Metropolitan Council
Benefits Administrator
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Benefits Administrator
Salary
$68,078.40 - $110,489.60 Annually
Location
390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN
Job Type
Full-Time
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2025-00246
Division
Regional Administration
Department
HR Benefits
Opening Date
09/17/2025
Closing Date
10/8/2025 11:59 PM Central
Description
Benefits
Questions
WHO WE ARE
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.More information about us on our website. (https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/The-Council-Who-We-Are.aspx)
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Human Resources works with all divisions of the Metropolitan Council to provide proactive solutions for the Council's workforce needs in the areas of recruitment, hiring, labor relations, benefits, training, organizational development, occupational health, and wellness.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
TheBenefits Administrator manages tasks associated with employee benefit plans for active/terminated/retired employees of Metropolitan Council in accordance with policies, contracts, bargaining unit agreements, and federal/state regulations and laws. They ensure accurate processing of status changes, union changes and new hire benefit enrollments. They also provide guidance to active and inactive employees regarding medical, dental, flexible spending, life insurance, long term disability (LTD), deferred compensation programs, retiree benefits, and COBRA continuation. In addition, they coordinate benefits premiums collection for employees on leaves of absence.
Notes: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will create a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings.
What you would do in this job
Explain provisions of the insurance benefit programs for employees and retirees. Provide information about the online enrollment site and answer questions about changes in contracts and coverage, determining if requests meet legal requirements. Perform administrative functions within the online enrollment site (Benefitfocus)
Ensure that work status changes and qualified status changes affecting employee insurance coverage are correctly processed.
Audit to ensure HRIS system (PeopleSoft) accurately reflects benefits elections as loaded from the system of record (Benefitfocus).
Participate in open enrollment activities for active employees; conduct benefits segment of New Employee Orientation.
Act as liaison between employees, retirees, and insurance carriers to ensure 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.
Monitor leaves of absence and missing paychecks. Run automated processes or provide manual process to collect premiums where no payroll deduction has occurred. Coordinate billing process for premium collection. Provide documentation of benefits at medical disqualification meetings. Administer Qualified Medical Support orders and benefit portions of employment verifications.
Coordinate life insurance claims for employees and retirees.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of education (Human Resources, Health Administration or a related field)ANDexperience in benefits administration in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization.
High school diploma/GED with five (5) years of experience.
Associate degree with three (3) years of experience.
Bachelor’s degree with one (1) year of experience.
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
PeopleSoft and/or Benefitfocus experience
Payroll and/or accounting experience
Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of benefits administration processes and legislative requirements.
Knowledge of policies; procedures; labor agreements; and federal/state laws, regulations, and statutes as they relate to employee benefit plans.
Basic Microsoft Word skills, intermediate Microsoft Excel skills.
Ability to read and interpret documents, instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts.
Skill to provide basic client services to the public and other agencies within the organization while exercising tact, courtesy and cooperation when exchanging information.
Ability to promote an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among employees.
What you can expect from us:
We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.
More about why you should join us! (http://metrocouncil.org/Employment/Making-A-Difference.aspx)
Additional information
Union/Grade: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees/Grade E
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
We review your minimum qualifications.
We rate your education and experience.
We conduct a structured panel interview.
We conduct a selection interview.
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only) and a background check, which verifies education and employment, covers driving record (if applicable to the job) and any criminal record. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance
The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:
Well@Work clinic
bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
parking at many job locations
fitness centers at many job locations
Employee Assistance Program
extensive health and wellness programs and resources
01
Applicant Instructions: It is important thatyour application shows all relevant education and experienceyou possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. Resumes will not be accepted for this recruitment. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.
Yes
No
02
How did youfirsthear about this job opening?
CareerForce Center
Community Event/Organization
Employee Referral
Facebook
Glassdoor
Indeed
Job Fair
LinkedIn
Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
Twitter
Website: governmentjobs.com
Website: metrocouncil.org
Website: metrotransit.org
Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
Other
03
If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.
04
Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.
A bachelor’s or higher degree in Human Resources, Health Administration or related field AND one or more years of benefits administration experience in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization.
An Associate degree in Human Resources, Health Administration or related field AND three or more years of benefits administration experience in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization.
A high school diploma/GED AND five or more years of benefits administration experience in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization.
Some education in Human Resources, Health Administration or related field AND/OR some benefits administration experience in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization, but less than the options above.
None of the above.
05
Please select the items below which reflect your work experience and skills (select all that apply).
PeopleSoft experience
Benefitfocus experience
Payroll experience
Accounting experience
CEBS certification
None of the above.
06
If you indicated in question #5 that you have PeopleSoft experience, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place and for how long. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."
07
If you indicated in question #5 that you have Benefitfocus experience, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place and for how long. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."
08
If you indicated in question #5 that you have payroll experience, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place and for how long. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."
09
If you indicated in question #5 that you have accounting experience, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place and for how long. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."
10
Tell us about a time you had to alter your work style to meet a diversity need or challenge.
Required Question
Employer
Metropolitan Council
Address
390 Robert St. N.St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Website
https://metrocouncil.org
Apply
Please verify your email addressVerify Email
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/metrocouncil/jobs/newprint/5079255)
Apply
Benefits Administrator
Salary
$68,078.40 - $110,489.60 Annually
Location
390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN
Job Type
Full-Time
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2025-00246
Division
Regional Administration
Department
HR Benefits
Opening Date
09/17/2025
Closing Date
10/8/2025 11:59 PM Central
Description
Benefits
Questions
WHO WE ARE
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.More information about us on our website. (https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/The-Council-Who-We-Are.aspx)
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Human Resources works with all divisions of the Metropolitan Council to provide proactive solutions for the Council's workforce needs in the areas of recruitment, hiring, labor relations, benefits, training, organizational development, occupational health, and wellness.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
TheBenefits Administrator manages tasks associated with employee benefit plans for active/terminated/retired employees of Metropolitan Council in accordance with policies, contracts, bargaining unit agreements, and federal/state regulations and laws. They ensure accurate processing of status changes, union changes and new hire benefit enrollments. They also provide guidance to active and inactive employees regarding medical, dental, flexible spending, life insurance, long term disability (LTD), deferred compensation programs, retiree benefits, and COBRA continuation. In addition, they coordinate benefits premiums collection for employees on leaves of absence.
Notes: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will create a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings.
What you would do in this job
Explain provisions of the insurance benefit programs for employees and retirees. Provide information about the online enrollment site and answer questions about changes in contracts and coverage, determining if requests meet legal requirements. Perform administrative functions within the online enrollment site (Benefitfocus)
Ensure that work status changes and qualified status changes affecting employee insurance coverage are correctly processed.
Audit to ensure HRIS system (PeopleSoft) accurately reflects benefits elections as loaded from the system of record (Benefitfocus).
Participate in open enrollment activities for active employees; conduct benefits segment of New Employee Orientation.
Act as liaison between employees, retirees, and insurance carriers to ensure 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.
Monitor leaves of absence and missing paychecks. Run automated processes or provide manual process to collect premiums where no payroll deduction has occurred. Coordinate billing process for premium collection. Provide documentation of benefits at medical disqualification meetings. Administer Qualified Medical Support orders and benefit portions of employment verifications.
Coordinate life insurance claims for employees and retirees.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of education (Human Resources, Health Administration or a related field)ANDexperience in benefits administration in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization.
High school diploma/GED with five (5) years of experience.
Associate degree with three (3) years of experience.
Bachelor’s degree with one (1) year of experience.
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
PeopleSoft and/or Benefitfocus experience
Payroll and/or accounting experience
Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of benefits administration processes and legislative requirements.
Knowledge of policies; procedures; labor agreements; and federal/state laws, regulations, and statutes as they relate to employee benefit plans.
Basic Microsoft Word skills, intermediate Microsoft Excel skills.
Ability to read and interpret documents, instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts.
Skill to provide basic client services to the public and other agencies within the organization while exercising tact, courtesy and cooperation when exchanging information.
Ability to promote an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among employees.
What you can expect from us:
We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.
More about why you should join us! (http://metrocouncil.org/Employment/Making-A-Difference.aspx)
Additional information
Union/Grade: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees/Grade E
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
We review your minimum qualifications.
We rate your education and experience.
We conduct a structured panel interview.
We conduct a selection interview.
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only) and a background check, which verifies education and employment, covers driving record (if applicable to the job) and any criminal record. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance
The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:
Well@Work clinic
bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
parking at many job locations
fitness centers at many job locations
Employee Assistance Program
extensive health and wellness programs and resources
01
Applicant Instructions: It is important thatyour application shows all relevant education and experienceyou possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. Resumes will not be accepted for this recruitment. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.
Yes
No
02
How did youfirsthear about this job opening?
CareerForce Center
Community Event/Organization
Employee Referral
Glassdoor
Indeed
Job Fair
Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
Website: governmentjobs.com
Website: metrocouncil.org
Website: metrotransit.org
Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
Other
03
If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.
04
Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.
A bachelor’s or higher degree in Human Resources, Health Administration or related field AND one or more years of benefits administration experience in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization.
An Associate degree in Human Resources, Health Administration or related field AND three or more years of benefits administration experience in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization.
A high school diploma/GED AND five or more years of benefits administration experience in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization.
Some education in Human Resources, Health Administration or related field AND/OR some benefits administration experience in a mid-size (500+ employees) or larger organization, but less than the options above.
None of the above.
05
Please select the items below which reflect your work experience and skills (select all that apply).
PeopleSoft experience
Benefitfocus experience
Payroll experience
Accounting experience
CEBS certification
None of the above.
06
If you indicated in question #5 that you have PeopleSoft experience, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place and for how long. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."
07
If you indicated in question #5 that you have Benefitfocus experience, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place and for how long. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."
08
If you indicated in question #5 that you have payroll experience, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place and for how long. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."
09
If you indicated in question #5 that you have accounting experience, please describe that experience including duties performed, where the experience took place and for how long. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A."
10
Tell us about a time you had to alter your work style to meet a diversity need or challenge.
Required Question
Employer
Metropolitan Council
Address
390 Robert St. N.St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Website
https://metrocouncil.org
Apply
Please verify your email addressVerify Email