Human Resources Assistant

About the Role

Macomb County Government is seeking a dedicated Human Resources Assistant to support specialized HR functions involving employee and retiree benefits, retirement/pension administration, leaves of absence, and worker’s compensation. This position is classified as non-exempt and offers overtime pay as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Human Resources policies. The salary range is $50,007 to $64,680 annually. Employment is subject to a probationary period and is covered by the AFSCME Local 411 bargaining unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee enrollment and manage employee and retiree medical, dental, and vision insurance by verifying forms and recording data in Workday/HRIS and vendor portals.
• Administer various leaves of absence by evaluating eligibility, tracking available time, and maintaining clear communication with involved parties.
• Serve as a resource to employees for healthcare and retirement plan discussions.
• Compile, reconcile, and maintain benefit information, including invoices and payment processing.
• Calculate final pension reports accurately using the actuarial system and coordinate with payroll.
• Manage life insurance records, including beneficiary updates and processing claims.
• Coordinate pension rollovers to annuities, consulting financial advisors as needed.
• Maintain comprehensive benefit and workers’ compensation data and produce relevant reports.
• Support compliance and data management activities across all benefits areas.
• Respond to inquiries from employees and retirees regarding benefits.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and other HR documents.
• Manage benefit and HR data within various software systems and vendor portals.
• Facilitate understanding and use of insurance plans in coordination with service providers.
• Liaise with third-party administrators for worker’s compensation claims.
• Assist with new hire orientations and annual open enrollment for benefits.
• Provide front desk support, including handling the county switchboard and department emails.
• Operate a vehicle as part of job duties and perform other assigned tasks.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: High School diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience in human resources or benefits administration.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience managing data within computer systems and using benefit vendor platforms for processing enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license and access to an insured, operational vehicle for job travel.

Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with public sector benefits and retirement programs, including Macomb County Employees Retirement System Ordinance.
• Understanding of HR policies, procedures, and related federal laws such as ACA, FMLA, USERRA, ADA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
• Proficiency with computer systems like Workday, ADP, Gallagher, Onbase, Microsoft Office, and vendor software.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective interactions with staff and the public.
• Ability to independently analyze situations, apply judgment, manage time, and organize effectively.
• Capability to handle sensitive information confidentially and perform specialized calculations accurately under pressure.
• Competence in maintaining clerical records, preparing reports, and understanding oral and written instructions.
• English communication skills required; proficiency in an additional language preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily works in an office environment.
• Exposure to occasional interaction with hostile individuals.
• Physical activities include occasional bending, sitting, standing, walking, driving, grasping, and lifting/moving objects up to 34 pounds.
• Frequent tasks involve fine finger dexterity such as keyboard usage and writing.

Additional Information

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage is provided at no monthly premium for employees, effective first day of employment.
• Position compliance includes adherence to state emergency management laws and county policies.
• Reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities are available as required by federal law.
• Employment relationship is just cause and subject to terms negotiated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.