Job Description

Human Resources Benefits Assistant
COMPETITION NO. AD25-13
Band 8: $69,954 - $87,441
Temporary, 18-month Contract
About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.
Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs - including six honours bachelor's degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs - to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.
A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA's Top 100 employers and one of Canada's Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.
DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Manager, Pension and Benefits, the HR Benefits Assistant is responsible for providing exceptional advisory services in support of the administration of benefits and pension programs. This role supports program management in accordance with organizational policies, as well as collective agreement and plan requirements, while delivering exceptional customer service to members and stakeholders. The incumbent will work closely with employees, Plan providers, and internal teams to maintain accurate records, administer processes, resolve issues, communicate program details, and provide guidance and support on complex issues.
Specific responsibilities include:

• Benefits administration for the partial load employee group, including entering data regarding enrolment, termination and reinstatement of partial load benefits within the Sunlife system, and tracking of information pertaining to the partial load registry, sick leaves and service, in accordance with collective agreement requirements.
• Supporting the monthly benefit premiums reconciliation process for all employee groups and retirees, maintaining all required changes in the SunLife benefit system as well as the HR information system.
• Managing benefit eligibility requirements and processes associated with overage dependents.
• Tracking retiree benefits and updating the Sun Life benefit system with retiree information, preparing retiree premium rate and tax letters to confirm any changes in premiums to be paid for the current year and ensuring the correct premiums are deducted.
• Tracking and enrolling employees in the DB plus (Other than Regular Full Time) pension plan, ensuring eligibility requirements are met, HR pension records are maintained.
• Administering pension applications in portal, including service purchases, leave reporting, retirement processing, and employment status changes.
• Serving as a point of contact for employees, providing information and guidance on their benefit plans, assisting them with enrolments and changes.
• Updating benefit and pension-related content on the Information Centre for Employees (ICE) platform.
• Providing administrative assistance to the Manager and HR Generalist team.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have a diploma in Office Administration or Human Resource Management, along with a minimum of two years of related experience in a Human Resources department, including experience working with benefits and pension administration in a unionized environment. Additional qualifications include: proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, in particular demonstrated expertise using MS Excel, and experience working with an HRIS; excellent communication and critical thinking skills, demonstrated time management, attention to detail and organizational skills; the ability to effectively problem solve issues as they arise, as well as proactively coordinate work activities in order to meet multiple deadlines. The successful incumbent will have strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated tact, discretion and judgment with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 8:00 p.m. EST on November 14, 2025. Competition number AD25-13.
Contact Us T:905.721.3073 HumanResources@durhamcollege.ca
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON
Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.
We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

Skills Required