The Alberta Teachers’ Association
invites applications for the position of
Benefits and Pension Membership Specialist
Permanent Full-Time
Work Location: Barnett House (11010 142 Street NW), Edmonton
As the professional organization of Alberta teachers, the ATA promotes and advances public education, supports teachers’ professional practice, and serves as the advocate for its members. The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is proud to be one of Alberta’s Top 85 Employers for consecutive years. We offer:
- A 35-hour work week, a minimum of four weeks of paid vacation, plus multiple other day-off categories to support your work/life balance
- A competitive salary between $75,187 and $94,621
- A full range of 100% employer-paid benefits for you and your eligible family members
- Free on-site parking, an onsite gym, outdoor patio, cafeteria, library, and multifaith/quiet spaces
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Associate Coordinator, Teacher Employment Services, the Benefits and Pension Membership Specialist provides high-level client service and administrative support related to grievances, arbitration cases, collective bargaining, benefits, disability management, and pensions. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting grievance arbitration procedures: managing timelines, issuing standard correspondence, drafting unique grievance correspondence for senior staff approval, coordinating files, and providing research material to legal counsel, liaising with stakeholders including council and members
- Handling member inquiries via correspondence and telephone regarding benefits and disability management
- Maintaining case files involving extended-disability benefits and assisting members with appeals
- Supporting retirement initiatives, including contacting subgroups to schedule workshops for retiring members, updating content, and preparing materials for Pre-Retirement workshops
- Updating retirement-related documents and presentations annually to reflect legislative changes
- Drafting case reports for the Teacher Employment & Membership Support (Collective Bargaining) addendum to PEC
- Coordinating updates to local teacher welfare committees and informing bargaining units of approved changes
- Updating collective agreements, consolidating information, and proofreading final versions
- Providing administrative support for negotiations and clause search summaries for bargaining
- Preparing the Collective Bargaining section of the Annual Report
- Managing logistics for the Collective Bargaining Education Program, including registrations, certificates, reports, and statistics
- Providing routine information to members on government-sponsored plans, death benefits, and retirement options, updating materials as needed
- Serving as administrative secretary to the Benefits, Insurance and Pension Committee: arranging meetings, drafting agendas, minutes, maintaining records, and preparing documents
Qualifications
- A certificate or diploma in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Ability Management, or Pension Administration
- In progress or completion of a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation
- At least three (3) years of administrative or case management experience in a professional setting (equivalencies may be considered)
- Experience with grievance arbitration management and administration
- Experience with benefit administration, including disability management and pensions
- Experience working in a unionized and/or member-driven environment
- Knowledge of records management theory and application (asset)
- Knowledge of member databases (asset)
- Knowledge of pension legislation and policies (preferred)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, manage shifting priorities, and handle multiple demands
- Calm and professional demeanor during high-stress periods