Benefits Specialist

The position is located in Sells, AZ.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, assists in the administration of employee benefit plans such as life, health, dental, disability insurance and pension. Provides customer services in all aspects to employee benefits participants; and maintains confidentiality of information.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares and distributes notifications to employees reference enrollment processing changes; assists in preparing materials and presenting benefit plan changes to employees.
• Responds to employee questions and requests for information on benefit elections and qualifying event changes.
• Coordinates benefits enrollment for Tri-Branches (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial) and District employees.
• Maintains an electronic recordkeeping system for new enrollees and terminated benefits.
• Assists in the enrollment of new employees in benefit plan and provides benefits orientation.
• Processes status changes and reviews claims for accuracy and completeness; records and electronically processes claim forms to health and benefit carriers for enrollment processing.
• Maintains health and benefit carrier contact to investigate discrepancies and provides information in non-routine situations.
• Provides customer service in the processing of life, pension, and disability benefits claims.
• Provides annual individual summary of benefits to employees.
• Prepares incoming/outgoing correspondence to insurance carriers; answers and screens incoming calls for information.
• Assists in the disbursement of COBRA eligibility notices to employees upon employment separation.
• Prepares statistical reports for review by the Human Resources Director, Chief Administrative Officer, and/or Chairman as required.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge applicable laws, and federal and state requirements, i.e. COBRA, FMLA, ERISA, etc.
• Knowledge of group insurance and retirement plan administration.
• Knowledge of medical, dental, and life benefits package plans.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet and database software programs.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws regulations, and requirements.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's Degree in public/business administration or closely related field and three years' work experience in administering benefit plans, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.