Benefits Specialist - Tribal Operations

About the Role

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). This role delivers exceptional customer service by consulting, advising, and assisting team members with benefits-related programs. The Benefits Specialist will support the Manager of Compensation and Benefits by researching, analyzing, evaluating, and administering benefit plans and programs, while maintaining benefit records and ensuring compliance with all applicable policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• 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 keep all involved parties informed.
• Respond to inquiries related to benefit programs.
• Assist team members with benefits enrollment and life event changes, ensuring required documents are processed through appropriate channels and vendors.
• Own the vendor invoicing, audit, and reconciliation process for all benefit invoices; serve as primary contact for Accounts Payable and 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 members 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 in and assist with annual benefits open enrollment planning, presentations, communication, and education materials.
• Assist in processing life claims and communicating with beneficiaries, if needed.
• Work on special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• 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, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, paid time off plans, and other commonly provided benefits programs.
• Understanding of state and federal regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel); strong Excel experience preferred.
• Experience working with HCM systems, 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 with strong attention to detail and administrative/documentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities effectively, and make decisions based on departmental priorities and processing deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply internal policies and procedures and communicate them accurately to others.