Benefits Specialist

Job Description

The Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in designing, implementing, and managing employee benefit programs to ensure compliance, competitiveness, and alignment with organizational goals. This role will oversee hourly and salaried benefit plans for all Canadian business units including reporting & auditing, plan renewals, and supporting accommodations, particularly those arising under the local Employment Standards and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Responsibilities

Disability & Accommodation Management:

• Manage all short- and long-term disability claims for all Canadian business units.
• Conduct telephone interviews, with a focus on obtaining pertinent medical/treatment status, functional information and return-to-work (RTW) readiness.
• Identify and evaluate medical and non-medical barriers and functional abilities, to positively impact outcomes.
• Manage all accommodation requests in compliance with company policy and local legislation.
• Maintain AODA training
  
  

Plan Management

• Administer and manage employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits.
• Collaborate with benefits providers, brokers, and vendors to optimize plan offerings and ensure service levels are met.
• Participate in the evaluation, negotiation, and renewal of benefits plans and contracts.
• Monitor benefits program utilization and identify opportunities for cost savings and enhancements.
• Participate as a member of the Redpath Pension Committee, working together to make decisions.
  
  

Employee Engagement

• Develop and conduct benefits orientations, workshops, and informational sessions for employees.
• Create and maintain, and distribute educational materials, including benefit guides, FAQs, and newsletters, to enhance employee understanding of programs.
• Serve as the primary escalation point of contact for employees and management regarding unresolved benefit-related Issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new benefits programs or initiatives.
  
  

Administration

• Support the benefits team at the Shared Services Center with plan coverage inquiries, T4 reconciliation, pension and enrollment audits and financial statements.
• Ensure accuracy in policy wording for benefits contracts and agreements.
• Collaborate with consultants and/or insurance carriers to resolve discrepancies
• Prepare and manage insurance-related data including renewals, audits, and compliance reporting.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes including Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Personal Health Information Protection Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and ensure compliance within area of responsibility.
• The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all inclusive
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of experience in benefits administration with pension administration experience and leave management.
  
  

Knowledge Required

• Strong knowledge of benefits programs, practices and applicable laws and regulations.
• Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration systems (i.e., Oracle Fusion).
• Effective interpersonal and strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to handle shifting priorities, maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with the public, peers and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to build rapport quickly
• High level of attention to detail and time management