Human Resources Benefits Coordinator

Onsite role in Oakville, WA overseeing employee benefits and leave administration for Chehalis Tribal Enterprises.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate enrollment changes, life events, terminations, COBRA notices, and manage the annual open enrollment with participant communications and provider coordination.
• Serve as the main contact for benefits questions covering medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, workers’ compensation, and related programs, with support from the Payroll & Benefits Coordinator as needed.
• Collaborate with benefit providers, carriers, retirement plan admins, and vendors to address eligibility, enrollment, billing, and claims issues.
• Verify enrollment forms and ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Maintain employee benefits records in the HRIS and other tracking systems with current information.
• Audit benefit elections and enrollment data to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate benefit reconciliations with providers and resolve discrepancies.
• Process monthly benefit invoices, validate amounts, resolve discrepancies, and coordinate payments with the Accounting Department.
• Coordinate employee benefit deductions with Payroll and assist in resolving any deduction discrepancies.
• Maintain confidential personnel files, benefits records, and HR documentation in line with retention requirements.
• Update employee records to reflect personnel actions, benefit changes, compensation actions, leave status, tax documents, and performance evaluations.
• Administer leave programs including FMLA, military, jury duty, bereavement, and other approved leaves in accordance with laws and Chehalis Tribal Enterprises policies.
• Monitor leave balances and maintain required leave documentation.
• Support employees and supervisors with leave requests, required documentation, return-to-work processes, and ensure benefits continue during approved leaves.
• Coordinate benefits during approved leaves to ensure continuation and reinstatement of applicable benefits and proper communication.
• Manage workers’ compensation claims, maintain documentation, liaise with employees, supervisors, medical providers, and insurers, and assist with return-to-work processes.
• Prepare reports on benefit participation, leave utilization, enrollment, and other HR metrics.
• Assist internal and external audits by compiling benefit records and supporting documents.
• Respond to inquiries from employees and supervisors about benefits, leave programs, policies, and personnel records.
• Conduct pre-employment screenings, post-accident investigations, reasonable suspicion tests, and random drug screenings per policy where required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee records and HR information at all times.
• Stay informed on federal, state, Tribal, and benefit-related laws and HR best practices.
• Coordinate benefits renewals, open enrollment planning, wellness initiatives, and related communications in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources.
• Develop and maintain benefits procedures and provide training to the Payroll & Benefits Coordinator and other HR staff to ensure consistent administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including potential duties under the Chehalis Tribe Emergency Management Plan.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; an Associate's degree with related experience may be substituted.
• Experience: At least 3 years of progressively responsible HR experience with emphasis on benefits administration, leave administration, personnel records, benefits billing, or HR operations; experience with HRIS and tribal government environments is highly preferred.
• Certifications: Tribal HR Professional (THRP) certification required within one year of employment. SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP is preferred; SHRM certification may be pursued within timelines set by the Director of HR.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of employee benefit administration, HR practices, and employment laws.
  • Working knowledge of medical, dental, vision, retirement, life, disability, workers’ compensation, COBRA, and leave administration.
  • Understanding of applicable federal, state, Tribal and employment regulations affecting benefits.
  • Strong knowledge of FMLA, PFML, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and related laws.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain programs clearly.
  • Customer service orientation and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with employees, supervisors, providers, vendors, and outside agencies.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and HRIS; ability to prepare reports and documentation.
  • Analytical ability to identify discrepancies and resolve benefit-related issues with sound judgment.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
  • Physical ability to perform job duties with reasonable accommodations; operate standard office equipment.
  • Ability to interpret and explain benefit plans, policies, and regulations; train and mentor HR staff to promote consistency.

Technologies

• HRIS
• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Supervision

• Supervision Received: Performs work independently under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources; exercises discretion and maintains confidentiality.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular interactions across the organization and with external vendors on benefits matters.
• Frequent use of computers, HRIS, telephones, scanners, and standard office equipment.
• Extended periods of sitting and computer work.

Additional Requirements

• Drug test
• Criminal background check
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with proof of liability insurance

Tribal Employment Preference

The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation apply a Chehalis Tribal Member and Native American preference policy to all employment opportunities.

Pay

$64,480.00 - $74,880.00 per year

Work Location

Onsite