Leave & Benefits Specialist

Summary of Functions

The Leave and Benefits Specialist plays a key role in administering and supporting the organization's employee benefit programs and leave of absence processes. This position serves as a primary point of contact for employees regarding benefits enrollment, leave eligibility and requests, and general support. The specialist ensures accurate system data, facilitates coordination between employees, providers, and internal departments, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations, including Kalispel Family Medical Leave (KFML) and the Early Return to Work Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leave of Absence Administration:

•Administer and track all types of leave, including KFML, Short/Long Term Disability, military leave, and Workers Protection.

•Serve as the central point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave processes, timelines, and return-to-work expectations.

•Communicate with physician offices and external providers to facilitate claim processing and proper documentation.

•Maintain detailed and confidential records for all leave types in the HRIS/HCM system.

•Send required notifications to team members and departments in accordance with policies and legal requirements.

•Monitor ongoing leave cases and provide status updates, ensuring compliance with KFML and other applicable policies.

•Oversee the Early Return to Work Program, ensuring alignment with accommodations and restrictions.

Benefits Administration:

•Support day-to-day benefit operations including enrollment, eligibility, and plan changes.

•Assist KTEA employees, Tribal Members, and Tribal Government Employees with benefit-related inquiries.

•Liaise with benefit providers and brokers to resolve employee concerns and support claims resolution.

•Coordinate with Payroll to ensure accurate deductions and reconcile discrepancies.

•Audit monthly benefits invoices and process check requests, ensuring accuracy and timely payment.

•Support open enrollment including communication, presentations, and system setup.

Training & Communication:

•Assist in the development and delivery of benefit-related training sessions and informational materials.

•Promote awareness of leave rights and benefit offerings through effective communication strategies.

Systems & Compliance:

•Maintain benefit and leave modules in HRIS/HCM, ensuring accurate configurations and data integrity.

•Ensure benefits-related compliance documents are posted appropriately in coordination with external brokers.

•Remain current on regulatory and legislative changes impacting employee benefits and leave programs.

•Assist in documenting benefit and leave processes and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

•No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Other

•Responsible for maintaining consistent, regular good attendance.

•Be available and willing to work any changes in hours deemed necessary for business levels.

•May be required to be a panelist for Internal Review Hearings.

•The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Education

•Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.

•Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) preferred.

•Additional HR Certifications (PHR, SHRM-CP) are a plus.

Experience

•2+ years of experience in a broad Benefits Specialist function and Family Medical Leave required.

•Experience with HRIS/HCM platforms is strongly preferred.

•Experience supporting compliance and working directly with insurance providers or brokers is a plus.

Skills

•Strong knowledge of federal and state leave laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA) and benefit plan regulations (e.g., ERISA, HIPAA).

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS/HCM systems.

•Ability to interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, and laws.

•Excellent organizational and communication skills.

•High attention to detail and accuracy.

•Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

•Strong customer service orientation and interpersonal skills.

•Capable of prioritizing multiple responsibilities under pressure.

•Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.

Other Requirements

•Work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

•Obtain and maintain Tribal Gaming License.

Physical Demands

•Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

•Occasional lifting and carrying of office supplies.

•Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.

Work Environment

•Professional office environment.

•Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.

•Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

•While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to tobacco smoke, moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.

Travel Requirements

•Local travel is occasionally required.

•Travel outside of the state is infrequently required, typical travel time is generally less than a week.

Hiring Preference

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment.

General Sign-off

The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.