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave

• County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available

• Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum

• Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development

• Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year

• Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center

• County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey Countys 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Please select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No

02

• Select the option that best describes your highest level of completed education.
• High school diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

03

• If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, and type of degree. If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.

04

Select the option that describes your experience performing administrative, employee benefits, records management, accounting, payroll, human resources, or related area of work.

• I have less than one year of experience.
• I have at least one year but less than 3 years of experience.
• I have at least 3 years of experience but less than 5 years.
• I have 5 or more years of experience.

05

Do you have at least one year of experience performing the work of a benefit specialist?

• Yes
• No

06

• Describe the experience indicated in questions 4 & 5. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."

07

Select the option that best describes your experience in administration, benefits, human resources, customer service, record management or accounting.

• Private sector experience
• Public Sector Experience
• None of the above

08

Select all the job functions you have independently performed in your work.

• Determined employee eligibility for benefits or leave programs
• Interpreted benefit plan documents, policies, labor agreements, or regulations
• Audited benefit enrollments, invoices, payroll deductions, or eligibility records
• Resolved discrepancies with insurance carriers or third-party administrators
• Counseled employees regarding benefit options during life events or retirement
• Processed benefit enrollments or qualifying life events
• Administered leave of absence, FMLA, PFML, disability, or workers compensation benefits
• None of the above

09

• Please select the option that best applies to you if you have completed or are currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County.
• HIRED Partnership Program
• Project for Pride in Living (PPL) Partnership Program
• Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
• Ramsey County Internship (including Right Track Plus)
• Fellowship at Ramsey County
• Limited-Duration Assignment at Ramsey County
• Provisional Assignment at Ramsey County
• Temporary Opportunity at Ramsey County
• Work Experience Program (e.g., Young Adult Career Academy)
• Job Shadow Experience at Ramsey County
• No, I have not participated in any of the above

10

What Human Resources Information System (HRIS) or benefits administration system do you have experience using to enter, audit, and maintain employee records? Check all that apply.

• Workday
• PeopleSoft
• UKG
• Oracle
• Summit
• SAP
• other HR/payroll systems
• I do not have experience.

11

What employer-sponsored employee benefits do you have experience administering? Check all that apply.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• disability
• retirement
• COBRA
• FMLA/PFML
• leave administration
• I do not have experience.

12

Ramsey County is committed to building a culturally inclusive work environment in which our employees demonstrate the ability to interact effectively and respectfully with people from cultures that are different than their own. Please choose the statement that best describes your professional and/or volunteer experience working or interacting with diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic populations.

• I have had very limited contact with diverse populations.
• I have had informal contact with people from many different cultures through everyday life.
• I have experience in a professional or para-professional position with one or more group(s) of a different culture than my own.
• I have extensive experience in a professional or para-professional position with one or more group(s) of a different culture than my own.

Required Question

Employer Ramsey County

Address 121 East Seventh Place

Mail Stop 5200

Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Phone (651) 266-2700

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ramsey/default.cfm