Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.
ROLE PURPOSE
Connective is a non-profit organization delivering a range of social services, with over 1,300 employees, the large majority members of one of three bargaining units (CUPE, BCGEU, and the Yukon Employees Union). Connective is committed to providing high-quality, person-centred programs and services to the communities we serve.
The Benefits and Abilities Management Specialist owns the day-to-day administration of Connective's employee benefits programs and Abilities Management, serving as the primary point of contact for employees and managers on all benefits-related matters. 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 Abilities 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
Hybrid, 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.
WHAT WE OFFER?
- Committed Living Wage Employer
- 2022, 2023 and 2025 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Award from NEOC
- 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from Supporting Lines
- Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan
- Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments
- Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management
- Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday
- Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months)
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Benefits Administration
- Administer employee benefits enrolment, changes, and terminations across all benefit programs, group health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and any other applicable plans
- Process new hire benefits enrolments accurately and within required timelines, ensuring employees understand their coverage and options
- Administer qualifying life event changes, marriage, birth, adoption, separation, and other events that trigger benefits adjustments
- Coordinate benefits terminations and continuation coverage as applicable upon employee departure
- 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
Employee Support and Communication
- 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
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 and Corporate Services and Total Rewards Lead
- 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
- Supporting leave management, abilities management (RTW, GRTW) OH&S leaves or otherwise
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Function independently, while remaining a crucial member of the support team
- Adhere to Connective policies and procedures
- Be available to work flexible hours as needed. May include some evenings/weekends, as determined by the regional office needs and schedules
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
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
- 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
REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to successfully complete a Vulnerable Persons Criminal Records Check
- Ability to successfully pass a Reference Check
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.
Important: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, observe their weekly hours limit if under a temporary or study visa, and provide proof of eligibility if selected for the role.
INCLUSION
At Connective, we value and accommodate unique differences to ensure that our staff have the opportunity and are supported to thrive. To build a strong and representative workforce, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities or other marginalized communities.
For more information on Connective’s services and locations, visit our website at https://connective.ca/
