Job Information
State of Colorado Benefits Coordinator in Lakewood, Colorado
Benefits Coordinator
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Benefits Coordinator
Salary
$57,708.00 - $92,340.00 Annually
Location
Lakewood, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
RAA EDO 638 BC (1/2025)
Department
Department of Public Safety
Division
Executive Director's Office
Opening Date
01/29/2025
Closing Date
2/14/2025 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
700 Kipling St., Lakewood, CO 80215
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Laura Apodaca, 720-241-4657, laura.apodaca@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is open only to current Colorado state residents.
A n eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
Our Mission -Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities
Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado
Our Core Values – Unity, Honor, Service
CDPS commits to cultivating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment. We ensure that we recruit, retain, and promote engaged employees. Our approach to diversity is simple - it's about embracing everyone! We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative. Our strength is our promise to be inclusive with intentional strategies to welcome and uplift our employees to thrive - while building a more equitable workplace. CDPS is an equal opportunity employer. See our CDPS 2022 Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mhirfXA6CeujGdFetbkPOC78t2GASFdw/view?usp=drive_link) Why Do I Love My Job at CDPS
At CDPS we nurture a centric culture driven by our commitment of creating a safer Colorado, an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their own authentic self. We model a culture of collaboration, support and growth to our employees. Our culture has public service focus, and we strive to provide innovative solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans!
Careers with a purpose:
If you are passionate about public safety service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, this is the organization you want to join!
We are committed to providing public safety services to our fellow Coloradans in their times of greater needs such as: safety on our roads, preparing and mitigating environmental disasters, disaster recovery, combating crime, school safety, and victim recovery.
You’ll have the opportunity to challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while making a difference in our community!
When you join CDPS, you are joining a team of exceptional individuals and together you will be inspired, motivated and supported to become the best you can be.
Unmatched Benefits:
We highly value work life balance and offer excellent work-life programs, training and enriching professional development opportunities and a wide range of benefits.
Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave/family-medical-leave-act-fmla) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) (https://famli.colorado.gov/) .
Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
We offer unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA (https://www.copera.org/member-contribution-rates) for details.
CDPS provides generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave) and annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Additional benefits offered include tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado (https://www.cuofco.org/credit-union-colorado-membership-eligibility) membership eligibility.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits (https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits) .
Description of Job
About the Work Unit
The Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) Human Resources office exists to provide human resources services to the general public, applicants, managers, and employees of COPS. Consultation services include benefit administration, compensation consultation, employee relations, exam development, HR policy development, job analysis, job evaluation and classification, organizational development, new employee orientation and onboarding, performance management (PMP), interpretation of COPS HR policy, state personnel rules, state and federal employment laws, progressive discipline, records management, recruitment, responding to grievances, appeals, charges of discrimination, reorganization matters, retention, selection and selection appeals, worker's compensation, settlement advice, strategic planning and overall HR guidance to COPS managers, supervisors, and employees.
Work Environment
Hybrid (two days in the office minimum)
Work unit core business hours Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm (Flexible option available)
Mostly sedentary
About the Job
This position works in partnership with the Benefits Administrator and Payroll and Benefits Manager to ensure proper administration of benefits programs and services for CDPS’ 2200+ employees across the state.
This position coordinates benefit programs and consults with and advises employees on eligibility for insurance, PERA, and other benefits. Maintains benefit records and prepares documents necessary for implementing benefit coverage. Maintains all benefits records, health information, and employee/family personal information confidential. This position is also a subject matter expert in the State of Health Colorado Wellness Program and provides information to CDPS employees and Supervisors to ensure maximum participation. This position provides information and guidance to CDPS employees and management staff on all state benefit programs. Responsibilities require knowledge of Federal, State, and program rules and regulations, as well as an in-depth understanding of how those rules and regulations apply to benefit programs.
Key Responsibilities
Benefits Administration
Performs as the dedicated Benefits Coordinator and benefits advocate for more than 2,200 employees. Communicates with the DPA State Benefits Administration as necessary. Provides information to employees on medical, dental, wellness, flex spending, retirement plans, tax-deferred annuities, life insurance, Colorado State of Health, etc.
Views, approves and processes all changes to state benefits on-line enrollment system, death notifications, etc, for all employees to ensure all applicable rules, regulations, and laws are applied. Provides consultation and problem resolution and resources to employees and supervisors by interpreting agency policies and State personnel rules and regulations, and resolving benefit issues and problems with various carriers on behalf of employees. Ensures all materials and information are accurate and reflect the current state benefits. Views, approves, and processes all changes to state benefits on-line enrollment system for all employees by ensuring all applicable rules, regulations, and laws are applied.
Ensures department compliance with federal and state laws, including reporting requirements.
Working within the Benefit Administration System, independently investigates and reviews inquiries from employees, to include eligibility discrepancies and specific employee coverage issues.
Investigates and resolves complex eligibility issues within BenefitSolvers. Reviews documentation submitted by employees to verify dependents relationship with employees and exercise discretion in determining dependent eligibility.
Benefits Reconciliation and Reporting
Manage the benefits email box, phone messages, weekly queries, and ongoing and annual benefits enrollment activities.
Coordinates proper employee compensation with payroll colleagues on employees using leave without pay. Determines whether employees will owe for benefits and communicate deadlines and processes to employees regarding their premiums owed.
Ensures security of employee medical information. Maintain records and administer processes for compliance to state regulations.
Responds to phone calls and messages, assists walk-in traffic, and responds to email and other inquiries, including following through to report findings/resolution.
Views, approves, and processes changes to state benefits in the online enrollment system, death notifications, etc., for all employees to ensure all applicable rules, regulations, and laws are applied.
Guides employees through benefits enrollment, open enrollment, benefits changes.
Researches employee benefit and health and safety practices, and recommend changes or modifications to existing policies.
Plans and develops curricula and materials for training programs and conduct training.
Assists in preparation and maintaining personnel guidance materials and handbooks.
Issues required by law, notice to separating employees.
Maintains current knowledge of State Personnel Rule, State Statutes, plan documents, benefits related IRS rules (HIPAA, ACA, etc.), and interpreting these rules to answer questions.
Conducts benefit enrollment audits.
Provides retirement enrollment information and paperwork to PERA.
Develop procedures, conduct open enrollment, and any training needed to enhance employee access and understanding of benefit related information.
Acts as the expert on benefits systems that employees use to enroll in and trains employees and other HR staff on the use of systems.
Runs reports and works with payroll to ensure that all issues surrounding payroll are resolved in a timely fashion.
Ensures required personnel records are maintained and accurate. Includes statistical records and any necessary reports as required by the Department of Personnel, Controller’s Office and other state agencies.
Responds to audit queries, CORA, or any other requests as required. Ensures all required publications are clearly posted and maintained as required under federal and state law.
Training, Customer Support
Conducts monthly New Employee Orientation. Also, as necessary, conducts special New Employee Orientations and follow up for CSP Cadet, POE Academy classes that sometimes occur outside of normal business hours. Provides additional attention and meetings to Divisions with a large number of new hires that may be outside of the 30 day deadline for enrollment.
Completes New Employee Orientation sign in sheet in preparation for orientation and the Statewide NEO spreadsheet. Submits Statewide NEO spreadsheet to DPA on the first working day each month.
Assists the Benefits Administrator to manage open enrollment annually to ensure employees are informed about changes to benefit options and ensures all employees enroll when there is a mandatory open enrollment and that all required documents are present.
Administers and coordinates wellness activities and events department wide ensuring accessibility and equity.
Collaborates with stakeholders on creation of benefits guides in an accessible format to provide resources to the employees on benefits selections, requirements, and deadlines as a value add service to increase employee understanding and compliance.
Position may be required to travel to different parts of the State where our offices are located periodically to provide open enrollment meeting or benefit trainings.
Ensures appropriate use of time and leave keeping system by facilitating necessary updates and conducting training as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.
Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills
Six (6) years of relevant experience in employee benefits or a related human resource role.
OR Education and Experience, Knowledge, Skills
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in employee benefits or a related human resource role equal to six (6) years.
Preferred Qualifications and Competencies
Solid understanding of employee benefits programs (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.)
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping.
Proficiency in Google Suite and HRIS systems.
Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism.
Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to addressing employee benefit concerns.
Conditions of Employment
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking.
Must be Colorado resident at the time of application
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available atwww.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at:www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Information
Are you in need of an accommodation?
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources atcdps_hr@state.co.us.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources department at cdps_hr@state.co.us.
Recruitment Timeline Information and Important Notices
Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional informationmay not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
Military Veterans:If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
Application Tips: For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view thisvideo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUwZiY6G24U&feature=emb_logo) .
Resumes, Cover Letters,or other documents submitted: willnot be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the minimum qualifications review (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this). You must complete the application.
Notifications All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to theemail address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from " state.co.us " and " info@governmentjobs.com " addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
Comparative Analysis Stepsmayinclude:
Structured application review by a panel of SMEs
An online skills assessment
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Please explain what experience you have as a benefits coordinator or equivalent to meet the minimum qualifications for this position?
02
A resume and a cover letter are required for your application to be complete. Your cover letter should describe how your experience aligns with the minimum qualifications and exceptional candidate section of this announcement. Documents must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement. Please note that you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Did you attach a resume and a cover letter to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.
Yes
No
03
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, an unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process. Have you attached a legible copy of your official or unofficial transcripts?
Yes
No
04
I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.
Yes, I understand that
No
05
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If you are not a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please state "N/A".
06
If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Did you submit your DD-214?
Yes
No
N/A - Not Applicable
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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