Job Details

Employee Benefits Specialist - Taking care of those who take care of our patients and organization!

About the Job

Position supports the administration and maintenance of employee benefit programs, including, but not limited to, health plans, supplemental plans, and retirement plans, as well as the benefit enrollment platform. Provides excellent customer service at all levels of the organization, serving as a knowledgeable, proactive, solutions-oriented, and prompt resource handling all inquiries related to employee benefits.

Responsibilities

• Provides thorough guidance to employees on benefit plan questions and discrepancies in a prompt manner, working with vendors as needed to resolve issues
• Advises employees on eligibility and other matters related to benefits; refers to the benefits vendor as needed
• Identifies and resolves benefit questions through research and policy interpretation
• Assists with the planning of employee benefit initiatives
• Explains benefits programs and assists with enrollment and provides guidance on the benefit claims process and resolution of claim issues in partnership with corresponding benefits vendors, as needed
• Educates new and existing employees on benefit policies and documentation requirements, including but not limited to new hire enrollment, life events, and annual open enrollment
• Functions as a liaison between vendors and employees and advises employees on eligibility, coverage, and other benefits matters
• Manages difficult and sensitive employee conversations with a high level of tact and diplomacy and utmost discretion
• Audits and approves benefit transactions and payroll deductions, collecting documentation when needed; works in collaboration with Payroll, Accounting, and other areas as required
• Manages all processes related to employee benefits claims, including claim submissions, vendor questions, and verifications
• Responsible for tracking, auditing reporting of employee benefits programs
• Maintains the accuracy of employee benefit platforms' data
• Communicates retirement plan information for physicians and employees, answering questions, and oversees retirement enrollment
• Manages retirement platform administration, auditing, and resolving errors and service requests as received in a timely manner
• Responsible for reporting, auditing, reconciliation, and payment of vendor invoices; reviews invoices to ensure accuracy
• Conducts benefit enrollment classes and open enrollment activities; develops and presents classes or information to employees and departments
• Supports employee leaves and disability processes, in partnership with the employee leaves vendor, staying current on regulations and policies
• Assists in market best practices research, benefit trends, and provides recommendations for employee benefit programs and process efficiencies
• Maintains knowledge and stays abreast of current human resources trends, best practices, and federal and local regulations and laws to ensure compliance with employee benefits programs

This is a full-time, day position. This role may be eligible for partial or full remote work, depending on defined business needs, work assignments, system resources, and prior approval.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preference for Human Resources, Business or related; 2 years' related experience may be accepted in lieu of degree
• Minimum 1 year Human Resources or related customer service experience required
• Previous HRIS experience preferred
• Demonstrates knowledge of laws and regulations related to employee benefit programs
• Detail oriented, organized and excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Knack for forming and maintaining productive working relationships
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced, priority-change work environment
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential information
• Strong player and team collaboration orientation; adopts a "get it done together" attitude

About Kootenai Health

Kootenai Health is a highly esteemed healthcare organization serving patients throughout northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We have been recognized with many accolades and distinctions, including being a Gallup Great Workplace, No. 1 Best Place to Work in Large Healthcare Organizations, and Magnet™ Status for Nursing Excellence. We pride ourselves on our outstanding reputation as an employer and a healthcare provider.

As your next employer, we are excited to offer you:

• Kootenai Health offers comprehensive medical plan options, including options for fully paid employer premiums for our full-time employees. For part-time employees, we offer the same plan options with affordable part-time premiums. In addition to medical insurance, we offer many voluntary benefits ranging from dental and vision to life and pet insurance. Kootenai Health also offers well-being resources and telemedicine service options to all employees, regardless of benefit eligibility. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Kootenai Health's tuition assistance program is available after 90 days. If you want to further your education, we'll help you pay for it
• Kootenai Health sponsors retirement plans for employees that enable you to save money on a pre-tax and Roth after tax basis for your retirement. Kootenai Health will match your contributions based on years of service ranging from 3-6 percent.
• Competitive salaries with night, weekend, and PRN shift differentials
• An award-winning and incentive-driven wellness program. Including a MyHealth corporate team, onsite financial seminars, and coaching
• Employees receive discounts at The Wellness Bar, PEAK Fitness, various cell phone carriers, and more
• Employee referral program that pays you for helping great people join the team
• And much more

Kootenai Health provides exceptional support for extraordinary careers. If you want to work on a high-quality, person-centered healthcare team, we can't wait to meet you!

Apply today!

Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.