Benefits Supervisor

THE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39)

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Nation, and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation.

At the VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, the VSB is one of Canada’s most diverse school systems and equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education.

Throughout the District, more than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students’ needs, applying evidence-informed practices, and building relationships. The VSB’s culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts. Our commitment to students goes beyond academics with students’ overall well-being and sense of belonging being equally important. As an organization, we strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we work to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. For more information about our school district, visit https://www.vsb.bc.ca/.

THE OPPORTUNITY: BENEFITS SUPERVISOR

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Benefits Supervisor to join our Employee Services team. Reporting to the Payroll and Benefits Manager, this exempt role is responsible for supervising the unionized Benefits and the Compliance teams. The VSB processes five distinct pay groups and adheres to fourteen (14) Collective Agreements and three (3) exempt association terms and conditions of employment. There are two semi-monthly pay groups and two bi-weekly pay groups and a third bi-weekly pay group for the period of Summer Learning (July to September). The District administers seven (7) Extended Health and Dental plans, as well as Group Life and disability plans unique to each employee group. As a Public Sector employer we also administer enrolment and service for the Teachers’ Pension Plan and the Municipal Pension Plan. There are over 30 policies of various benefits and service providers with unique eligibility and enrolment criteria for the 7700 staff employed.

The Benefits Supervisor works closely with the Payroll Supervisor and the Compensation and Benefits Specialist as well as Finance team regarding timely vendor remittances subject to penalties if overdue.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Clearly communicate benefit eligibility and coverage information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare communications on benefit changes affecting employees.
• Resolve escalated enrolment or coverage issues and concerns.
• Ensure timely resolution of Employee Services Helpdesk enquiries.
• Deliver payroll and benefit presentations during orientations and staff events.
• Evaluate process improvements suggested by staff and make recommendations
• Provides information for the auditors and participates in the annual fiscal year end and leads the calendar year end reporting for Payroll, Pension and Compliance reporting.

Supervision

• Supervise CUPE 15 benefits and compliance staff
• Conduct probationary reviews and performance management as necessary
• Foster a positive working environment
• Assist with training of new staff

Benefit administration

• Work with the Compensation and Benefits Specialist to ensure all rate changes configured by the effective date of change
• Assist Compensation and Benefits Specialist with testing and implementation of system enhancements and upgrades.
• Connects with Benefit Service Providers around administration or system issues in relation to contractual service level agreements

Communication and Documentation

• Develop and maintain benefits and compliance procedures and documentation.
• Provide direction and training on benefit and pension administration to staff.
• Explain complex benefit administration processes to internal and external stakeholders in a clear manner.
• Ensure issues identified by Employee Services Helpdesk are resolved and frequently asked questions (FAQs) are updated as necessary.
• Presents subject matter expertise at employee workshops and orientations.
• Facilitates the Annual Retirement Seminar every spring for support staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years post-secondary with attainment of the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) from the National Payroll Institute is required. Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) designation with National Payroll Institute or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) is an asset.
• Minimum seven (7) years of payroll and benefit administration experience
• Demonstrated working knowledge Employment Standards, Canada Revenue Agency Payroll regulations, Service Canada Employers regulations, Occupational Health & Safety Payroll Reporting requirements and pension and benefit administration.
• Comfortable with full Microsoft 365 suite
• Advanced excel skills and analyzing large sets of data efficiently and accurately
• Able to perform calculations, reconciliations and audits

SOFT SKILLS

• Employee Service focus
• Demonstrate strong coaching skills to mentor staff
• Maintain composure under pressure
• Show high level of initiative
• Build and maintain good working relationships through strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to exercise judgment with strictest attention to confidentiality and privacy

• Able to balance competing priorities and know when to escalate issues

• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
• Model a high degree of integrity and discretion.

Your strong communication and business writing skills are imperative for conveying information clearly with individuals both internal and external to the organization in situations which can be emotionally charged. You possess the ability to deal with sensitive issues objectively and to apply your problem-solving skills to circumstances which are often complex and ambiguous. Your organizational ability allows you to effectively manage your time, prioritize demand, and juggle administrative tasks.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for the Benefits Supervisor is $103,905 to $122,241 plus a comprehensive benefits package, including, Municipal Pension Plan, Vancouver Employee Savings Plan, Extended Health, Dental, Group Life, Long Term Disability, Vacation, Gratuity, and potential Compensatory time.

T O APPLY

To be considered for this position, please apply via makeafuture.ca and include a cover letter and resume along with your application to this competition. The closing date for this competition is Thursday, July 4 at 09:00 a.m.

1. Create a profile on Make a Future
2. Click "Apply Now" under Management positions
3. Upload all supporting documents. Your application must include a cover letter, resume and your last 3 direct supervisors/managers as references.
4. Answer the job posting questions
5. Once your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation email.

The VSB has been given approval from the Human Rights Tribunal for a Special Program under s. 42(3) of the Human Rights Code. Under this special program, the VSB seeks to preferentially hire Aboriginal persons to a variety of teaching positions. Therefore, each applicant may wish to provide, on a voluntary basis, information whether they self-identify as an Aboriginal person.