As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 92,000 residents. New Westminster is rich in history with a viable and thriving economy and has a population representative of the diversity of the region. The City is staffed by talented and dedicated employees who work together to achieve its strategic vision. We have earned a proud reputation for civic leadership, service delivery, and outstanding employee relations.
Reporting to the Manager, Payroll, Benefits & HRIS, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for the overall administration of the City’s employee benefits and pension programs, while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for employee benefits administration, communicating with employees and benefit providers, the oversight of enrollment eligibility and coordination of benefit and pension enrolment, processing of changes and terminations, and investigating and resolving plan and enrollment issues
- Prepares cheque requisitions and completes monthly benefits reconciliation
- Responsible for all retirements, includes supporting employees with their retirement paperwork, calculate any retirement payments or benefits the employee may be eligible for, and completing the related paperwork to submit to Payroll for processing
- As the primary contact for Pension Purchase of Service for employees wishing to purchase their non-contributory pensionable service or to purchase a leave of absence, will receive and process the purchase of service applications submitted by employees, as well as answer any questions pertaining to a purchase of service for pension
- Enters and updates employee benefit enrollment information in the City’s HRIS system (JDE) and the benefit carrier systems
- Issues cessation of benefits letter for all employees who have benefits and are leaving their employment with the City
- Works closely with the Payroll Team, advising of new enrollments and benefit\MPP changes or adjustments
- Primary point of contact for all employee related inquiries regarding benefit programs as they relate to applicable Collective Agreements and City policies
- Ensures timely and accurate enrollments, monthly reconciliation, payment remittance, adjustments and reporting to benefit carriers, and Municipal Pension Plan
- Updates the payroll system with all benefit rate changes to match carrier premiums and comply with Collective Agreements
- Participates in the resolution of complex benefit issues, changes and policy interpretation
- Delivers exceptional service by providing accurate, clear and consistent advice, guidance and direction to staff and departments when presenting and relaying benefits information
- Maintains confidentiality when handling employee benefits information and adheres to City policies and legal requirements regarding data privacy and confidentiality
- Contributes to the ongoing development of the department by supporting and sharing knowledge with other team members to continually improve operational efficiency
- Provides benefit related data as requested
- Acts for the Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Specialist on matters during the latter’s absence
- Performs related duties in keeping with the purpose and accountabilities of the job and all other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- A diploma or degree in Human Resources management or related field
- Minimum three years of direct experience in benefit administration in a complex unionized environment
- Experience using ERP/HRIS system such as JD Edwards (JDE)
- Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation or working towards certification
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) is considered an asset
- Excellent knowledge of provincial and federal legislation, collective agreements, and policies and procedures related to benefits administration
- Knowledge of the practices and techniques related to benefits administration
- Demonstrated ability to act with professionalism, diplomacy, and maintain confidentiality
- Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to anticipate, identify, and make recommendations to resolve issues and improvements in systems and processes
- Ability to work positively and cohesively in a team environment, as well as on an individual basis
- Ability to meet timelines and objectives and demonstrates persistence in overcoming obstacles
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/HRIS systems
This position will remain open until filled.
