Benefits Specialist

Job Description

BENEFITS SPECIALIST

Reports to: HR Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Benefits Specialist supports the administration, analysis, and communication of employee benefit and group insurance programs. This paraprofessional position maintains accurate enrollment records, assists employees and dependents with benefit questions, analyzes program data and utilization, and works with internal partners, brokers, and vendors to support effective and compliant benefit operations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Embrace the values of The Aleut Corporation (Aleut), including honesty, integrity, accountability, respect, and perseverance.
• Provide benefits support throughout the employee lifecycle, including new-hire enrollment, status changes, leaves of absence, qualifying life events, open enrollment, and separation from employment.
• Explain and interpret complex aspects of company benefit and insurance programs to employees and eligible dependents, including eligibility, coverage options, plan provisions, employee contributions, claims resources, and qualifying life event requirements.
• Examine, assess, and consolidate benefits and group insurance data across the enterprise to provide information regarding program participation, costs, trends, and utilization.
• Identify needs for modifications to benefit program design, administrative procedures, employee communications, and enrollment processes; present findings and recommendations to Human Resources leadership.
• Record and maintain employee and dependent enrollments, changes, terminations, beneficiary designations, and other benefit elections in applicable systems and carrier portals.
• Review enrollment and eligibility information for completeness and accuracy; research and resolve discrepancies with employees, payroll, brokers, vendors, and insurance carriers.
• Coordinate with benefit brokers, vendors, insurance carriers, and internal partners to support plan administration, renewals, audits, employee communications, and issue resolution.
• Prepare benefits reports, reconcile enrollment and deduction data, review invoices, and assist with benefit plan audits and required filings.
• Develop and maintain benefits communications, reference materials, forms, process documentation, and employee self-service resources.
• Lead the Aleut Wellness Program which includes coordinating monthly announcements, events, competitions, and selecting winners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of employee benefits and group insurance programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, and related programs.
• Ability to understand and explain plan provisions, eligibility rules, enrollment requirements, and administrative procedures in clear, employee-friendly language.
• Knowledge of benefits enrollment, billing, payroll deduction, and reconciliation processes.
• Excellent written, verbal, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to research issues, use sound judgment, and coordinate timely resolution with employees, vendors, and internal partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to learn HRIS, benefits administration, and carrier systems.
• Ability to perform work professionally, fairly, accurately, and with a strong service orientation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Three (3) years of related experience in employee benefits, human resources, insurance administration, or a similar field.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field; relevant experience may be substituted for the degree.
• Experience administering employee enrollments, benefit changes, and eligibility records.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs).
• Professional benefits or human resources certification, such as CEBS, SHRM, or HRCI.
• Experience working with the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
• Experience using an HRIS or benefits administration platform.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

BENEFITS

• 401K - Employer matching up to 4%.
• Paid Holidays (13/year).
• Paid Time Off (accrued bi-weekly, starts at 6.20 hrs per pay period/20 days a year).
• 100% Employer paid Dental/Vision for employees and their qualified dependents.
• 100% Paid Employee Life Insurance / Disability.
• Potential for Annual Incentive.
• Advance your career with exclusive tuition benefits—Aleut employees and subsidiaries enjoy in-state tuition rates plus a 10% discount on University of Alaska Fairbanks online courses and certifications.

PREFERENCE STATEMENT

The Aleut Corporation ("Aleut") is committed to providing employment and development opportunities for our shareholders and descendants. Aleut shall make employment selections first based on qualifications for the position. Preference shall then be given to eligible and qualified TAC shareholders and descendants in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 43 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq., and other applicable laws. xhyhwjd

Aleut is an equal opportunity employer. Aleut shall select, train, and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant work factors such as work quality, attitude, education, and experience, so as not to discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, age, status as a disabled veteran, special disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran, and all other eligible veterans, or other classifications protected by applicable law.