Specialist – Pension & Benefits

Specialist – Pension & Benefits

Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada

Type of contract: Temporary (12 months), Full Time

Salary: $52,614 - $65,767 per year

An iconic brand and one of the most inspirational not-for-profit organization on this planet – The Canadian Red Cross (CRC), is seeking aSpecialist– Pension & Benefitsto work within the Human Resources Payroll, Benefits and Pension team.

You want to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian network? You have a passion for helping others, and want to work with other dedicated individuals? By applying, you are taking a big first step to be part of an exciting organization that makes a huge difference in the lives of Canadians here at home and abroad. What are you waiting for?

At the Canadian Red Cross, we help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience. We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, and inclusive work environment where people with all abilities, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, nationalities, religions, and sexual orientations can reach their full potential. All qualified persons, particularly Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, women, veterans, and others who share our values and contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace are encouraged to apply.

As a Specialist – Pension & Benefits, you will be working with the Human Ressources, Manager Payroll, Benefits and Pension. You will be responsible for coordinating and administering the CRC Pension and Benefits programs for all CRC employees and retirees. As a member of the team, the Pension and Benefits Specialist provides guidance, education and training to employees, ensures consistent application of pension and benefits administration practices and liaises with carriers for policy interpretation. The Pension and Benefits Specialist is also responsible for the overall administrative activities related to employee Leave. This role works closely with external service providers and internally with Payroll Specialists and People Services Business Partners.

As a Manager-Pension and Benefits you will:

Responsibility 1: Coordination and administration of CRC Group Health Benefits programs for active and retired employees.

• Track employee Benefits eligibility dates and ensure that employees receive Group Health Benefits enrolment information in a timely manner
• Administer Retiree benefits, set up of benefit payments, collection of payments and maintain entries in HRIS and pay system,
• Run monthly ADP import(s) for the retiree database.
• Answer new employee questions regarding the CRC benefits packages and explain policies and procedures.
• Provide education, training and updates to employees regarding CRC Benefits programs and support to client group (BP and Shared Services team)

Responsibility 2: Coordination and administration of the CRC Group Retirement program including Defined Contribution Pension Plan and Group RRSP. Oversees the administration of a closed Defined Benefit Pension Plan.

• Track employee Pension eligibility dates and ensure that employees receive Group Pension enrolment information in a timely manner.
• Oversee the day-to-day administration of the Group Retirement Program, including accurate enrolment/calculations, record-keeping procedures, maintenance of accurate employee records and related communications with CRC employees and retirees.

Responsibility 3: Coordination of Leave Administration

• Advise CRC employees of payment obligations related to various types of leaves of absences.
• Prepare calculation sheets for employees and confirm method of payment.
• Ensure that in cases of Disability, Life Insurance Waivers are updated by the relevant carrier.

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s Degree or College Diploma in human resources, administration, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in benefits and pension administration
• Experience and comfort working with systems, databases and spreadsheets including: HRIS systems (AX Dynamics preferred), Payroll systems (Pay@work ADP preferred) and MS Office Suite (MS Excel in particular)
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize HRIS systems, specifically AX Dynamics along with advanced skills MS Office Suites is an asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and provincial laws pertaining to pension and benefits administration.
• Superior organization and time management skills and keen attention to details are essential.
• Ability to interpret routine policies and contracts to provide guidance on procedures and policy to clients.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to continuous improvement
• Professionalism and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within a team and build positive internal and external relationships.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and French are essential.
• Proactive with exceptional time management and prioritization skills to be able to manage high workload.
• Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Previous Red Cross experience is an asset.

Working Conditions

• This position requires a satisfactory Canadian criminal record reference check.
• The majority of the work is performed in a clean and comfortable environment.
• May include long to moderate hours sitting and using computers and office equipment.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours on short notice.
• Ability to work in stressful and often ambiguous conditions.
• Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position and operation (the CRC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground)

The Canadian Red Cross is an organization guided by our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please notify us as soon as possible. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.