Specialist, Benefits

JOB SUMMARY

You are responsible for the design, implementation and governance of the City’s benefit programs. Your primary responsibilities include:

• Leading the design and implementation of benefits plans and programs that provide optimal value to employees and the organization.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of plans and programs, including the performance of service providers.
• Providing expert advice and interpretation in support of benefit programs, leveraging your deep expert knowledge of third-party administration and insurance carriers’ operations, plan administration, outsourcing operations, contracts, financial arrangement, plan designs, scope of service, technologies and interfaces.
• Providing expertise and direction to the Program Manager in support of collective bargaining, and in the resolution of complex labour issues and policy grievances to ensure consistency and integration of benefit plans across unions.
• Undertakes projects as required or assigned.
• Innovate and continuously improve benefit programs to ensure optimal value and effectiveness for employees and the corporation.
• Participating in and providing input to the development of the overall total rewards strategy for the City of Ottawa

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in human resources, business administration, public administration or related field

Minimum of 5 years of related experience in benefit plan analysis, design and contract administration

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Contractual benefit plan design and provisions
• Relevant regulations (Employment Standards Act, MFIPPA, taxation, etc.)
• Computerized payroll system
• Project management principles and techniques 
• Research, data analysis and reporting writing 
• Legislation, policies, regulations, guidelines and operational procedures relevant to the operational area
• Corporate computer applications and systems including: MS Office, HR systems
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills
• Communicate sensitive and complex issues
• Ability to write policies, procedures and reports
• Excellent project management skills
• Ability to facilitate and focus working groups
• Ability to design and develop training and presentation materials 
• Problem solve and present creative solutions
• Strong attention to detail
• Collaborative problem solver
• Commitment to service excellence
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and discretion
• Maintains strict confidentiality