Benefits Specialist

OverviewUnder general supervision of the Benefits Manager, providing advice and guidance to employees on employee benefits and review of individual benefit plans. Reviews and processes benefit enrollments, cancellations, and other benefits changes. Responsible for developing procedures and processes to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of all administrative work as assigned to ensure efficient and effective administrative support for benefits.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• High school diploma/GED
• Three years operational experience in benefits. Casino or hospitality experience preferred.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug screening and obtain and maintain an Osage Nation gaming license.
• Required to maintain a valid Driver’s License.
• Required to provide documents to show the applicant is eligible to work in the United States.
• Osage, Native American, and Veteran preference shall apply to all positions at Osage Casinos.
• Applicants must be able to perform all essential functions of job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

ResponsibilitiesJOB DUTIES:

• Directs preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits programs such as insurance plans, pension plans, paid time off, and other employer sponsored benefits and activities.
• Coordinates the preparation and implementation of communication and educational programs and materials.
• Researches complex, non-routine problems and develops recommendations for resolution.
• Generates appropriate notification of changes to departments and employees.
• Monitors and coordinates the processing of death and disability claims to ensure compliance with policy, contractual provisions, and relevant laws and regulations; provides individual benefits counseling to employees, as appropriate.
• Monitors the processing of all benefits documentation to ensure compliance with policy, procedure, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinates the generation of benefits adjustments from the Human Resources Information System, ensuring accuracy of benefits deductions; makes corrections and adjustments as necessary.
• Processes and responds to all FMLA and leave requests.
• Participates in planning and coordinates the implementation of periodic benefits open enrollment programs for employees, including the development of content materials.
• Reconciles the benefits billings; resolves billing issues prepares notifications and collects contributions or distributes payments where necessary from employees.
• Maintains close monitoring of medical, retirement, and other employee benefits in regard to payments, coverage, and accurate applicability for employees.
• Prepares and submits reports as required to applicable insurance companies and benefits administrators, including new enrollments, terminations, and changes.
• Coordinates health and welfare plans, 401K plans, unemployment insurance, workers compensation, FMLA, leave programs, and COBRA.
• Track activities of COBRA vendor to ensure notices are timely sent; track employee COBRA payments. Issue manual COBRA notices when necessary
• Ensures the documentation/applications/certificate of health of medical, dental, vision and optional insurance products are accurate, complete and submitted to carrier
• Works with plan administrators and carriers to resolve problems and employee complaints.
• Ensures distribution of all legally required benefits document to applicants, employees, and former employees.
• Assists Manager in the selection of and coordinates usage of insurance brokers, insurance carriers, pension and 401(k) administrators, and other outside benefits-related advisers.
• Ensures confidentiality of all employee benefits records and information.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by: conducting research; attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; and conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

GUEST SERVICE:

• Provides excellent internal and external guest services, treating all guests with courtesy and consideration at all times.
• Cooperates and communicates with all employees, always exhibiting mutual respect and consistently projecting a positive, helpful image and attitude.
• Monitors production and service levels by interacting with guest and staff

COMMUNICATION:

• Ensures company information provided by management is effectively communicated to assigned staff and ensures staff concerns, request for information, and ideas for improvement are effectively relayed to management.
• Facilitates the flow of information throughout the area of responsibility by presiding over scheduled meetings with staff and team members as required.
• Stays informed of company information and communications by reviewing all e-mails, digital boards and SharePoint.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE:

• Maintains excellent working relationships with other Company staff and all applicable regulatory commissions and other agencies as may be applicable to ensure compliance.
• Performs all duties in accordance with company core values, objectives of the Osage Nation, internal policies and procedures, as well, as applicable laws and gaming regulations, including but not limited to, the state-tribal compact, IGRA, MICS, ONGR, the Bank Secrecy Act, Office of Foreign Asset Control, USA Patriot Act and Privacy Act.

QualificationsPHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Required to sit or stand or walk for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to stoop, kneel or crouch while performing duties.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Ability to use arms to reach and lift above shoulders.
• Must have normal auditory and good verbal communication.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up-wards of 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is typically performed within an office or Casino setting.
• Exposure to second-hand smoke and a high noise level.
• Evening and weekend shifts may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.