ABOUT US
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.
WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.
- Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
- Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
- Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
- Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This position is responsible for the administration and monitoring of the employee pension and benefit programs; interpreting all benefit plans, insured and legislated, and acting as a key resource for the People, Equity & Culture branch, payroll and staff for escalated queries and issue management regarding benefits, and the OMERS pension plan; acting as liaison with insurance carriers, OMERS pension and benefit consultants. The position is responsible for improving efficiencies of related processes and procedures, and ensuring programs are supportive of corporate objectives and reflective of industry best practices.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Provides advice and guidance to York Region and York Regional Police (YRP) on matters pertaining to benefit plan management and escalated claims.
- Provides advice and guidance to York Region on matters pertaining to OMERS administration and corporate policies including vacation, leaves and sabbatical plans.
- Acts as a subject matter expert on the administration of York Region’s Group benefit plans and engages in proactive plan management.
- Provides support to labour management matters on relevant benefit and pension grievances, arbitrations, and collective bargaining when required.
- Analyses and interprets data and information to determine gaps and identify and recommend course of action and future needs to support policy direction, programs, and initiatives.
- Supports the Manager in developing annual business/work plans.
- Responsible for project management and implementation of time sensitive projects related to new and existing benefit and pension initiatives and programs.
- Provides day to day direction, guidance and mentorship to Benefit Coordinators, including assigning and monitoring work.
- Provides training to Benefit coordinators, new HR Consultants and YRP as needed.
- Provides direction on improving processes and procedures to create efficiencies and manage resource allocation.
- Responds to escalated inquiries from Regional staff, YRP, external consultant and benefit/insurance carriers and resolves sensitive or contentious issues, or escalates as appropriate.
- Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
- Liaises, fosters and maintains positive relationships with internal staff and external contacts.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Human Resources, Business, Commerce, or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Completion of the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation from an accredited program.
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in the administration of employee benefits and pension, preferably in a unionized environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of group benefit plan policies and procedures and implementation processes.
- Knowledge of HRMS system application.
- Knowledge of and ability to provide analysis, trending, forecasting, reporting and making recommendations around long term cost containment.
- Demonstrated ability in the Region’s core competencies.
