Job Summary:
The Human Resources Benefits Coordinator is responsible for administering employee benefit programs and supporting the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department. This position coordinates employee benefit enrollments, qualifying life event changes, leave administration, benefits reconciliation, and employee benefit communications. The HR Benefits Coordinator maintains accurate personnel and benefits records, ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies, serves as a resource to employees regarding benefits, and works closely with benefit providers, Payroll, managers, and employees to ensure accurate and timely administration of employee benefits. This position works collaboratively with the Payroll & Benefits Coordinator to ensure accurate administration of employee benefits, benefit deductions, leave programs, vendor communications, and regulatory compliance.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
A. Coordinate employee benefit enrollments, qualifying life event changes, terminations, COBRA notifications, and administer the annual open enrollment process, including employee communications, enrollment assistance, educational materials, and coordination with benefit providers.
B. Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and provide information regarding medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, workers' compensation, and other employee benefit programs. Employees may seek assistance from either the Human Resources Benefits Coordinator or the Payroll & Benefits Coordinator for benefit-related questions and services.
C. Coordinate with benefit providers, insurance carriers, retirement plan administrators, and other vendors to resolve eligibility, enrollment, billing, and claims issues.
D. Verify and process employee benefit enrollment forms and ensure all required documentation is complete and submitted accurately.
E. Maintain accurate employee benefit records within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and other tracking systems.
F. Audit employee benefit elections, eligibility, and enrollment records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
G. Coordinate benefit reconciliations with benefit providers and resolve discrepancies.
H. Coordinate monthly benefit invoices and billing statements from benefit providers and verify accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and coordinate payment with the Accounting Department.
I. Coordinate employee benefit deductions with Payroll and assist in resolving deduction discrepancies.
J. Maintain confidential employee personnel files, benefits records, and Human Resources documentation in accordance with record retention requirements.
K. Update employee records to document personnel actions, benefit changes, compensation changes, leave status, tax documentation, performance evaluations, and other employment-related information.
L. Administer employee leave programs, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), military leave, jury duty, bereavement leave, and other approved leaves in accordance with applicable laws and Chehalis Tribal Enterprises policies.
M. Monitor employee leave balances and maintain required leave documentation.
N. Assist employees and supervisors with leave requests, required documentation, return-to-work processes, and benefit continuation during approved leaves.
O. Coordinate employee leave benefits during approved leaves of absence, ensuring continuation, reinstatement, and communication of applicable employee benefits.
P. Coordinate workers' compensation claims, maintain required documentation, communicate with employees, supervisors, medical providers, and insurance carriers, and assist with return-to-work processes in accordance with applicable laws and Chehalis Tribal Enterprises policies.
Q. Prepare reports related to benefit participation, leave utilization, enrollment, and other Human Resources metrics.
R. Assist with internal and external audits by preparing benefit records, personnel documentation, and supporting reports.
S. Respond to employee and supervisor inquiries regarding benefits, leave programs, Human Resources policies, and personnel records.
T. Conduct pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and random drug screenings in accordance with Chehalis Tribal Enterprises policies.
U. Maintain strict confidentiality of employee records and Human Resources information.
V. Stay current on federal, state, Tribal, and benefit-related laws, regulations, and Human Resources best practices.
W. Coordinate benefits renewals, annual open enrollment planning, wellness initiatives, employee communications, and other Human Resources projects in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources.
X. Develop, maintain, and document Human Resources benefits procedures and provide training and cross-training to the Payroll & Benefits Coordinator and other Human Resources staff, as directed, to ensure continuity of operations and consistent administration of employee benefit programs.
Y. Perform other duties as assigned.
Z. May be assigned duties under the Chehalis Tribe Emergency Management Plan and Program.
Supervision:
A. Supervision Received: Performs work independently under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources. Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality while carrying out assigned responsibilities.
B. Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
Minimum Qualifications:
A. Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. An Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, combined with additional related experience, may be substituted.
B. Experience: Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible Human Resources experience with an emphasis on benefits administration, leave administration, personnel
records, benefits billing, or Human Resources operations. Experience administering employee benefit programs, leave programs, and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) is highly preferred. Experience working within a Tribal government or Tribal enterprise environment and knowledge of Tribal employment practices is highly preferred.
C. Certifications: Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP) certification is required. Candidates who do not currently possess a THRP certification must obtain it within one (1) year of employment. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification is preferred. Employees not currently SHRM certified may be expected to obtain a SHRM-CP certification within a timeframe established by the Director of Human Resources.
D. Skills & Abilities:
1) Knowledge of employee benefit administration, Human Resources practices, and employment laws.
2) Working knowledge of medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, COBRA, and leave administration.
3) Knowledge of applicable federal, state, Tribal, and employment regulations affecting employee benefits.
4) Strong understanding of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable employment laws.
5) Ability to maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive employee information.
6) Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
7) Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
8) Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
9) Ability to explain employee benefits programs, leave programs, and Human Resources policies in a professional and understandable manner.
10) Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
11) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, benefit providers, vendors, and outside agencies.
12) Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
13) Ability to prepare reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, and other Human Resources documentation.
14) Ability to analyze information, identify discrepancies, and resolve benefit-related issues using sound judgment.
15) Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
16) Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
17) Equipment: Ability to operate computers, printers, scanners, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
18) Ability to interpret and explain employee benefit plan documents, insurance policies, and applicable regulations.
19) Ability to train, mentor, and share knowledge with Human Resources staff to promote consistency, continuity of operations, and professional development.
Work Environment:
A. Primarily office-based work within a standard business environment.
B. Regular interaction with employees, management, and external vendors regarding benefits matters.
C. Frequent use of computers, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), telephones, scanners, printers, and other standard office equipment.
D. Extended periods of sitting, typing, and working at a computer.
Additional Requirements:
A. Submit to and pass a Drug Test
B. Successfully complete a Criminal Background Check.
C. Possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and maintain proof of liability insurance.
Tribal Employment Preference
The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation apply a Chehalis Tribal Member and Native American preference policy to all employment opportunities.
Pay: $64,480.00 - $74,880.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Human resources: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
