Benefits Generalist (Confidential) at College of the Desert (CA) – Palm Desert, California

BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Vice President, Human Resources and Employee Relations or designee, performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work in analyzing, coordinating and administering the various components of the employee benefits, leaves, assist with American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, RideShare program, wellness, risk management and workers’ compensation programs.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

1. Assists with the day-to-day administration of the District’s employee and retiree benefit programs, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, group insurance, prescription drug, employee assistance program, tax sheltered annuities, flexible spending accounts, long term care and claims resolution; ensures compliance with COBRA and other applicable government regulations; processes employee benefit election forms, additions and change requests and provides appropriate follow-up communication. Verifies eligibility and process adjunct faculty health premium reimbursements. Assists in the coordination of open enrollment activities and other benefits related events.
2. Assists employees and retirees with benefit-related matters; explains benefit provisions; Design, coordinate and facilitate benefits and make arrangements for the presentation of workshops. Maintain the Health Benefits webpage; responds to inquiries from employees, retirees, dependents, and external agencies regarding benefits programs.
3. Verifies, audits, and reconciles invoices and processes payments in accordance with schedules and timelines. Prepares and processes payroll deduction forms and coordinates deductions with the Payroll Department; ensures timeliness and accuracy of payroll deductions and makes corrections and adjustments as necessary.
4. Researches and resolves problems related to the employee benefit program; determines benefits eligibility effective dates, and services covered for employees; responds both orally and in writing to inquiries regarding the benefits program. Prepares correspondence, and other written materials as required; develops, updates and maintains forms, documents, records and materials necessary for implementation of benefits programs and communication of benefits information to employees; ensures timely distribution and delivery of materials; receives and routes mail.
5. Coordinate Affordable Care Act (ACA) process for the District. Work with third-party administrators to ensure compliance with ACA guidelines and maintain records to ensure that eligible employees are given access to appropriate health plan options.
6. Coordinates, administers and tracks leaves of absence; monitors and tracks leave of absences and follows up on required paperwork such as medical certifications, requests for extended leaves, and other required information; maintains contact with employees on leave to monitor progress and prompt return to work date.
7. Assist the Diversity, Title IX, and Compliance Officer with issues related to the American Disability Act (ADA), accommodations, and return to work process. Assist with researching professionals for fitness for duty examinations.
8. Respond to employee inquiries regarding retirement (CalPERS, CalSTRS) and disability insurance benefits (SDI) and procedures.
9. Assist with the coordination of annual worker’s compensation site inspections with campus risk management partner; assist with conducting accident investigations and proactive safety inspections, related to employee injury and property/liability issues; Assist the Diversity, Title IX, and Compliance Officer to conduct and recommend equipment purchases for employee ergonomic evaluations. Order ergonomic equipment for employees.
10. Act as Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) for campus RideShare program as governed by Rule 2202 guidelines. Work with Human Resources Operations Manager to develop and maintain campus marketing strategies, annual surveys and annual South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) reports. Coordinate payments and monthly participant tracking with Fiscal Services. Maintain ETC standing with the SCAQMD and participate in training and other educational opportunities as dictated by the RideShare program guidelines.
11. Serve on assigned District committees, including, but not limited to, the Health and Welfare Committee and the Safety Committee; collaborate and participate on the District Safety Committee on all site inspection concerns/issues and report employee injury statistics.
12. Extracts and compiles data from information systems; prepares and maintains statistical files, reports, documents and spreadsheets pertaining to the employee benefits program; ensures files and records are up to date, in order, accurate and properly documented, utilizing word processing and spreadsheet software; processes year end reports.
13. Meet schedules and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively and carry out required project details throughout the year.
14. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school and three (3) years administrative experience in a Human Resources environment or any combination equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Federal, State, County and District laws policies and practices with respect to employee benefits.
• Employee benefits programs and procedures and Human Resources functions and systems.
• Policies and laws necessary to process benefit-related documents Knowledge of record keeping techniques.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
• Record-keeping techniques and alpha and numeric filing systems.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; professional receptionist and telephone techniques.

Ability to:

• Learn and interpret Federal, State, County and District laws policies and practices with respect to employee benefits.
• Plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Work confidentially with discretion.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others Ability to understand scope of authority in making independent decisions.
• Effectively and efficiently assist in the management of the District's benefits programs.
• Seek and participate in professional development activities.
• Demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity of the diverse backgrounds of students, employees and the community.
• Work confidentially with discretion on sensitive and private information.
• Complete multi-faceted projects, activities and analyze technical problems
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive or confidential matters.

This posting is for two (2) vacancies.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS & SALARY

• Confidential
• Classified Leadership Salary Schedule, Range 3

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• The schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
• The schedule and location is subject to change based on District need.

• Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
• College Transcripts: Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

IN YOUR APPLICATION:

• List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and two colleagues. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, please apply by Sunday, August 25, 2025.
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Monday, September 22, 2025.
• Finalist interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

• Employment is contingent on residence in California.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.