Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical and professional work in support of the Tribal Administration’s Benefit functions. The Benefits Leave Administrator serves as the subject matter expert and main point of contact for employees and managers regarding all aspects of leave, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and supportive leave experience.

1. Performs all aspects of benefits administration to include but not limited to 401k, pension, Section 125 administration, COBRA, open enrollment, workers’ compensation, family medical leave, benefit plan design, short-term disability, long term disability, customer service, and usage/participation tracking.
2. Serve as the primary point of contact for all leave of absence programs, including FML, PPL, short-term and long-term disability, ADA Accommodations and military leave. Manage the end-to-end leave administration process, ensuring compliance while providing guidance and support to employees and managers.
3. Act as a primary liaison between employees, managers, third-party administrators, and HR Partners through the leave process.
4. Track and document leave activity, ensuring timely and accurate record keeping,
5. Review and process documentation related to leave requests, return-to-work clearances, and extensions.
6. Provide training and guidance to managers and supervisors on leave laws, company leave policies, and the best practices for leave administration to ensure compliance and effective handling of employee leave requests.
7. Assists the Compensation/Benefits Manager in the development and implementation of new and/or enhanced benefit plans and programs for the Tribe; analyzes various benefits, conducting research and providing appropriate recommendations to facilitate changes and enhancements to benefits plans and programs.
8. Coordinates annual open enrollment activities; schedules and conducts open enrollment and change meetings; oversees preparation and assembly of all materials; organizes the collection of enrollment/change forms; conducts the input, audit, company notification, and employee confirmation of changes.
9. Investigates and implements methods to effectively communicate benefits information to employees; composes informational benefit communication documents including brochures, materials, and articles for publications.
10. Answers questions and provides information and general assistance to employees and the public regarding benefits and related human resources programs, plans, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; communicates a variety of information using various methods including orally and in writing; counsel and assist employees regarding benefit programs.
11. Provides assistance to the Compensation/Benefits Manager; conducts studies and research; collects, compiles, and analyzes statistical data; completes and prepares various reports, surveys, and tables; prepares, maintains, and disseminates information and documents as appropriate and necessary.
12. Conducts thorough orientation of new employees, providing all information on the Tribe, Tribal Benefits, policies and procedures.
13. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of benefit administration.
14. Assists in providing training to staff/peers regarding benefits plans, policies, and procedures.
15. Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

Required: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, or other related field (eight (8) years of benefit administration experience may be considered in lieu of a degree). A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the analysis, design, and/or administration of benefit programs.  

Preferred: Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation(s) preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive employee benefit program.
• Strong knowledge of FML, ADA, HIPPA and other relevant employment laws.
• Experience working with HRIS and leave tracking systems
• The full range of employee benefit plans and programs including flexible benefits programs, group medical and life insurance plans, disability programs, retirement plans, and deferred compensation programs.
• Principles and practices of benefit program development and implementation.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to benefits administration.
• Methods and techniques used in conducting research and analyzing data.
• Business letter writing and report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to benefits administration.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and direct the day-to-day operations and services of a comprehensive employee benefits administration program.
• Coordinate open enrollment activities.
• Recommend and implement goals and objectives for effectively administering a comprehensive employee benefits program.
• Interpret and apply Tribal policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Identify and respond to employee inquiries, complaints, concerns, and needs.
• Effectively explain various plans and programs to individuals and groups.
• Oversee and participate in the maintenance of accurate and complete employee records.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Obtain the cooperation and confidence of others and to understand their requirements and suggestions.
• Speak confidently to a group of individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports..
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages and/or applications.
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
• Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
• Organize work to meet priorities and deadlines.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

The employee is frequently required to sit and talk, walk, stand, hear and observe; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  Depending on location, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet