FT - Benefits & Leave Management Specialist

Nature and scope of work

The Benefits and Leave Management Specialist is responsible for the administration, coordination, and communication of Connectives employee benefit programs, including healthcare and pension plans, while also supporting employees and managers through short- and long-term leaves and return to work programs. This role serves as a liaison between employees, People & Culture, and benefit carriers. This role operates within the Shared Services function, working in close partnership with the Total Rewards Lead who owns the strategic design and framework of Connective’s benefits programs.

Connective's workforce includes unionized employees covered by three collective agreements: CUPE, BCGEU, and the Yukon Employees Union, each of which may carry distinct benefit entitlements. The Benefits and Leave Management Specialist  must be comfortable navigating that complexity accurately and consistently, ensuring every employee receives their correct entitlements and that queries are resolved with care and precision.

Location

Remote, British Columbia.

Status and Classification

Exempt. This position is open to applicants of all genders.

Hours 

40 hours per week; Monday to Friday, 0830-1630

Core accountabilities

Benefits administration and Employee Support 

• Maintain accurate benefits records in Ceridian Dayforce and with external benefit carriers

• Reconcile monthly benefit carrier invoices, identifying and resolving discrepancies in coordination with Finance

• In coordination with payroll, reconcile monthly and annual pension records and payments

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits queries, responding accurately, professionally, and within established service level timelines

• Guide employees through benefits enrolment processes and assist with claims navigation where required

• Develop and maintain plain-language benefits guides and reference materials to support employee self-service

• Support the annual benefits renewal process, communicating changes, updating records, and coordinating with carriers

• Administer the benefits implications of leaves of absence in compliance with applicable legislation and collective agreement requirements

Leave Management and Return to Work Coordination

• Provide support to employees on occupational and non-occupational leaves and in assistance with third-party Abilities Management provider, assist and coordinate a return-to work plan

• Maintain up to date case records and documentation as required and keep manager and HRBPs informed

• Participate in regular review meetings with third party Abilities Management team, Total Rewards Lead, and Director of HR Operations & Shared Services

• Maintain and develop internal policies and procedures for leave management, return to work, and functional abilities within the workplace

• Support the administration of leave programs including tracking, documentation, and follow up correspondence

Compliance and collective agreement administration

• Ensure benefits administration is consistent with the entitlements specified in the CUPE, BCGEU, and Yukon Employees Union collective agreements

• Monitor legislative changes affecting benefits obligations and flag implications to the Director HR Operations & Shared Services and Total Reward

• Support the Total Rewards Lead with data and administration required for benefits program reviews, renewals, and RFP processes

• Maintain documentation and records sufficient for audit purposes and in compliance with privacy legislation

Qualifications and experience

Required

• Minimum three years of benefits administration experience in a complex, multi-employee environment 

• Experience administering benefits for unionized employees and navigating collective agreement benefit entitlements 

• Strong working knowledge of group benefit programs, health, dental, disability, and life insurance 

• Experience with an HRIS or benefits administration platform, Ceridian Dayforce experience is an asset 

• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume, detail-oriented work accurately and to deadline 

• Post-secondary education in People & Culture, Business Administration, or a related field, OR demonstrated equivalency through experience 

Preferred

• Experience supporting annual benefits renewals and carrier negotiations 

• Experience with coordinating staff on occupational and non-occupational leaves 

• Familiarity with benefits administration across multiple provinces 

• Experience in a non-profit or publicly-funded organization 

• Working knowledge of applicable legislation including the BC Employment Standards Act, Employment Insurance Act, and CPP regulations as they relate to benefits 

Competencies

• Accuracy: benefit errors have direct financial and personal impact on employees; this role holds quality to a high standard 

• Empathy: employees who reach out about benefits are often dealing with significant life events; this role responds with professionalism and care 

• Organizational discipline: manages enrolment cycles, renewals, and ongoing transactions without letting things fall through the cracks 

• Discretion: handles sensitive personal and financial information with absolute confidentiality 

• Collaborative: works effectively with the Total Rewards Lead, Finance, carriers, and HR colleagues 

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $71,300 to $89,100. Annual salary will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications. This role will also be eligible for Connective's comprehensive benefits package.