Benefits Specialist II/III - Human Resources

BENEFITS SPECIALIST II/III

The County of Tulare Human Resources & Development Department (HRD) is seeking a knowledgeable and customer-focused Benefits Specialist to join our Benefits Unit. This role plays a key part in administering employee benefit programs, supporting employees through life-event changes, and ensuring accurate and timely benefit processing. This position requires someone who is collaborative, detail-oriented and passionate about working in an employee support position. The selected candidate should have an understanding of insurance processes and be able to navigate multiple systems with accuracy and professionalism.

The key responsibilities of this position will be to administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and voluntary benefits. The selected candidate will provide guidance to employees regarding eligibility, enrollment, qualifying life events, and coverage options by delivering high-quality customer service to employees at all levels of the organization.
This position may be filled at either Level II or Level III depending on meeting the requirements of the position. Salary information for each level is listed below:

Level II: $4,284 - $5,221 Monthly & $51,403 - $62,646 Annually
Level III $4, 798 -$5,847 Monthly & $57,570 - $70,163 Annually

Typical Duties

The Human Resources Specialist II is the journey level in the Human Resources Specialist series where incumbents are be expected to perform complex assignments, which require a comprehensive knowledge of an HRIS system and/or benefits field. The incumbent will be given assignments that require initiative, resourcefulness, independent decision-making and demonstrated good judgment. The incumbent will have a significant role in planning and providing formal training during open enrollment periods, new employee orientation, and systems training for decentralized operations.

The Human Resources Specialist III is the lead level in the Human Resources Specialist series and is characterized by its responsibility for performing advanced human resource duties. This classification works independently and exercises good judgment in the performance of complex tasks, which requires a comprehensive knowledge of human resources programs and services.
Key Duties and Responsibilities would included but not be limited to:

• Demonstrated health insurance experience, as required for all Benefits Unit recruitments.

• Experience in employee benefits administration, insurance processing, or related HR functions.

• Working knowledge of benefits eligibility rules, enrollments, and life-event processing (consistent with County HCM benefits workflows).

• Proficiency with HRIS/HCM systems and comfort working with employee demographic and employment data.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education Required for Level II & III: Equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college with major course work in public or business administration or closely related field.

Level II Required Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience with automated payroll, HRIS or benefits record keeping systems that involved system planning, implementation, maintenance and significant data extraction, manipulation and reporting.

Level III Required Experience : Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience with human resources, payroll or benefits information systems which involve planning, implementation, auditing, maintenance and significant data extraction, manipulation and reporting. At least two (2) years of the experience must be as a Human Resources Specialist II.

PREFERRED AND HIGHLY DESIRED EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• Experience in a public-sector HR environment.

• Familiarity with IRS Section 125, union contracts, and County benefit structures.

• Experience collaborating with HR teams on recruitment forms, timelines, and supplemental documentation such as SAFs (as reflected in internal recruitment practices).

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions.
• An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions.
• Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act : This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 19

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement : The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave : 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.

Vacation Accrual :
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.

FLSA exempt employees accrue an additional 5 days of vacation per year.

Sick Leave Accrual : 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Career Incentive Pay

Employees who have completed five (5) or more Years of Service with Tulare County and meet the eligibility criteria described in Administrative Regulation – 52, earn additional pay according to the schedule below. Excludes Fire Battalion Chiefs.

Years of Service

% Increase

Total

5

3%

3%

10

2%

5%

15

3%

8%

20

2%

10%

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $30,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Long Term Disability Insurance: A Long Term Disability plan is provided. This provides financial protection for you by paying a portion of your income while you are disabled.

Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.

Deferred Compensation : A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Tulare - HR&D

• 559-636-4900

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