Pension and Benefits Specialist - Full-time

VON Canada; Halifax; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Pension and Benefits Specialist to join their Human Resources team. This hybrid role involves administering employee pension and benefit programs, ensuring compliance with collective agreements, and providing support to staff on related issues. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise to enhance employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. With a commitment to community impact, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of individuals across Canada while fostering personal career growth within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Tiered Benefits (health, dental, LTD)

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in administering Group Benefits plans.
• Knowledge of provincial group benefits legislation and union environments.

Responsibilities

• Administer employee pension and benefit programs accurately.
• Provide guidance on pension and benefits to employees.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Time Management

Customer Service

Conflict Resolution

Education

Post-secondary education in Human Resources Management

Courses in Pension and Benefits

Tools

SAP

MS Office Suite

Windows OS

Job description

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE)
Program Name: Human Resources
Work Schedule: Days
Number of Hours Bi-weekly: 75
On Call: No
This is a hybrid work opportunity where the successful candidate will split their time to work remotely and in-office at our Halifax site.
Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position

About us:
VON provides home and community care to more than 10,000 people every day in Ontario and Nova Scotia. As a registered charity and not-for-profit, our organization is all about the difference we can make in people’s lives. Working at VON is more than just a job, it's a career that impacts how Canadians live.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salaries and vacation time
• Tiered Benefits (health, dental, LTD)
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• The opportunity to make a difference in your community
• An opportunity to use your skills and expand your knowledge
• The opportunity to grow your career with VON

Job Summary:

The Pension and Benefits (P&B) Specialist is responsible for administering employee pension and benefit programs, recommending plan changes and serving as a resource to staff and managers on related issues and ensuring accuracy of employee data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides guidance and advice to employees regarding pension and benefits, utilizing exceptional interpersonal skills and knowledge of each union group and their respective Collective Agreements, legislative requirement and carrier guidelines.
• Collaborates with the Labour Relations team to interpret collective agreement wording related to group benefits and pension eligibility.
• Establishes employee benefits eligibility, coverage, effective dates and payroll premium deduction set-up in accordance with union contracts and benefit policy agreements and ensures all necessary information is entered in SAP and the benefit administrator site.
• Ensures timely administration of benefit enrollment forms and coordinates all required documentation to be sent internally and to third party carriers.
• Completes monthly audits and analyzes results to ensure accuracy and integrity of the system (e.g. mandatory enrollments, benefit cost shares while on leaves etc.). If errors are identified, makes recommendations for resolution and future improvements to processes.
• Monitors and reports on key performance indicators to evaluate areas for improved efficiency.
• Monitors employee leave of absences, creates payment schedules and enters employee benefit/pension cheques in SAP for payment of premiums.
• Prepares letters for initial eligibility and change in enrollment status advising employees of their eligibility or termination of coverage including while on leave of absences; prepares and couriers letters to employees to confirm selections.
• Liaises between VON employees and benefit and pension carriers.

Education, Designations, Skills, and Experience:

• Post-secondary education with degree/certificate in Human Resources Management Related courses in Pension and Benefits, or other related field considered an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience with administering Group Benefits plans (health, dental, life insurance, LTD, AD&D, optional insurance) and Pension Administration (Defined Benefit Pension Plans preferred).
• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation is an asset.
• Knowledge of the provincial group benefits legislation.
• Experience in a unionized environment/health care environment considered an asset.
• Proficiency in Windows OS and MS Office Suite programs.
• SAP experience a definite asset.
• Demonstrate effective time management, planning and organizing of days’ work activities.
• Exercising good judgment in decision making and conflict resolution.
• Strong customer service skills.

Other:

• A current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required.
• A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.
• The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.