Benefits Administrator

UBC The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Benefits Administrator to support the management of benefit plans and related systems. You will ensure delivery of services aligned with policies, contracts, and government legislation, while maintaining the benefits website and enrollment system and guiding staff in day-to-day operations.

You will work with benefits providers, participate in projects, and assist in ongoing analysis of benefit plans; background checks are required and this is a

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives.
• Commitment to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Manager, Benefits.
• Provides support and guidance to benefits administration staff.
• Collaborates with HR sub-functions (HR Advisory Services, Pension Administration, Faculty Relations).
• Assists in management of UBC benefit plans to ensure services align with policies and legislation.
• Maintains benefits information and prepares communications for stakeholders.
• Coordinates changes to Workday, plan documents, and employee booklets.
• Contributes to bargaining preparations and benefits surveys.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

MS Excel

Workday / HRIS

Job description

Compensation

Central Human Resources Compensation Range $7,158.42 - $10,292.25 CAD Monthly.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Manager, Benefits, assists in the management of UBC's benefit plans to ensure the delivery of services, programs, and communications are aligned with the University's policies and procedures, benefit plan documents/contracts, collective agreements and relevant government legislation. This position ensures the accuracy, maintenance, and ongoing development of the benefits website and online benefits enrollment system; works with benefits providers to resolve administrative and claim issues; researches and provides recommendations for improvements for delivery of programs and services; assists Manager, Benefits, or may take lead on the implementation of special projects and new benefits programs/services; and provides support and guidance to benefits administration staff in the day-to-day delivery of the benefit programs. Assists Manager in the ongoing analysis and review of existing benefit plans, policies, and procedures.

This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks.

This is a leave replacement for a fixed term duration.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Manager, Benefits.
• Provides support and guidance to benefits administration staff engaged in the delivery of benefit programs and services.
• Works closely and consults with other Human Resource sub-functions including HR Advisory Services, HR Analysts, Pension Administration, Faculty Relations and Financial Services.
• Assists in the management of UBC benefit plans to ensure delivery of services, programs, and communications aligned with policies, procedures, benefit plan documents/contracts, collective agreements and government legislation.
• Provides guidance and support to administrative staff engaged in delivery of services and information related to the benefits programs.
• Resolves problems arising in the administration and day-to-day delivery of benefits programs and services.
• Provides accurate and timely benefits information and services to Faculty and Staff, Department / Faculty Administrators, Financial Services Representatives, other Human Resources units across all campuses and sites.
• Hosts one-on-one consultations, orientation & onboarding sessions, webinars, and lunch and learns.
• Acts as primary contact for enquiries/issues requiring investigation and follow-up.
• Maintains updated benefits information on the HR website.
• Prepares written communication to stakeholders advising of changes in benefits cost, coverage, etc.
• Coordinates changes to UBC's HRIS (Workday), plan documents, employee booklets and website.
• Administers University's Extraordinary Expense Funds (EEF) and supports University's Tuition Waiver program.
• Researches and analyzes complex benefit issues.
• Collaborates with areas to recommend actions and improvements.
• Assists in research of new benefit provisions and updating guidelines.
• Assists in preparation for bargaining and cost proposals.
• Participates in benefits surveys and data collection.
• Participates in the annual planning process for Health, Wellbeing and Benefits.
• Performs other duties related to the qualifications and requirements of the job.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

• Failure to effectively oversee delivery could damage public perception.
• Inaccurate information could lead to financial or legal consequences.
• Failure to ensure accurate program information could result in payment delays.
• Failure to monitor compliance could result in grievances and arbitration.
• Inaccuracy in research could negatively impact decision making.
• Inability to monitor could delay identification of financial problems.

Supervision Received

Receives guidance and general direction from Manager, Benefits. Exercises independence and judgement in day-to-day administration within established guidelines.

Supervision Given

• Supports benefits staff and temporary staff.
• May delegate work and provide guidance/instruction as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as an Employee Benefits Specialist or a Group Benefits Associate.
• A minimum of three years' related experience in benefits administration in a complex unionized environment, or two years' relevant UBC experience.
• Excellent knowledge of computer and office management systems, strong command of MS Excel and Human Resources Information Systems.
• Good knowledge of financial underwriting arrangements, benefit plan designs, and relevant government legislation.
• Good knowledge of UBC's benefit plans, collective agreements, and University policies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills with collaborative teamwork.
• Ability to exercise sensitivity, diplomacy, tact, and discretion in confidential matters.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

About UBC

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].