HR Advisor, Benefits & Abilities Management

Under the general direction of the Associate Director, Human Resources, the incumbent is responsible for the coordination and administration of all group health benefits and pension plans. This position is also responsible for coordinating the College Disability Management Plans including accommodation and return to work coordination; implementing and coordinating health and wellness initiatives; and the Employee and Family Assistance Program. The incumbent also works with the Safety & Security department through WorkSafeBC claims and return to work planning.

NATURE & SCOPE:
• The HR Advisor supports and enhances the efforts of the Director and Associate Director in fostering a team approach within the department and is committed to providing quality customer service through continuous quality improvement.
• This position is responsible for the administration of the College's group benefit policies and procedures.
• The HR Advisor provides guidance and advice to all employees regarding group benefits, pension, disability management, employee leaves and related matters.
• The HR Advisor supports and coordinates disability management related activities, including accommodation and return to work processes.
• This position coordinates the Employee and Family Assistance program, as well as employee-focused health and wellness initiatives.
• You will be part of a team actively engaged in contributing to and accomplishing the vision, mission, and goals of the College and in supporting the aspirations and needs of our learners.
• You will promote a positive work atmosphere by interacting and communicating in a professional manner that demonstrates mutual respect with students and colleagues.

Administration of the College's group benefits and pension:
• Ensures accurate and timely administration of benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations in alignment with carrier requirements.
• Provides confidential advice for employees regarding group benefits, retirement, and pension.
• Carries out severance calculations and payouts, according to provisions of the collective agreements, legislation and carrier policies.
• Researches employee benefits and recommends changes and/or modifications to existing policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with College, Federal and Municipal Pension Plans' rules and guidelines.
• Ensures that the necessary administrative and support systems are established and followed to meet government and benefit agency reporting requirements, including the maintenance and development of related HR information systems.

Supports disability management processes and related activities:
• Provides guidance and advice to employees and administrators regarding disability management activities.
• Acts as the Disability Management Program Coordinator for all employee groups, including collaborating with union partners, communicating with employees, supervisors, and other partnering organizations, leads case review meetings and compliance with collective agreement provisions.
• Supports short-term and long-term disability claims, ensuring timely communication between employees, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.
• Supports prompt application access and information as well as coordination for sick leaves and long term disability.
• Provides guidance to employees to gather appropriate information and support for claims adjudication. Coordinates with partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of workplace accommodation requests, while ensuring privacy of the employee.
• Promotes an inclusive workplace culture that encourages employees to disclose accommodation needs without fear of stigma or discrimination.
• Works with employees, their supervisors, and appropriate parties to develop and implement return-to-work plans in accordance with legislation, ensuring a safe and early return to the workplace.
• Provides ongoing support for employees on leave, including follow-ups on progress and wellness.
• In collaboration with Safety & Security, supports workplace injury and illness case management with the provision of information and coordination of return-to-work plans.
• Researches disability management practices and recommends changes and/or modifications to existing policies and procedures.

Coordinates the Employee and Family Assistance program:
• Ensures that all employees including managers, supervisors and faculty are aware of the program.
• Arranges for on-site counselling as requested.
• Maintains regular contact with the service provider and makes any adjustments as necessary to enable appropriate supports for staff members.

Coordinates and implements health and wellness initiatives:
• Works with Marketing and Events department in the coordination of the annual Wellness Fair, including arranging for booths, presenters, equipment, etc.
• Participates on related health and wellness committees.
• Promotes mental health and wellness initiatives and takes proactive measures to ensure early support and intervention as appropriate.
• Acts as a point of contact for ergonomics requests.

General responsibilities:
• Supports training and information sharing to be covered during the on-boarding process for new administrators.
• Works with partner organizations to provide timely expert information or workshops to College employees and delivers workshops as required.
• Provides information respecting the various types of leaves and related matters.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external groups including CNC community campuses, other institutions, committees and external service providers.
• Supports the College collective bargaining team as requested by the Director, Human Resources.
• Prepares files for appeals and submissions for grievances and/or arbitrations.
• Compiles and completes surveys for a variety of requests including other post-secondary institutions, Post Secondary Employer's Association (PSEA) and Ministries.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Human Resource Management, or a related field of study.
• Three years of experience with pension and benefits plans or disability management administration within a unionized environment; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist program completion is an asset.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have or are eligible for a CPHR designation.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion is required.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality is required.
• Prior experience coordinating health and wellness initiatives is an asset.
• Prior experience coordinating WorkSafeBC claims is an asset.
• Excellent communications skills required in person as well as through technology and reporting.
• Knowledge required to assist with the development and maintenance of the HR Information systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations government pension plans and retirement benefits.
• Maintain up to date knowledge on relevant legislation (human rights, accessibility requirements, employment standards etc), collective agreement requirements, Post Secondary Employer's Association recommendations, case law and how they apply to accommodation of temporary and permanent disabilities in the workplace.
• Demonstrated thoroughness in HR research, program development and service delivery.
• Must have the ability to occasionally work outside of regular business hours is necessary. Some travel to the regional campuses may be required.