Pension and Benefits Specialist - Temporary, Full-time

VON Canada

About The Position

The Pension and Benefits Specialist administers employee pension and benefit programs, recommends plan changes, advises staff and managers on related issues, and ensures employee data is accurate. The position works with union groups, collective agreements, legislative requirements, benefit carriers, and internal teams to administer eligibility, enrollment, coverage, premiums, and pension and benefit payments. It also contributes to reporting, audits, process improvement, and the goals of the Total Compensation team. This is a temporary, full-time role in Human Resources, scheduled for days at 75 hours bi-weekly, with an anticipated end date of November 2027. The position is not on call and is an existing vacancy. VON Canada describes a dynamic, detail-oriented work environment and notes that personal protective equipment may be required. The role may involve lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and fine hand movements. The position works with employees, managers, internal teams, senior leaders, service providers, and pension and benefit carriers. It must comply with VON policies, confidentiality and personal-information safeguards, workplace health and safety requirements, and applicable legislation. A current, original satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required; a Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may also be required. VON Canada states its commitment to accessibility and to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Post-secondary education with a degree or certificate in Human Resources Management.
At least 3 years of experience administering group benefits plans and pension administration.
Knowledge of provincial group benefits legislation.
Proficiency with Windows operating systems and the MS Office Suite.
Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and discretion.
Effective time management, planning, and organization of daily work.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong organizational skills, including prioritization, multitasking, and handling competing deadlines.
Good judgment in decision-making and conflict resolution.
Strong customer service skills.
Attention to detail.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to solve problems and adapt to rapidly changing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Current, original satisfactory Criminal Records Check.
Ability to perform the role's physical activities, including lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and fine hand movements.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.

Nice To Haves

Related courses in pension and benefits or another related field.
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation.
Experience with defined benefit pension plans.
Experience in a unionized or health care environment.
SAP experience.
A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.

Responsibilities

Advise employees on pension and benefits, applying knowledge of union groups, collective agreements, legislation, and carrier guidelines.
Collaborate with Labour Relations to interpret collective agreement provisions concerning group benefit and pension eligibility.
Review collective agreement wording and recommend discussion topics to the Senior Manager for bargaining strategies and standardization of practices.
Determine benefit eligibility, coverage, effective dates, and payroll premium deductions according to union contracts and benefit policies; enter required information in SAP and the benefit administrator site.
Administer benefit enrollment forms on time and coordinate required documentation with internal teams and third-party carriers.
Conduct monthly audits, analyze results, and recommend resolutions and process improvements when errors are found.
Prepare reports and analysis for the team and Finance to support recommendations on benefit premium arrears write-offs and collections.
Monitor and report key performance indicators to identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
Monitor employee leaves of absence, create payment schedules, and enter employee benefit and pension cheques in SAP for premium payments.
Prepare and send letters advising employees of initial eligibility, changes in enrollment, or termination of coverage, including during leaves; prepare and courier letters confirming employee selections.
Liaise between VON employees and benefit and pension carriers.
Communicate with managers about job content, objectives, performance, and action plans.
Fulfill responsibilities in accordance with organizational requirements, policies, standards, bylaws, and applicable legislation.
Participate in continuous decision-making and quality improvement using LEAN principles.
Contribute to developing and improving Total Compensation team processes and work toward program and department goals.
Promote VON's goals and values and its role as an integrated community care provider.
Support a safe and healthy workplace and comply with occupational health and safety requirements, VON safety policies, safe work practices, and procedures.
Protect confidential and personal information and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
Collaborate with staff and other stakeholders in a team approach to service delivery.