Benefits Specialist

About Us

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is government’s human resources organization supporting departments and employees to deliver programs and services to Nova Scotians. We’re committed to helping build a collaborative and inclusive public service driven by the public service values: respect, integrity, diversity, accountability and the public good.

The PSC is responsible for government’s HR policies, programs, standards and procedures; and provides direction, advice and assistance to departments on how to apply them.

We’re focused on the current and future needs of the provincial workforce in order to meet the demands and expectations of a growing and changing province.

For more information on the Public Service Commission, please visit the following link: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/public-service-commission

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Benefits Manager, the Benefit Specialist is a key member of the Benefits Unit team and supports the Unit in their role as subject matter experts, administrators and policy holders of the Province of Nova Scotia corporate benefits plans.

Primary Accountabilities

The Specialist is responsible for providing detailed explanations of benefits coverage, advice, and recommendations to plan members (employees and retirees) and Human Resources staff. They are responsible for the establishment in the Province’s Pay and Benefits’ system of benefits for plan members including enrollment and maintenance of benefits changes, and administration of the process for employees on leaves of absence.

The Specialist will also:

• Handle a large volume of daily inquiries by phone and email from employees, retirees, participating employers, HR and Payroll and actioning related tasks for benefits administration.

• Be responsible for the daily administration and communication with employees of processes for leaves including but not limited to leaves of absence that impact benefit entitlements
• Provide assistance in the resolution of system issues impacting benefits coverage and costs
• Be responsible for the creation and ongoing updates of online benefits materials on all external and internally facing communications and crafting of responses for member inquiries
• Be responsible for liaising with the insurance providers and other partners to resolve issues relative to plan administration, premiums or member/claimant coverage
• Be responsible for liaising with internal partners (Absence Management, Payroll, HR, Employee Relations etc.) to resolve issues related to coverage, inquiries or benefits deductions
• Participate with other team members in special projects related to Benefits as required

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have a university degree in a related field plus several years of experience working in a Benefits environment.

The following are a required for this position:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Mathematical aptitude including strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Innovative mindset
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving
• Ability to navigate complex and often conflicting situations
• Evidence of client / customer focused behavior with attention to quality
• Candidates must have initiative and a proven ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative working relationships with peers, plan members, and a broad range of external partners.

Assets for this position would include:

• Experience working with Canadian employee benefits programs

• A Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation or successful completion of courses leading to the CEBS designation

The following competencies are required: Analytical Thinking, Adaptability & Flexibility, Attention to Detail, Outcome Focus, Effective Interactive Communication, Teamwork & Collaboration, and Intercultural & Diversity Proficiency.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

 Equivalent experience and training includes, but is not limited to:

• A minimum of seven (7) years' combination of education and related experience.
  
  

 Related experience includes experience working in a fast-paced environment, customer facing and experience working with Canadian employee benefit programs

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

We currently have one term vacancy available. 

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.