Analyst, Benefits - Leave Management

Fairstone Bank•Montreal, QC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Total Rewards team, the Analyst, Benefits (Leave Management) plays an important role in supporting employee well-being through the effective administration of leave and disability programs. Reporting to the Team Lead, Benefits and Wellness, this role is responsible for coordinating and administering employee leave programs, including disability leaves, medical leaves, parental leaves, workplace injury claims, accommodations, and other legislated and company-sponsored leave programs. The incumbent acts as a trusted resource to employees, managers, Payroll, Human Resources, and external partners to ensure leave cases are managed efficiently, compassionately, and in compliance with applicable legislation and company policies. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in disability management, benefits administration, employee wellness, and case management while contributing to a positive employee experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, College diploma, or equivalent combination of education and experience in: Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, A related field.
2 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Benefits administration, Leave management, Disability administration, Human Resources operations, Case management.
Foundational knowledge of employee benefits and leave of absence programs.
Knowledge of Canadian employment standards and leave legislation.
Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of disability management and accommodation practices is considered an asset.
Experience working with HRIS, benefits, or case management systems is an asset.

Responsibilities

Administer and coordinate employee leave programs, including: Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Medical leaves, Maternity, parental and adoption leaves, Personal leaves, Workplace injury and workers' compensation-related absences, Accommodations and ergonomic requests, Other legislated leaves as applicable.
Manage leave cases from initiation through return-to-work, ensuring timely follow-up and documentation.
Track leave approvals, extensions, benefits continuation, and return-to-work dates.
Review and maintain employee documentation to ensure completeness and adherence to established timelines.
Coordinate return-to-work activities and accommodation requirements in collaboration with managers, Human Resources, employees, and external providers.
Serve as a key point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave programs, eligibility requirements, disability processes, and benefits continuation.
Provide guidance on required documentation, medical certificates, forms, and leave procedures.
Support managers throughout the leave lifecycle by providing updates, recommendations, and process guidance.
Deliver a responsive, empathetic, and employee-focused experience while handling sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.
Liaise with disability carriers, benefits providers, third-party administrators, healthcare practitioners, and other external partners.
Facilitate timely and accurate information exchange while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Escalate and support the resolution of complex or sensitive leave cases.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain accurate leave records and case documentation within HRIS and case management systems.
Ensure compliance with applicable employment standards, privacy legislation, disability management practices, and company policies.
Prepare regular reports, metrics, and analyses related to leave activity, trends, and case status.
Support audits, compliance reviews, and internal reporting requirements.
Identify opportunities to improve leave administration processes and employee experience.
Assist in developing and maintaining procedures, templates, guidelines, and knowledge resources.
Support employee education and communication initiatives related to disability and leave programs.
Participate in Total Rewards and Wellness initiatives, projects, and process enhancements as required.