Benefits Administrator

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Manager, Benefits, assists in the management of UBC’s benefit plans to ensure the delivery of services, programs, and communications are aligned with the University's policies and procedures, benefit plan documents/contracts, collective agreements and relevant government legislation. This position ensures the accuracy, maintenance, and ongoing development of the benefits website and online benefits enrollment system; works with benefits providers to resolve administrative and claim issues; researches and provides recommendations for improvements for delivery of programs and services; assists Manager, Benefits, or may take lead on the implementation of special projects and new benefits programs/services; and provides support and guidance to benefits administration staff in the day-to-day delivery of the benefit programs. Assists Manager in the ongoing analysis and review of existing benefit plans, policies, and procedures.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Manager, Benefits. Provides support and guidance to benefits administration staff engaged in the day-to-day delivery of benefit programs and services. Works closely and consults with other Human Resource sub-functions including HR Advisory Services, HR Analysts, Pension Administration, Faculty Relations and Financial Services.

Work Performed
Under the direction of the Manager, Benefits, assists in the management of the UBC benefit plans to ensure the delivery of services, programs, and communications are aligned with the University's policies and procedures, benefit plan documents/contracts, collective agreements and government legislation.

Provides guidance and support to administrative support staff engaged in the delivery of services and provisions of information related to the benefits programs. Resolves problems arising in the administration and day-to-day delivery of benefits programs and services.

Provides accurate and timely benefits information and services to Faculty and Staff, Department / Faculty Administrators, Financial Services Representatives, other Human Resources units (including Pensions Administration, Faculty Relations) across all campuses and sites. Benefits information may also be delivered through: one-on-one consultations with newly hired Senior Executives, the Orientation & Onboarding sessions for new Faculty and Staff conducted throughout the year, semi-annual benefits information webinars and 'lunch and learns' by special request. Acts as a primary contact for enquiries/issues requiring investigation and follow-up.

Responsible for the accuracy, and the maintenance of updated benefits information on the HR website, the University's primary vehicle for communicating benefits information to employees.

Prepares written communication to key stakeholders and affected plan members advising of any change(s) in benefits cost, coverage, process, government programs, etc. Coordinates necessary changes to UBC’s HRIS (Workday), plan documents, employee booklets and Human Resources website, collaborating externally with consultants and benefit providers.

Administers the University’s Extraordinary Expense Funds (EEF) including validating sick leave reimbursements, modifying processes and forms, answering queries and updating communications.

Supports the University’s Tuition Waiver program, including course approvals, answering questions and updating communications.

Researches and analyzes complex benefit issues by referring to the University's existing policies and procedures, benefit plan documents/contracts and collective agreements. Collaborates with appropriate areas to make recommendations for the appropriate course of action, and/or improvement and forwards to Manager, Benefits for decision. Assists in the research of new benefit provisions, applications of existing programs, and in the development/updating of benefits administration guidelines

Supports Manager, Benefits in preparation for and during bargaining in researching, collection of data for analysis, and costing proposals; assists in the development of the benefits portion of total compensation surveys and provides quantitative and qualitative analysis of respondent information and identifies trends. Participates and completes benefit surveys on behalf of the University.

Coordinates the collection of University-wide sick leave data for annual reporting and tri-annual valuation.

Assists Manager, Benefits and/or takes implementation lead in special projects and new benefit programs/services to key stakeholders.

Participates in the annual planning process for Health, Wellbeing and Benefits.

Performs other duties related to the qualifications and requirement of the job.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Failure to effectively oversee the day-to-day delivery of benefit plans and services could result in damage to the public perception of the Department and the University.

Failure to ensure delivery of accurate benefit program information could result in financial or legal consequences for the university and the Department. Inaccurate benefit information provided to Faculty and Staff could result in delay in payment or interruption in benefit coverage and dissatisfaction with the benefits programs.

Failure to monitor compliance with terms of collective agreements could result in grievances and arbitration.

Inability to effectively monitor benefits plans could result in delayed identification of financial problems.

Inaccuracies in research data or inappropriate recommendations could negatively impact decision-making by the Manager, Benefits.

Supervision Received
Receives guidance and general direction from Manager, Benefits. Exercises independence and judgement in the day-to-day administration and delivery of benefit plans and services within established guidelines and procedures. Consults Manager, Benefits in matters involving staff performance or on issues relating to unusual policy interpretation.

Supervision Given
Supports and provides guidance to benefits administration staff and temporary staff. May delegate work and provide guidance/instruction as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Certification as an Employee Benefits Specialist or a Group Benefits Associate preferred.

A minimum of three years' related experience in benefits administration in a complex unionized environment, or two years' relevant UBC experience.

Excellent knowledge of computer and office management systems and in particular a strong command of MS Excel and Human Resources Information Systems. Good knowledge of financial underwriting arrangements, benefit plan designs, and relevant government legislation. Good knowledge of University's benefit plans, benefit entitlements provided under collective agreements, and relevant University policies and procedures preferred.

Excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills combined with the ability to collaborate with others in a team environment. Ability to exercise sensitivity, diplomacy, tact, and discretion in handling confidential matters. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.