Specialist Benefits

Hiring Salary Range : $ 68,000.00 - 89,000.00


This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering Canadian and U.S. group benefits programs including support and resolution of benefits-related issues. The incumbent ensures data and coverage accuracy in payroll system and in external providers systems, manages interfaces with multiple carriers, and answers employees’ inquiries. The role also provides resolution, supports disability cases and coordinates with internal and external parties. The incumbent advises and provides recommendations for issues related to benefits.

Main Responsibilities

Data and Interface Management

• Administer benefit enrollment tool used by employees to update benefit coverage, make recommendation of improvement and implement changes in collaboration with Information and Technology (I&T)
• Oversee interface with external vendors, review periodic error reports and resolve issues, recommend and implement changes and fixes in collaboration with IT, considering complexity due to several groups and of different carriers
• Perform data accuracy activities in Supply, Application and Products (SAP) as well as with insurers and ensure coverage is aligned with collective agreements (when applicable) and insurer contract
• Perform periodic data audit, apply corrections and changes in a timely manner
• Lead and implement ongoing benefit changes in SAP and with different insurers and considering groups differentiation (handle complex structure due to multiple groups and plans)

Employees’ Support

• Provide support and guidance to employees for all requests and issues related to group benefits (multiple groups and insurers)
• Provide accurate response and issue resolution
• Handle recurring special and complex situations such as denial following employment termination, request for exceptions, etc.

General Benefits Administration

• Carry out administrative tasks related to benefit, coordinate when required with I&T, payroll, Human Resources (HR) and Labour Relations (LR)
• Administer union representatives benefits and payment including eligibility letters, coordination with Unions and process premium payments
• Maintain and update benefits related information available to employees
• Support audits with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage various vendor payments and reconciliation of assigned programs
• Participate in quality activities and continuous improvement initiatives

Manage Death and Disability Claims

• Manage death claim process and coordinate with insurers, internal stakeholders, third party administrators and beneficiaries, and confirm death benefit amount according to collective agreement and eligibility rules
• Provide support to internal stakeholders, employees and unions on disability claim process, action to take, assistance for disagreement
• Oversee and coordinate with involved parties (HR, LR, employee, Union, Return to Work (RTW), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) disability cases that require special support and escalation
• Notify appropriate parties of declined, terminated claims and claims transferring from Short-Term Disability (STD) to Long-Term Disability (LTD) to ensure the employees are tracked and supported throughout the process
• Request and ensure proper staffing for all long-term disability cases
• Handle disability cases with empathy, support employees in the process, advise and coordinate with providers and other parties

Manage Post-Retirement Benefits

• Responsible for post-retirement benefits administration for Define Contribution (DC) retirees including preparing and sending benefit information according to eligibility rules and group
• Set-up of life insurance coverage with insurers prepare premium billing and process payment, calculate and produce annual taxable benefits with payroll
• Maintain data and eligibility for all retirees eligible, handle death claims with insurers, answer questions and resolve issues
• Handle questions and request to CN Pensioner’s association (CNPA’s) post-retirement Plan (eligibility, process, coverage)

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and manage stress.

Requirements

Experience

Benefits

• Minimum 3 years of experience in benefits (Cananda and U.S.)

o Relevant experience in group insurance programs or benefit administration

Education/Certification/Designation

• College Diploma in Administration, or Bachelor Degree in Administration, Human Resources or equivalent

Competencies

• Communicates with impact
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Applies critical thinking
• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Identifies potential safety and security risks
• Identifies needs and finds solutions to create value for all stakeholders

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Good knowledge of Benefits including general provisions, rules and premium calculation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Power BI
• Knowledge of SAP*
• Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French) *
• Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset

About CN

CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest , most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [email protected] .

As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

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