Total Rewards Advisor - Jobs in Niagara, ON

Job Description

DivisionHuman ResourcesTemporary DurationApproximate Duration: 16 monthsAbout UsServing a diverse urban and rural population of more than 430,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.Job DescriptionJob SummaryReporting to the Manager Total Rewards, the Total Rewards Advisor is responsible for administering employee reward programs (group benefits and/or OMERS pension), including administration, conducting audits, data management, investigation of pension and benefit issues; preparing research, reporting and analysis, identifying system and process improvements, and providing customer service.EducationPost-secondary diploma in Business or Human Resources.Knowledge2 years’ experience in human resources with exposure to compensation/payroll, pension and benefits administration.3 years’ experience in human resources with exposure to compensation/payroll, pension and benefits administration in a multi-union environment is preferred.Advanced proficiency in Excel, databases (HRIS/Payroll), PeopleSoft, Word, Power Point, and Outlook.Working towards Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or Certified Human Recourses Professional (CHRP) designation is preferred.ResponsibilitiesThe Total Rewards Advisor is primarily assigned to Benefits OR Pension program administration, with some back up responsibilities in the other program area (80% of time).This role will be assigned to the pension portfolio.Benefits:Provide service and administration of Niagara Region employee benefitsAdvise and provide customer service and support to employees and stakeholders on interpretation and application of benefit plans, practices and policies.Liaise with benefit vendors to resolve employee issues, assist in the interpretation of policy administration and implementation of benefit plan changes.Monitor contract administration practices of vendors and recommend solutions to resolve issues.Research and recommend plan design changes; provide costing and analysis of benefit related collective bargaining proposals and plan design changes; ensure proper implementation and administration of changes.Process invoices to pay benefit providers, complete benefit audits/reporting, account reconciliations and implement benefit rate changes.Analyze benefit claim trends and costs, identify and investigate trends in employee groups and corporate accounts.Provide input and support for benefit renewals and projects to support the Total Rewards Strategy.Support the development and implementation of employee communication materials and tools to enhance employee understanding of Niagara Region benefits.Conduct and manage job evaluation programs and administer compensation programs as assigned.Pension:Provide service and ensure compliance in the administration of the OMERS pension planReport member events as required to OMERS.Prepare and deliver communications about the OMERS pension plan Advise and provide customer service and support to employees, shared service partners and key stakeholders on interpretation and application of the OMERS pension plan and practices.Audit and analyze pension transactions and contributions to ensure accurate calculations. Calculate amounts and advise on processing and methodologies for repayment of pension monies owing.Maintain employee information and costs for service, earnings, and contributions, contained in the system for leaves purchased, disabilities, omissions, corrections and adjustments, in compliance with legislation.Prepare legislated Annual Pension Reporting (form 119) for all members of the Niagara Region and shared service partners. Includes audits, validation of data, reconciliations, calculation of annual Pension Adjustments.Represent Total Rewards on HR year-end project team, ensuring all pension and pension related T4 tasks are completed on time. Liaise with colleagues on their assigned tasks and report completion to project team.As the Total Rewards subject matter expert in the benefits or pension program, identify and implement process improvements and system optimization opportunities in consultation with HR analysts and other staff; and provide guidance to other HR staff related to benefits or pension program (15% of time).Analyze and investigate process improvements, develop processes and procedures, and create and maintain all references and resources (forms, plan documents, etc.) and employee communications.Recommend opportunities for system optimization and partners with HR analysts to define scope, consider alternatives, test, implement and document operational procedures.Support maintenance of existing technical processes as required.Identify opportunities for new and enhanced reporting and queries, work with analysts to develop and test.Provide training and guidance to the Total Rewards Coordinator and other HR staff in benefits or pension programs, processes and procedures.Prepare and respond to external surveys of total rewards programs; track metrics and key performance indicators on assigned program, (5% of time).Respond to external surveys and questionnaires.Develop surveys and analyze results of survey data to make appropriate market comparisons and recommendations based on findings.Assist with reporting performance indicators, market data, benchmarks, forecasts and key business/financial measures related to total rewards programs.Special RequirementsIn accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.Closing StatementUncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.