Benefits Specialist

Employee Benefits Specialist – Taking care of those who take care of our patients and organization!

About the Job

Position supports the administration and maintenance of employee benefit programs, including, but not limited to, health plans, supplemental plans, and retirement plans, as well as the benefit enrollment platform. Provides excellent customer service at all levels of the organization, serving as a knowledgeable, proactive, solutions-oriented, and prompt resource handling all inquiries related to employee benefits.

Responsibilities

• Provides thorough guidance to employees on benefit plan questions and discrepancies in a prompt manner, working with vendors as needed to resolve issues
• Advises employees on eligibility and other matters related to benefits; refers to the benefits vendor as needed
• Identifies and resolves benefit questions through research and policy interpretation
• Assists with the planning of employee benefit initiatives
• Explains benefits programs and assists with enrollment and provides guidance on the benefit claims process and resolution of claim issues in partnership with corresponding benefits vendors , as needed
• Educates new and existing employees on benefit policies and documentation requirements, including but not limited to new hire enrollment, life events, and annual open enrollment
• Functions as a liaison between vendors and employees and advises employees on eligibility, coverage, and other benefits matters
• Manages difficult and sensitive employee conversations with a high level of tact and diplomacy and utmost discretion
• Audits and approves benefit transactions and payroll deductions, collecting documentation when needed; works in collaboration with Payroll, Accounting, and other areas as required
• Manages all processes related to employee benefits claims, including claim submissions, vendor questions, and verifications
• Responsible for tracking, auditing reporting of employee benefits programs
• Maintains the accuracy of employee benefit platforms' data
• Communicates retirement plan information for physicians and employees, answering questions, and oversees retirement enrollment
• Manages retirement platform administration, auditing, and resolving errors and service requests as received in a timely manner
• Responsible for reporting, auditing, reconciliation, and payment of vendor invoices; reviews invoices to ensure accuracy
• Conducts benefit enrollment classes and open enrollment activities; develops and presents classes or information to employees and departments
• Supports employee leaves and disability processes, in partnership with the employee leaves vendor, staying current on regulations and policies
• Assists in market best practices research, benefit trends, and provides recommendations for employee benefit programs and process efficiencies
• Maintains knowledge and stays abreast of current human resources trends, best practices, and federal and local regulations and laws to ensure compliance with employee benefits programs

This is a full-time,dayposition. This role may be eligible for partial or full remote work, depending on defined business needs, work assignments, system resources, and prior approval.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preference for Human Resources, Business or related; 2 years' related experience may be accepted in lieu of degree
• Minimum 1 year Human Resources or related customer service experience required
• Previous HRIS experience preferred
• Demonstrates knowledge of laws and regulations related to employee benefit programs
• Detail oriented, organized and excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Knack for forming and maintaining productive working relationships
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced, priority-change work environment
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential information
• Strong player and team collaboration orientation; adopts a “get it done together” attitude

About Kootenai Health

Kootenai Health is a highly esteemed healthcare organization serving patients throughout northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We have been recognized with many accolades and distinctions, including…