Benefits Specialist

Avanti Software Inc.; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 36,000 - 61,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks vacation

Registered Pension Plan (4.5% employer

EAP

Job summary

YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo is seeking a Benefits Specialist to administer and manage employee benefits in a not-for-profit, unionized, and non-unionized workplace. This part-time role focuses on accurate delivery of benefits while ensuring compliance with collective agreements and laws.

The position offers a hybrid or on-site work environment with a salary grade 2 range and pro-rated hours based on 20 hours per week. Strong HRIS and MS Office skills are required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in HR, business, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in benefits administration.
• Solid understanding of collective agreements and employment standards.
• Proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Administer health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement plans.
• Ensure benefits programs comply with employment standards, policies, and collective agreements.
• Deliver benefits orientation and provide clear, timely information to employees.
• Stay current on industry trends and liaise with vendors for employee partner programs.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary education in HR/Business

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Permanent Part-Time | Non-Union | 20 hours per week | Hybrid or on-site work environment
Salary Grade 2: $53,864.11 - $60,624.53 (pro-rated based on hours worked)

Benefits

• Registered Pension Plan (4.5% Employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 3 weeks vacation

In this Role, you will contribute to the Community by ...

being responsible for administering and managing the organization's employee benefits programs within a not-for-profit, unionized and non-unionized workplace. This role ensures the accurate and timely delivery of benefits to employees while maintaining compliance with the collective agreement, organizational policies, and applicable laws. The Specialist also maintains and oversees the employee partner programs.

Benefits Administration

• Administer health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement plans (e.g., pensions, RRSPs), along with other benefits programs.

Compliance & Policy Adherence

• Ensure benefits programs comply with employment standards, organizational policies, and collective agreements.
• Monitor adherence to applicable federal and provincial regulations, including employment standards, privacy legislation, and pension legislation.

Employee Communication & Support

• Deliver benefits orientation for new employees.
• Prepare and distribute clear, timely, and accurate benefits information.
• Support employees through life events (parental leave, medical leave, retirement) with guidance on benefits and entitlements.

Continuous Improvement

• Recommend improvements to benefits programs to enhance employee satisfaction and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay current on industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices in benefits administration.
• Research and liaise with organizations and vendors for employee partner programs.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Current Vulnerable Sector Check or Criminal Reference Check

Job Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in benefits administration, preferably in a not-for-profit and unionized environment.
• Solid understanding of collective agreements, employment standards, and relevant provincial/federal legislation.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a firm commitment to confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with employees, unions, and external providers.

About YWCA Canada and YWCA K-W

When you choose to work with the YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo you aren’t just joining an organization, you are joining a movement!

YWCA Canada is a secular, registered charity and the country’s oldest and largest women’s rights organization, driving change for over 150 years. The National Office strengthens the work of 29 independent local member associations across Canada by providing tools, training, national convening, and capacity‑building. Through research, governance support, professional development, and advocacy coordination, YWCAs deliver impact in their communities while growing the collective power of the national movement focused on ending gender-based violence; advocating for affordable housing that meets the needs of women and gender‑diverse people; challenging systemic barrier to economic equity; championing childcare and women’s well‑being; empowering diverse young leaders; as well as informing and shaping the feminist future.

The YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo is committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and responsive to the diversity of Kitchener-Waterloo, in which all people are respected and valued. A full Diversity & Inclusion Statement can be viewed at https://ywkw.ca/diversity-inclusion-statement.

Accommodation requests can be emailed to [e-mail]

YWCA K-W does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants; all resumes submitted are reviewed manually by hiring managers.