Job Description

Description
This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a .
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square, Edmonton.
Working at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .
Working for the Shared Services
Established in 2021, Shared Services is a growing unit responsible for supporting the university in its human resources, finance and IST administrative processes. We are fortunate to work with faculty, staff, students, alumni, external vendors, and many other third parties.
Working with Shared Services means working with a close-knit community of smart, approachable teams who collaborate, exchange knowledge and identify solutions. Our team of expert problem solvers work with the community to ensure the end-to-end delivery of the diverse catalogue of services we are responsible for meets the service level expectations we have committed to.
Position Summary
Do you enjoy working in a collaborative environment, believe in service excellence and have a strong background and passion in Pension & Benefits Administration? Then we invite you to apply and become part of our team.
Reporting to the Team Lead Workforce Administration, the Pension and Benefits Advisor is primarily responsible for providing timely and critical support and advice to faculty and staff and overseeing the integrity of benefits plan entitlements and reporting.
The Pension and Benefits Advisor ensures that employee benefit and pension plans enrollments, changes and terminations are completed in a timely and accurate manner and that employees are provided with advice, consultation and education about the benefit and pension offerings available to them and their families. The Pension and Benefits Advisor is also responsible for administering the University's defined benefit (PSPP, UAPP) and defined contribution (ASRP, EDCSRP) pension plans in accordance with federal, provincial, and plan regulations.
Duties

• Provides consultation, education, and advice to employees on benefit program offerings, plan costs, election options, enrollment, change and termination processes and procedures, family eligibility, coordination, and other specialized benefit-related questions
• Reviews and manages the daily event maintenance and open enrollment processes within the Benefits Administration module, including daily reports to ensure employees have made the right selection to enroll in initial benefits upon hire, rehire, promotion or transfer
• Enrolls employees in optional benefits (supplemental health, optional coverages, etc.) upon receipt of completed forms
• Meets with individual employees to process benefit changes related to significant life events affecting the employee, such as retirement and termination
• Works with the Leave Administrators to provide advice and assistance to employees when life events impact benefits such as maternity and parental leave, partial leave, illness leave, vacation leave, recurring term inactive period, long-term disability, termination, layoff, reduced duties leading to retirement and retirement
• Prepares premium calculation costs for employees wishing to pre-pay benefits while on an unpaid leave of absence
• Consults with 3rd party benefit providers and employees to resolve and clarify issues regarding coverage and claims
• Administers and maintains annual benefit programs such as academic child care, student declarations, health spending account and personal spending account allocations
• Works with Functional Analysts to define business and reporting requirements, set up and maintain benefit and pension plans and design PeopleSoft HCM processes and system functionality
• Manages member termination & retirements in 3rd party pension enrollment systems (Ben Plus/EOS) for UAPP (Universities Academic Pension Plan) and PSPP (Public Service Pension Plan)
• Coordinates with Pension Specialist to review, validate and update data for year-end pension reporting in accordance with plan deadlines. Reviews benefit rate and program table changes, and performs testing to ensure rate changes and setup meets expected business requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a related post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree
• Human Resources Management certificate, diploma or degree and/or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Pension Plan Administrator (PPAC), or equivalent designation(s) and experience are desirable
• Two to four years of experience working with benefit and pension plans in a large, unionized employer is desirable
• Experience with UAPP, PSPP, LAPP or other defined contribution pension plans is required
• Experience with PeopleSoft HCM (Base Benefits, Benefit Administration, Payroll for North America, PS Query) is an asset
• Exemplary client service, focused on demonstrating a genuine concern for understanding client needs and meeting or exceeding client expectations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required to share feedback and address concerns respectfully and constructively
• Cooperative and productive workstyle, working with diverse teams and clients to achieve desired results
• Approaches challenges and opportunities with creative solutions to problems and offers detailed, well-articulated explanations
• Strong planning and organizational skills, managing time and resources effectively to achieve results and identify critical tasks, effectively focusing on workload priorities while working within strict deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of U of A HR policy, collective agreements, and legislation
• Experience in post-secondary or unionized environments
• Strong communication and customer service orientation

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms-physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.
Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight September 30, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.

Skills Required