Benefits Specialist

Position Close Date:
March 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Salary: DOE

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

* 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

* 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.

Work Environment &

Physical Requirements:

* 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.