CUPE is welcoming applications for the bilingual position of Pension Benefits Specialist, assigned to work in the Human Resources Department at the National Office of the Canadian Union of Public Employees in Ottawa, Ontario.

GENERAL FUNCTION

This role requires a proactive individual with a curious mindset and openness to diverse ways of doing things, who will be responsible for providing a broad range of technical support and assistance to the Pension Administrator in the administration of the CUPE Employees’ Pension Plan (CEPP) and in project implementation and research for the Joint Board of Trustees (JBT).
 
SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the general direction of the Pension Administrator, applicants must be able to perform with accuracy, a minimum of supervision, and in a fast-paced office environment, the following duties, among others:

  • Support the Pension Administrator in overseeing projects, preparing reports, diagrams, and presentations and ensuring effective communication with the JBT and stakeholders.
  • Assist the Pension Administrator with the review, maintenance, and creation of by-laws, terms of references, and Board related policies and in conducting Board evaluations and assessments to identify areas for improvement.
  • Assist the Pension Administrator by liaising with internal and external parties to seek, clarify, and disseminate information updates.
  • Communicate administrative processes and procedures and provide monthly and annual year-end summaries.
  • Gather and analyze data, prepare detailed reports, and present findings.
  • Work on assigned projects and activities related to the JBT, including committee work.
  • Support the Pension Administrator in conducting research and analysis, assessing trends, challenges, and opportunities, and developing policy options, documents, proposals, and guidelines.
  • Support the Pension Administrator in the preparation of the CEPP audit activities.
  • Prepare regular and ad hoc reports with accurate data analysis.
  • Collaborate with the Pension Analyst to develop communication materials for plan members and retirees.
  • Proofread JBT meetings and minutes.
  • Provide general help on JBT and committees meetings days.
  • Provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the CEPP Administration operations folders to ensure accuracy of current members and retirees data, access to information, and that information is current and accessible.
  • Assist with the CEPP administration operations including receipts, verification and processing of invoices for payment, and peer review process, in a backup capacity.
  • Develop and maintain filing system, support data retention and disposition activities and participate in information digitization and quality assurance projects.
  • Support the Pension Administrator with the planning and delivery of preretirement seminars and coordination of all logistical activities.
  • Assist the Pension Administrator in developing and distributing accessible communication materials and pension related documents, reports etc. that reflect the diverse needs and cultural backgrounds of plan members and retirees, ensuring content is clear, inclusive, and available in accessible formats for all plan members and retirees, including those with disabilities.
  • Assist with the coordination of preretirement seminars, ensuring that they are inclusive, accessible, and culturally appropriate for a diverse group of participants; provide logistical support that considers the unique needs of all attendees.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs and projects of the pension plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • College Diploma or University Degree in business administration or a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of three years’ experience in pension plan administration and/or third-party administration industry is required.
  • Strong understanding of benefits and pension legislation and compliance/filing requirements.
  • Excellent analytical and writing abilities, with a talent for synthesizing and summarizing large volumes of information.
  • Proficiency in advanced Excel functions and data analysis techniques.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Strong time management skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities and timelines.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team-oriented environment, contributing to group efforts and supporting colleagues in achieving common goals.
  • Experience in working with diverse members/staff, committee representatives, and other interested parties.
  • Knowledge and understanding of trade union values and principles.
  • General knowledge of:
    • administrative policies and procedures.
    • CUPE political and organizational structure.
    • internet research techniques.
    • databases and data management.
    • basic accounting, bookkeeping, or business math and comprehension of statistics.
  • Ability to:
    • speak and write at an above average level in English and French.
    • communicate effectively in a respectful and cooperative manner with diverse members, staff, the public, contractors, etc.
    • work collaboratively in a small, informal team setting or independently with solid prioritization and organizational skills.
    • perform basic mathematical functions.
    • work with minimal supervision.
    • maintain confidentiality.
    • establish priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
    • work with a high degree of accuracy.
    • exemplify good organizational skills.
    • solve problems, identify, and correct discrepancies, and follow guidelines and policies.
    • use Office 365 and the MS Office Suite at an advanced skill level and learn new software.
    • deal with confidential information with a high degree of diplomacy.
    • identify opportunities for increased process effectiveness and efficiency.
    • work extended hours, if necessary.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and the Confidential Employees’ Union.

WEEKLY SALARY RANGE: $1,681.88 to $1,706.67 (plus 7% bilingual bonus)

OTHER COMPENSATION:  Extended Health and Dental Care Plan, vision care, prescription drug coverage, out-of-country coverage, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, pension plan, and more.

Persons interested should submit a cover letter and resumé to the Human Resources Department at hr@cupe.ca with reference to Posting CEU-25002

CUPE is committed to fostering a representative workplace and a culture grounded in respect, diversity and inclusiveness at all levels of our organization to ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse CUPE membership and the diverse communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity-deserving groups, including women, Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates on any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the selection or recruitment process. Please inform us if you require accommodations by contacting us at hr@cupe.ca. (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority.)