Pension and Benefits Specialist

Requisition ID: 43146 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Pension and Benefits Specialist is responsible for the effective administration of pension and benefit plans, including programs and polices such as the City’s employee and family assistance program and supports as the employer’s operational liaison with providers. Accountabilities include research, analysis, and testing of any new or revised benefits rates, quota entitlements, or other configured changes, and research and reconciliation of benefit /pensionable service data. Additionally the Specialist provides related support for other Organizational, HR and Finance initiatives that affect benefits, pension and other employee data.

Key Contacts and Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Team Lead Wellness & Benefits with close working relationships with other Human Resources and other Business Unit team members within the City. Coordinates the City’s relationship with vendor organizations such as insurers, contracted benefits administrators / providers, external consultants, and the Municipal Pension Plan. Added key relationships include Finance, Payroll, HRIS leaders, administrators, and unions.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Administrating Pension and Benefits:

• Engages with carriers about benefit coverage and premiums to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Tracks pension eligibility for Auxiliary, Temporary, and Part-time staff on a biweekly basis; handles enrolment documentation and ensures enrolment.
• Oversees tasks related to the assigned pension/benefit portfolio such as tracking budgets and invoicing.
• Oversees the process for creating and providing pre/post-retirement information and reports for retiring employees as required by collective agreements and policies.
• Checks eligibility for employees on Long Term Disability and ensures service/salary details are reported accurately and on time to the MPP by reviewing annual Payroll reports and performing regular pensionable service audits.
• Suggests, tests, and sets up system improvements to make benefits, compensation, and pension administration more efficient; assists with mass updates for records in SAP by validating datasets.
• Tests systems for new and updated benefits and pension rates; coordinates with Payroll and other stakeholders as needed.
• Keeps pension and benefits information up to date on the City’s intranet.
• Tracks and reports on benefits claims trends year over year across all City divisions; provides forecasting and other analytics.
• Shares data with external stakeholders for plan renewals, rate updates, and similar purposes.
• Handles escalations related to benefits and pensions from the Human Resources Service Centre by providing information.

Updating Policies and Supporting Programs:

• Suggests updates to employee benefit policies, programs, disability plans, and related collective agreement components, considering employee needs, costs, regulatory rules, and the City's goals.
• Helps with recruitment and retention strategies by staying on top of market trends and recommending evidence-based benefit improvements.
• Evaluates current and proposed benefits by reviewing their provisions and estimating their impact.
• Helps develop clear communication and education materials for the benefit plans for all employee groups.
• Prepares summaries, proposals and cost estimates for benefit changes to support union negotiations and related committees.
• Assists with rolling out new benefit policies and programs.
• Uses an equity and inclusion lens for all work, incorporating trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practices.

Providing Information:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal teams and external partners; consults to understand their needs.
• Shares pension and benefits expertise and provides guidance.
• Offers presentations and engagement opportunities with employee groups outlining Benefits eligibility and access and provides information about the City’s Employee and Family Assistance Program and other psychological supports.
• Identifies employee benefit interests by conducting surveys, working with Employee Resource Groups, and analyzing and reporting findings.
• Responds to data requests for collective bargaining and other HR projects.
• Creates and updates reports to help HR teams with audits and workflows.
• Reports on benefits claims trends and provides related forecasting and analytics.
• Coordinates with carriers to ensure benefits coverage and premiums are cost-effective.

Other Tasks:

• Ensures accurate and timely benefits and quota information is provided to retiring employees by maintaining clear procedure documents and training staff as needed.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or finance; or related field including specialized course work (such as CEBS) in pension and benefits administration. Three to five years related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge pension and benefits legislation in British Columbia including the Pension Benefits Standards Act
• Extensive knowledge of and administration of benefits programs and policies
• Reporting and presentation skills
• Strong analytical research skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing
• Knowledge of and ability to use HRIS systems
• Ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships
• Advanced MS Excel Skills
• Successful completion of an Enhanced Reliability Check

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Human Resources (1020) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: April 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-070: $84,489 to $105,602 per year

Application Close: February 23, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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