Benefits Specialist

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Benefits Administration

• Administer and manage employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives
  .
• Process enrollments, terminations, and employee changes while ensuring accuracy and compliance with plan requirements.
• Assist in benefits-related employee communications, including open enrollment planning and execution, benefit education sessions, and new hire orientation materials
  .
• Work closely with vendors and third-party administrators to resolve benefits-related issues and provide timely responses to employee inquiries.
• Conduct regular audits of benefits records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support compliance efforts, ensuring adherence to ACA reporting, COBRA notifications, and ERISA guidelines
  .

• Leave of Absence Administration

• Oversee and manage FMLA, ADA, short-term disability, long-term disability, workers’ compensation, and personal leaves of absence
  .
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees, managers, and HR representatives regarding leave eligibility, processes, and accommodations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and tribal leave laws
  , maintaining accurate leave documentation and records.
• Partner with HR, payroll, and legal teams to facilitate return-to-work processes, reasonable accommodations, and leave tracking.
• Provide training and guidance to managers regarding leave policies, ADA accommodations, and best practices for supporting employees on leave
  .

• Data Analysis & Compliance

• Analyze benefits utilization trends, costs, and employee participation to provide recommendations for improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate HRIS benefits data
  , ensuring proper documentation and reporting for audits and compliance purposes.
• Generate and analyze reports related to benefits costs, leave trends, and workforce planning
  .
• Stay updated on changes in federal, state, and tribal employment laws that may impact benefits and leave policies, making recommendations for updates as necessary.

• Employee Support & Communication

• Provide direct employee support for benefit plan inquiries, claims assistance, and leave administration.
• Develop and deliver educational resources, including FAQs, guides, and presentations, to enhance employee understanding of benefits and leave programs.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to improve benefits offerings and increase employee engagement in wellness and benefits programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in HR, benefits administration, or leave management
  .
• Strong knowledge of leave administration processes, compliance requirements, and benefits regulations
  .
• Advanced proficiency in HRIS platforms, Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and reporting tools), and data analysis
  .
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights for decision-making
  .
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.

• HR certification (
  PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS
  ) preferred.
• Experience working with benefits vendors and third-party administrators
  .
• Familiarity with self-funded benefit plans and wellness program initiatives
  .
• Understanding of tribal law and its impact on employee benefits and leave policies is a plus
  .
• Experience working in tribal organizations, gaming, healthcare, or hospitality industries is preferred.

• Office environment with occasional travel for benefits fairs, training sessions, or vendor meetings
  .
• Ability to sit for extended periods and use a computer for prolonged hours
  .
• Must be able to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.