Benefits Coordinator

The Benefits Coordinator administers and coordinates employee benefits programs while ensuring compliance with employment and labor laws. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate employee benefits records within the Human Resources Information systems (HRIS), supporting payroll-related benefits functions and serving as a primary resource for employees regarding benefits programs. This role requires strong communication skills, proficiency in HRIS and payroll systems, and a thorough understanding of benefits administration, health insurance, and HR legal compliance.

The Benefits Coordinator models exceptional customer service, protects the confidentiality of sensitive information, collaborates with internal departments and external vendors, conducts data analysis, and supports the overall effectiveness of Human Resources operations.

Job Duties

• Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, Family Medical Leave (FMLA) and other applicable plans.
• Administer other employee programs including workers’ compensation, and 401(k) retirement plan.
• Ensure compliance with HR legal standards such as HIPAA, FMLA, employment law, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Educate employees and eligible dependents regarding available benefit programs, enrollment procedures, eligibility requirements, and plan provisions.
• Investigate and resolve benefit-related issues regarding delivery and payment for services by contacting health care professionals and other service providers, benefit plan providers, and employees.
• Manage annual open enrollment and new hire benefit enrollment processes while providing timely assistance with employee benefits inquiries.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee records and sensitive information while ensuring compliance with HR policies and privacy standards.
• Process benefit enrollments, qualifying life events changes, and benefit terminations in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate data collection and recordkeeping within HRIS and payroll systems.
• Review reports from plan providers to verify accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues promptly.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical files for enrollment forms, benefit documentation, and related records in accordance with record retention requirements.
• Submit enrollment and eligibility information to insurance carriers, third party administrators, and other benefit vendors in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with external vendors for benefits administration and participate in benefits renewal process to optimize benefits offerings.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with all Tribal entities, including Chehalis Tribal Enterprises, the Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel, and Great Wolf Lodge.
• Serve as a member of the three-person Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board for Great Wolf Lodge, reviewing appeals, and rendering fair, objective, and evidence-based decisions.
• Support payroll management by verifying benefit deductions, processing benefit-related payroll changes, and coordinating with Finance staff to ensure accurate payroll processing.
• Generate and analyze reports related to benefit enrollments, benefit payroll deductions, plan participation, and other benefits metrics to support HR operations and compliance.
• Demonstrate comprehensive working knowledge of daily HR functions, employee benefits administration, and applicable federal, state, and Tribal, laws and regulations.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s (Required)
• Directly related benefits employment: 2 years (Required)