Senior Benefit Specialist

Job Requirements

Starting Salary: $60,000 yearly

The Sr. Benefits Specialist will do everything a Benefits & Leave Specialist does for their assigned areas and then some. This role also serves as a go-to subject matter expert, partnering with the Benefits Manager to document and refresh standard operating procedures and process flows. The Senior Specialist will lead regular audits of benefits and leave data and act as a trusted trainer and coach for Benefits Specialists and benefits support staff.

What does an Sr. HR Benefit Specialist do?

• Counsels team members and management regarding leave policies and procedures. Maintains HRIS and Benefits Enrollment system(s), including: ensuring that all employee data is accurate, producing reports, and working with payroll so that team member transactions are processed appropriately. Provides training and auditing of quality of benefit and leave of absence work produced by team.

Insurance & 401(k) Administration

• Administer team member benefit programs including group health, flexible spending/health savings accounts, dental and vision, accident and disability, life insurance, 401(k), and wellness benefits.
• Provide employees with an explanation of benefits to ensure employees have an understanding of available benefits, eligibility and enrollment and claims procedures. Continuously look for opportunities to educate employees on available benefits.
• Maintains working knowledge of all summary plan descriptions, regulatory and legal standards and applies concepts appropriately. Understands and ensures compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA privacy Laws, and NYS Disability guidelines.
• Provides excellent customer service assisting employees with benefits questions/issues, enrollment and qualified life events. Review benefit submissions and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensures proper and timely processing of eligibility, enrollments, and cancellations of all benefit plans in appropriate systems to ensure enrollment and premiums are managed accurately.
• Lead the day-to-day administration of company 401(k) plan.
• Monitoring and tracking of employee plan contributions in arrears and ensures appropriate correspondence and collection of payments due.
• Conduct and review hours reporting to ensure compliance with ACA.
• Regularly audit benefit enrollments to ensure accuracy of benefit levels, premiums and contributions.

Leave of Absence Administration

• Processes and tracks all leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA, PFL, Disability, and COVID-19), providing timely notification/response in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, as well as company policy. Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications and escalates to management where necessary. Review and process team member requests for medical accommodations.
• Maintains working knowledge of all summary plan descriptions, regulatory and legal standards and applies concepts appropriately. Understands and ensures compliance with FMLA, ADA, HIPAA privacy Laws, and NYS Disability and PFL guidelines.

Additional Duties

• Partners with Benefits Manager on training of the Benefits Specialists.
• Review and audit quality of processing of benefits and leave work.
• Cooperate with other HR professionals when required to help the HR organization achieve objectives. Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned by leadership.
• Assists employees with using self-serve tools within the HCM system to enroll and change benefits in accordance with guidelines; assists managers with self-serve tools to communicate leave and employee information
• Effectively uses document management systems for benefits and leave file maintenance and management.

Who We Are:

We are Turning Stone Enterprises, a dynamic organization with a diverse range of business operations. Among our prominent offerings is the Turning Stone Resort Casino, which has received the prestigious Best of New York Gaming Resort award for an impressive six consecutive years. Complementing this flagship property, we operate satellite casinos like YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, and The Lake House at Sylvan Beach. Beyond gaming and hospitality, our portfolio also includes convenience stores, three 18 hole PGA-level golf courses, and other unique ventures.

Work Experience

To be successful as an Sr. HR Benefit Specialist, you'll need:

• At least 5 years' experience in administering health, welfare, and retirement plans, as well as 5 years' experience in administering NYS Disability, NYS Paid Family Leave and FMLA.
• Working knowledge of Oneida Indian Nation Ordinances & Regulations and applicable federal, state and local benefits laws and regulation; strong understanding of benefit policies, procedures and practices.
• Work experience with situational application of benefit plan documents and regulations.
• Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, wage and hour laws and other applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems. Experience with UKG/Kronos a plus.
• Able to work independently and produce accurate work.
• Highly organized with attention to detail with previous auditing and reporting experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Aptitude in problem-solving.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential information.

What we value:

• Positivity - Team members who are passionate to learn, energetic to hit the ground running and willing to grow in a professional, team-oriented environment with a focus on guest service.
• Growth Opportunities - We offer a successful journey, including hands-on training and support to advance your career.
• Empowerment - We believe in our team members. With learning opportunities, career growth potential and recognition of outstanding performance, we encourage our team to take pride in their work.

Benefits

Why choose Turning Stone Enterprises?

• Paid weekly
• Variety of schedules
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Career-building professional development
• Discounts from dining to fuel to concerts
• Team Member appreciation events
• Quality healthcare and dental benefits
• A robust 401K retirement plan with match
• Dealer School
• Finance Scholarship Program

Why You Will Appreciate Us:

At Turning Stone Enterprises, we prioritize the well-being and professional growth of our team members by offering an extensive array of benefits. From comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to a 401(k) and life insurance, we ensure your health and financial security. Our work-life balance support includes paid time off, paid holidays, and team member assistance programs. We're also committed to wellness, with various programs and an upcoming 5,000-square-foot onsite medical center.

With over 4,500 team members across Central New York, we focus on delivering exceptional experiences for both our guests and staff. Our resources include training programs, complimentary shuttles, and career development initiatives, helping you reach your professional goals. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, join us for a rewarding journey of growth and success at Turning Stone Enterprises. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!