Role overview

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.