Benefits Specialist - Tribal Operations

Job Summary

The Benefits Specialist will provide day-to-day administration of benefits and leave of absence programs for Tribal Operations team members of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). The Benefits Specialist will provide exceptional customer service by consulting, advising, and assisting team members with benefits-related programs. The position will assist the Manager of Compensation and Benefits by researching, analyzing, evaluating, and administering benefit plans/programs and maintaining benefit records and documents. This position will maintain external and internal compliance with all applicable policies and procedures.

Primary Job Duties

• Administer the leave of absence program in partnership with outside vendor(s) and ensure compliance with policies and procedures. Work with HR Business Partners and appropriate departments to facilitate return to work and to keep all involved parties informed.
• Respond to inquiries related to benefit programs.
• Assist team members with benefits enrollment and life event changes as needed. Ensure required documents are processed through the appropriate channels and vendors.
• Own the vendor invoicing, audit, and reconciliation process for all benefit invoices.
• Serve as primary contact for the Accounts Payable department and for vendors to resolve invoice issues.
• Ensure accuracy of benefits enrollment information and appropriate payroll deductions.
• Maintain electronic benefit files for both active and inactive team members.
• Monitor team member payroll deductions and payment of team member portion of benefit plans, notify team member of amounts in arrears, and take appropriate action to ensure payment.
• Perform audits on all benefit programs to ensure accuracy and make appropriate changes as needed.
• Partner with the SMSC Health and Wellness team and assist with events and programs.
• Participate and assist with annual benefits open enrollment planning, presentations, communication, and education materials.
• Assist in processing life claims and communicating with beneficiaries, if needed.
• Works on special projects as assigned.

Reflects MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, CERTIFICATION and EXPERIENCE required to meet the expectations of this job:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in benefits.
• Working knowledge and understanding of employee benefit programs to include health and welfare plans, retirement plans, paid time off plans, and other commonly provided benefits programs.
• Understands and is familiar with state and federal regulations to include but not limited to ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) Suite; strong Excel experience preferred.
• Experience working with HCM system, preferably UKG.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Independent judgment and excellent customer service and follow-through skills.
• Ability to take initiative, act proactively, and solve problems.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Organized and attention to detail with strong administrative and documentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities effectively, and make good decisions based on departmental priorities and processing deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply internal policies and procedures and to communicate them accurately to others.