Employee Benefits Specialist

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) is seeking a detail-oriented customer-focused Employee Benefits Specialist to support the administration of the contracted Employee Benefit this role youll handle member and service provider inquires by phone and email maintain and entering data reconciling discrepancies and coordinating closely with carrier representatives employers and the billing administrator. Consistently delivering excellent customer service is a key aspect of this role.

Founded in 1933 AWC is a private nonprofit nonpartisan organization which provides a wide array of services to Washingtons cities and towns. AWC builds connections between our states diverse cities and towns while providing our members with the support needed to thrive through delivery of data-driven education nationally recognized pooling programs and nonpartisan advocacy. AWC is a vibrant fast-paced organization supported by 70 employees who are passionate about serving our members. We have a diverse team with subject matter expertise in various areas.

The AWC Employee Benefit Trust (AWC Trust) is a member service of the Association of Washington Cities and is Washingtons premier local government benefit pool for cities towns and other local governments. The AWC Trust provides a broad selection of benefit insurance options and health management programs for members.

AWC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We value the unique views backgrounds experiences expertise and potential of all our employees. We are committed to following our core values of collaboration equity innovation integrity and respect.

Compensation and benefits:

Salary

The full salary range for this position is $61901- $92852 annually. The top candidates placement within the range will typically fall between the minimum and 25th percentile of the range depending on education training experience and other conditions consistent with AWC policy. A compensation market analysis is completed every other year. As outlined in policy AWC employees generally receive an annual adjustment based on market and economic changes and an increase based on meeting full performance expectations.

Health insurance

AWC pays 100% of the medical premium for employees and 90% of the medical premium for spouse/domestic partner and child(ren) up to age 26. Dental and vision insurance are fully paid by AWC for employees and eligible dependents.

Retirement benefits

For every $1 an employee contributes toward their 401(k) AWC matches the contribution with $1.20 up to 10% of the employees base salary (IRS limits apply). Employer match can also be applied towards eligible student loan payments.

Paid leave

Employees accrue four hours of paid vacation leave in the first year of employment for every semi-monthly pay period with vacation accrual increasing over time; four hours of paid sick leave for every semi-monthly pay period; 11 paid holidays and two floating holidays each year.

Additional benefits

Basic life insurance and disability insurance; employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) ranging from $770 to $1980 based upon enrollment in the medical insurance plans; access to outstanding performance awards and tuition assistance; and staff appreciation events.

This position is eligible for full telework in the state of Washington.

Recruitment closes on March 10 2026 at 5:00 pm.

What youll be doing:

• Respond to member inquiries regarding eligibility claims appeals and benefit-related issues.
• Provide education and guidance to COBRA and retiree participants on benefits and options available.
• Review and audit active and retiree enrollment forms for completeness and compliance with underwriting rules.
• Perform data entry and maintenance of the online enrollment reporting and billing system.
• Assist with vendor management of the online billing and eligibility system.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with carrier partners and vendors to resolve eligibility discrepancies.
• Assist in writing reviewing and proofreading program communications.
• Staff various events of the organization as needed.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 4 years experience in the health care field including customer service benefits administration and work with a multi-employer association or non-profit organization.
• Associate degree in a related field. Experience may be substituted year-for-year for academic achievement.
• HIPAA privacy training preferred

What you bring to the team:

• Knowledge of benefits structures including deductibles coinsurance copays and formularies.
• Understanding of health-related federal and state regulations and HIPAA requirements.
• Excellent communication skillswritten and verbalwith strong proofreading and grammar abilities.
• Strong listening skills and customer service orientation.
• Accurate typing and data entry skills.
• Ability to make decisions act independently and manage confidential and time sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of human resources and labor relations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn new software systems.
• Commitment to diversity equity inclusion and belonging.

Working conditions:

This role is primarily office-based with extended desk and computer work. Duties may include lifting and carrying up to 15 pounds standing for long periods of time repetitive hand motions and stooping. Hours may be irregular and may begin or end beyond the normal workday when necessary to perform duties.

To request reasonable accommodations in the application process please email

AWC is looking for people who can help us achieve our mission and vision not just check the boxes. If youre excited about this role and interested in supporting local government we encourage you to apply. You might just be the right candidate for this role or other roles at AWC!

All offers of employment are contingent to authorization for employment in the United States criminal background check reference checks and required education/credential verification. Information obtained from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be considered.

All AWC employees must work in Washington state unless explicitly preapproved by the CEO to work in Oregon or Idaho.

AWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity on our team. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race color religion creed sex sexual orientation national origin ancestry age perceived or actual physical or mental disability genetic information marital status veteran status gender identity or expression as required by federal state and local laws.