Benefits Specialist | 1/2 Time

Gritman Medical Center•Moscow, ID

35d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a half-time position (20 - 25 hours per week) in office. Job Duties and Responsibilities Benefits Administration Administer all employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, and voluntary benefits. Process enrollments, status changes, qualifying life events, and terminations in a timely and accurate manner. Coordinate and administer open enrollment, including employee education and communications. Manage COBRA administration and related reporting. Serve as the primary contact for employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution. Leave of Absence & ADA Administration Administer leave programs including FMLA, military leave, workers’ compensation and personal leave programs. Provide required notices, eligibility determinations, and rights and responsibilities documentation in compliance with federal and state regulations. Track and monitor leave usage, intermittent leave, and return-to-work documentation. Coordinate leave benefits with short-term disability and workers’ compensation programs as applicable. Administer and coordinate the ADA interactive process. Maintain accurate and confidential leave and accommodation records. Serve as a resource to managers and employees regarding leave procedures, ADA requirements, and compliance obligations. Compliance & Reporting Maintain accurate benefit, leave, and accommodation records within HRIS and related systems. Assist the HR Director with Form 5500 preparation and other required filings. Support nondiscrimination testing, audits, and regulatory reporting requirements. Ensure required annual notices and disclosures are distributed appropriately. Financial & Analytical Support Reconcile benefit invoices and claims funding reports. Assist the HR Director with benefits budgeting and forecasting. Provide claims trend and utilization data to support strategic decision-making. Employee Support & Communication Provide clear, confidential, and empathetic assistance to employees regarding benefits, leave, and accommodation options. Develop and distribute benefit, leave, and ADA-related communication materials.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 2–3 years of benefits and leave administration experience required.
Experience administering FMLA and coordinating ADA accommodations required.
Experience administering a self-insured health plan strongly preferred.
Healthcare or hospital experience preferred, ideally in a Critical Access Hospital setting.
Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, ADA, and related regulations.
Understanding of self-funded health plan operations, stop-loss coverage, and claims funding.
Strong analytical, reconciliation, documentation, and organizational skills.
High level of discretion and ability to manage sensitive medical information confidentially.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive employee situations with professionalism and empathy.
Ability to work independently within established parameters and under HR Director oversight.
Proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

CEBS, SHRM-CP, PHR, or related certification.

Responsibilities

Administer all employee benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, and voluntary benefits.
Process enrollments, status changes, qualifying life events, and terminations in a timely and accurate manner.
Coordinate and administer open enrollment, including employee education and communications.
Manage COBRA administration and related reporting.
Serve as the primary contact for employee benefit inquiries and issue resolution.
Administer leave programs including FMLA, military leave, workers’ compensation and personal leave programs.
Provide required notices, eligibility determinations, and rights and responsibilities documentation in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Track and monitor leave usage, intermittent leave, and return-to-work documentation.
Coordinate leave benefits with short-term disability and workers’ compensation programs as applicable.
Administer and coordinate the ADA interactive process.
Maintain accurate and confidential leave and accommodation records.
Serve as a resource to managers and employees regarding leave procedures, ADA requirements, and compliance obligations.
Maintain accurate benefit, leave, and accommodation records within HRIS and related systems.
Assist the HR Director with Form 5500 preparation and other required filings.
Support nondiscrimination testing, audits, and regulatory reporting requirements.
Ensure required annual notices and disclosures are distributed appropriately.
Reconcile benefit invoices and claims funding reports.
Assist the HR Director with benefits budgeting and forecasting.
Provide claims trend and utilization data to support strategic decision-making.
Provide clear, confidential, and empathetic assistance to employees regarding benefits, leave, and accommodation options.
Develop and distribute benefit, leave, and ADA-related communication materials.