Benefits Specialist

Valley Cities has recently been selected to lead efforts in Washington State to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), reflecting compliance with stringent national standards in behavioral health care. This status enables broader service availability, improved integration of mental health and substance use treatment, enhanced crisis intervention capabilities, and ensures services are accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. We are excited about the future ahead! We’re looking for people who want to make a real difference in behavioral health while growing alongside a mission‑driven team. Employees joining Valley Cities at this time will become part of an impactful organization dedicated to advancing community behavioral health, that is grounded in compassion, equity and community impact. Join us to make significant contributions during pivotal moments in the lives of others! Role Overview: Under the direction of the Director of Human Resources, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering employee benefits programs by providing support to employees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, and claims; coordinating the accommodation process in compliance with ADA guidelines; and managing workers’ compensation claims in coordination with employees and Washington State L&I. This role ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies while maintaining accurate employee benefits, accommodation, and workers’ compensation records. Key Responsibilities Employee Benefits Administration Administer employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, and voluntary/wellness benefits. Assist employees with benefit eligibility, enrollment, plan changes, and resolution of benefits-related inquiries and claims issues. Coordinate annual open enrollment activities and communicate benefit offerings, changes, and updates to employees. Process employee enrollments, changes, and terminations in the HRIS system in a timely and accurate manner. Serve as a liaison between employees, insurance carriers, brokers, and third‑party administrators to resolve benefit‑related issues. Process and monitor benefit claims to ensure timely and accurate resolution and payment of benefits. Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date, and confidential employee benefits records and documentation. Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Support the HR Director in managing relationships with benefits vendors and provide input to assist with contract review and negotiations. Accommodation Process Coordinate and manage employee accommodation requests in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable federal and state regulations. Facilitate the interactive process with employees, supervisors, and healthcare providers to assess, evaluate, and implement reasonable accommodations. Clearly communicate the ADA reasonable accommodation process to employees, including guidance, expectations, and timelines throughout the process. Engage relevant stakeholders in a timely and collaborative interactive process to support fair and equitable accommodation outcomes. Provide guidance to employees and management regarding accommodation procedures, requirements, and compliance obligations. Monitor accommodation requests to ensure timely review, communication, and resolution. Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential accommodation records in accordance with applicable legal requirements and organizational policies. Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal guidelines, as well as organizational standards and confidentiality requirements. Workers’ Compensation Administration Administer workers’ compensation claims in coordination with employees, supervisors, medical providers, and Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I). Monitor claim activity, maintain documentation, and track claim status through resolution. Coordinate return‑to‑work and modified duty processes to support injured employees and operational needs. Ensure timely reporting and compliance with workers’ compensation laws, regulations, and organizational procedures. Communicate with employees, medical providers, claims managers, and state agencies regarding claim updates and required documentation. Maintain accurate and confidential workers’ compensation records and reports. Other Duties Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to employee benefits, accommodations, and leave programs. Prepare and submit required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the HR Director and applicable regulatory agencies as needed. Conduct regular audits of benefits and leave administration processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance. Maintain current knowledge of changes in benefits, leave, and employment‑related laws and regulations and apply updates to organizational practices as appropriate. Provide guidance and support to employees regarding leave options, eligibility, and required documentation. Conduct benefits orientation sessions for new employees to ensure understanding of available programs and enrollment processes. Develop and distribute employee communications related to benefits and leave programs, including updates, reminders, and procedural information. Serve as a liaison between employees and benefits providers to resolve issues, answer questions, and ensure effective service delivery. Complete and respond to unemployment insurance requests and documentation from the Employment Security Department (ESD) in a timely and accurate manner. Additional duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Education High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 3 years of experience in benefits administration. Professional certification such as aPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP, or CEBS is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of federal, state, and local leave laws and benefits regulations. Strong organizational and time management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Knowledge of HRIS and benefits management software. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Attention to detail and accuracy. Join our Team! Be a part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference every day. Meaningful work, and comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, & Vision coverage available for employees and eligible family members and dependents Health Savings Account, $2,000 contribution annually, prorated monthly. Agency sponsored retirement plan, up to 6% employer contributions, and pre‑tax/Roth available Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources Comprehensive paid time off, paid holidays, and extended sick leave options Access to Student Loan Forgiveness Programs Annual longevity bonuses Recognition programs and incentives Access to training, supervision, and consultation for professional certification and licensure Clinical supervision provided toward licensure, if applicable Paid training days and yearly training fund Valley Cities is dedicated to Equal Opportunity Employment. Valley Cities is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote, reassign, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to age, sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or medical condition including pregnancy. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job‑related factors. Valley Cities also provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices fully required by law. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources . #J-18808-Ljbffr