Benefits & Leave Specialist

BIG BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MINT: Weekly PayCompetitive Medical, Dental, and Vision BenefitsFully Paid Company Life Insurance401K with Company MatchSalary PTOFSA/HSAWe have BIG FUN! JOB SUMMARY: The Benefits & Leave Specialist serves as a centralized shared services resource supporting all Kentucky operations. This role is responsible for the administration of Team Member benefit programs and leave of absence processes (such as FMLA, ADA, PWFA, Military, etc.), acting as the subject matter expert while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and company policies. The Specialist promotes a positive Team Member experience through effective communication, benefits education, and responsive service delivery. SCOPE: The Specialist exercises independent judgment in administering required programs, HRIS updates and tracking, interpreting policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and resolving Team Member inquiries. This role collaborates with HR teams, operational leaders, Team Members, and benefit vendors, while maintaining centralized ownership and accountability for all benefits and leave processes. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Administer all Team Member benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and all other ancillary plans, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of enrollments, changes, and terminations.Serve as the primary liaison with benefit contacts, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to answer questions, resolve issues, provide information, and ensure established standards are being met.Maintain and update benefits data within HRIS systems, including daily review of the UKG Benefit Hub for changes, approvals, and pending actions.Monitors and approves Benefit Ledger on a weekly basis prior to EDI feed export to ensure timely updates. Review Evidence of Insurability (EOI) requirements and monitor system dashboards to ensure completion, accuracy, and compliance.Determine leave eligibility, issue required notices, and maintain compliant documentation in accordance with federal, state, and company requirements.Manage the full lifecycle of leave of absence programs, including FMLA, military leave, personal leave, short-term disability, etc.Respond to Team Member and management inquiries related to benefits and leave in a timely and professional manner.Track leave usage accordingly via UKG Pro and UKG Workforce Management system.Administer and support the interactive process for accommodation requests under the ADA, PWFA, and other applicable laws by gathering information, coordinating communications, and maintaining compliant documentation.Identify and escalate complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive accommodation matters to site HR Managers or Senior HR Director for further review.Collaborate closely with the payroll team for any benefit inquiries, updates, discrepancies, premium deduction plans or over-payments.Communicate with HR Administrators and Generalists regarding Team Members on unpaid leave to support accurate weekly payroll notes.Review and process HR mail from benefit carriers, including Anthem, Principal, McGregor, and Voya for billing, required communications, and follow-up needs.Coordinate with HR Generalists on workers’ compensation leave needs as necessary.Manage COBRA notices and coverage changes. Prepare and submit monthly HSA deduction reports.Coordinate and support the annual open enrollment process under the guidance of the Senior Director of HR, including system configuration, communication, and Team Member education.Administers ACA filing following regulatory compliance.Manages Employee Assistance Programs and resources.Assists the Payroll Manager and Voya Aon 401k with any inquiries, updates, reimbursements, or Team Member communication.Build and enhance wellness program awareness and incentives.Ensure adherence to all company policies, regulatory requirements, and gaming industry compliance standards. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or equivalent.Minimum 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration and leave management.Strong working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and regulatory programs.Experience working with HRIS systems; UKG, preferred.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Must be 21 years of age or older.Must pass all required pre-screening and background checks.Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky gaming/racing license. The Mint Gaming Hall an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law