Benefits Specialist

Starting Salary: $47,476.00/yearly

The Benefits & Leave Specialist plays a key role in supporting our team members and leaders by helping them navigate the full spectrum of our benefits and leave programs. In this role, you’ll be the go-to expert for questions, guidance, and problem-solving, ensuring every team member feels informed and supported. You’ll administer our benefits and leave policies with precision and care, helping us maintain compliance while delivering an exceptional employee experience.

What you will do as a Benefits Specialist:

Counsels team members and management regarding leave policies and procedures. Maintains HRIS and Benefits Enrollment system(s), including: ensuring that all team member data is accurate, producing reports, and working with payroll so that team member transactions are processed appropriately.

Insurance & 401(k) Administration

• Administer team member benefit programs including group health, flexible spending/health savings accounts, dental and vision, accident and disability, life insurance, 401(k), and wellness benefits.

• Provide team members with an explanation of benefits to ensure team members have an understanding of available benefits, eligibility and enrollment and claims procedures. Continuously look for opportunities to educate team members on available benefits.

• Maintains working knowledge of all summary plan descriptions, regulatory and legal standards and applies concepts appropriately. Understands and ensures compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA privacy Laws, and NYS Disability guidelines.

• Provides excellent customer service assisting team members with benefits questions/issues, enrollment and qualified life events. Review benefit submissions and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.

• Ensures proper and timely processing of eligibility, enrollments, and cancellations of all benefit plans in appropriate systems to ensure enrollment and premiums are managed accurately.

• Lead the day-to-day administration of company 401(k) plan.

• Monitoring and tracking of team member plan contributions in arrears and ensures appropriate correspondence and collection of payments due.

• Conduct and review hours reporting to ensure compliance with ACA.

• Regularly audit benefit enrollments to ensure accuracy of benefit levels, premiums and contributions.

Leave of Absence Administration

• Processes and tracks all leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA, PFL, Disability, and COVID-19), providing timely notification/response in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, as well as company policy. Effectively interprets FMLA and ADA implications and escalates to management where necessary. Review and process team member requests for medical accommodations.

• Maintains working knowledge of all summary plan descriptions, regulatory and legal standards and applies concepts appropriately. Understands and ensures compliance with FMLA, ADA, HIPAA privacy Laws, and NYS Disability and PFL guidelines.

Workers Compensation/Safety Administration

• Coordinate workers’ compensation claims with third-party administrator along with following up on claims and processing of incident reports.

Additional Duties

• Cooperate with other HR professionals when required to help the HR organization achieve objectives. Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned by leadership.

Who We Are:

We are Turning Stone Enterprises, a dynamic organization with a diverse range of business operations. Among our prominent offerings is the Turning Stone Resort Casino, which has received the prestigious Best of New York Gaming Resort award for an impressive six consecutive years. Complementing this flagship property, we operate satellite casinos like YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino Hotel, and The Lake House at Sylvan Beach. Beyond gaming and hospitality, our portfolio also includes convenience stores, three 18 hole PGA-level golf courses, and other unique ventures.

Key attributes we're seeking as a Benefits Specialist are:

• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local benefits law and strong understanding of benefit policies, procedures and practices.
• Work experience with situational application of benefit plan documents and regulations.
• Understanding of NYS DBL, NYS PFL, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA and other applicable wage, hour and employment laws.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; HRIS systems. Experience with UKG/Kronos a plus.
• Able to work independently and produce accurate work.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Aptitude in problem-solving.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential information.
• At least 2 years of previous work experience in human resources office responsible for benefit administration.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field with HR courses

What we value:

• Positivity – Team members who are passionate to learn, energetic to hit the ground running and willing to grow in a professional, team-oriented environment with a focus on guest service.
• Growth Opportunities – We offer a successful journey, including hands-on training and support to advance your career.
• Empowerment – We believe in our team members. With learning opportunities, career growth potential and recognition of outstanding performance, we encourage our team to take pride in their work.

Why choose Turning Stone Enterprises?

Paid weekly

Variety of schedules

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Career-building professional development

Discounts from dining to fuel to concerts

Team Member appreciation events

Quality healthcare and dental benefits

A robust 401k retirement plan

Dealer School

Finance Scholarship Program

Why You Will Appreciate Us:

At Turning Stone Enterprises, we prioritize the well-being and professional growth of our team members by offering an extensive array of benefits. From comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to a 401(k) and life insurance, we ensure your health and financial security. Our work-life balance support includes paid time off, paid holidays, and team member assistance programs. We’re also committed to wellness, with various programs and an upcoming 5,000-square-foot onsite medical center.

With over 4,500 team members across Central New York, we focus on delivering exceptional experiences for both our guests and staff. Our resources include training programs, complimentary shuttles, and career development initiatives, helping you reach your professional goals. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, join us for a rewarding journey of growth and success at Turning Stone Enterprises. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!