The Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Benefits Specialist to support the administration of employee benefits programs across the organization.
This position plays a vital role in ensuring County employees receive timely, accurate, and supportive assistance with their benefits, including enrollments, qualifying events, retirement options, and carrier communications. The Benefits Specialist helps maintain compliance with State and Federal regulations and contributes to a positive employee experience through high-quality service and precise benefits processing.
The ideal candidate is organized, responsive, and committed to accuracy. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to interpret and apply policies, and a collaborative mindset when working with employees, retirees, carriers, and internal HR partners.
What You'll Do
- Assist employees and retirees via phone, email, in-person, or virtual platforms with questions regarding benefits, enrollment processes, claim forms, and eligibility requirements.
- Support enrollments and changes, including new hires, qualifying events, and Florida Retirement System (FRS) applications and plan elections.
- Coordinate dependent eligibility verification processes.
- Perform accurate benefits-related data entry and maintain supporting documentation.
- Review and validate benefit elections and determine required payroll or reporting actions; ensure timely follow-up when additional information is needed.
- Communicate with benefit carriers to resolve enrollment, eligibility, and reporting issues.
- Assist with Benefits Briefings, Updates, and Annual Open Enrollment activities.
- Conduct research, complete surveys, and prepare reports to support improvements in benefits practices and procedures.
- Participate in reviewing and updating standard operating procedures related to benefits.
- Support benefits plan setup, maintenance, testing, and updates within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
- Maintain accurate records, forms, and documentation in accordance with County ordinances and applicable State and Federal regulations.
- Participate in professional development activities such as training, seminars, and conferences to stay current on benefits regulations and best practices.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Insurance Management, or a closely related field
AND
- Two (2) years of closely related professional experience, defined as experience in one or more of the following:
- Benefits administration, including enrollment processing or eligibility management
- Payroll administration involving benefit deductions or reconciliations
- Retirement plan administration (e.g., FRS or similar systems)
- Leave administration, including FMLA, ADA, or workers’ compensation coordination
- HRIS benefits setup, testing, maintenance, or reporting
- Healthcare or insurance eligibility, claims processing, or enrollment operations
- Administration of self-funded health, dental, or pharmacy plans
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Preferred
- One (1) year of experience administering employee benefit programs, including IRS Section 125 cafeteria or wellness programs, is preferred.
- Experience with self-funded benefit plans is preferred.
- Professional certifications such as CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP are preferred.
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Why Join Us?
At Lee County BoCC, we are committed to delivering high-quality service to our employees and residents. As a Benefits Specialist, you will play an essential role in supporting the well-being of our workforce and ensuring employees receive the information and assistance they need to make informed benefits decisions. If you are passionate about helping others, enjoy detailed work, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.
About the Department
The Lee County Human Resources Department supports more than 2,800 employees across all County operations by delivering services that strengthen our workforce and promote an exceptional employee experience. HR partners with every department to provide expertise in recruitment, training and development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and workforce planning.
We are committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment where employees are empowered to grow, succeed, and serve our community effectively. Through innovative HR practices and responsive customer service, we help ensure that Lee County remains an employer of choice in Southwest Florida.
About Lee County:
Lee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 800,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit. Find out more about Lee County at
Lee County Government.
