Group Benefits Specialist

With every job, there’s always the question of “why”. Why join a company? Why be part of their mission? Here, the why is easy. It’s because at some point, we’ve all needed someone there for us. At the OTIP Group of Companies (OGC), we believe that something special happens when employees feel valued for the work they do, supported as the people they are, and included in the very fabric of the organization: they bring their best to work every day. And that's why we mean it when we say we put our people at the centre of everything we do. Join us as we grow our way into a future that reimagines what it means to deliver meaningful benefits support and service. Job Description The Group Benefits Specialist is responsible for providing expertise and oversight of the underwriting activities that support the strategic guidance with respect to group benefit consulting and underwriting within OTIP. Drawing on their experience in group benefits underwriting and consulting, the Group Benefits Specialist will apply their strong relationship, analytical skills, benefits knowledge, and operations expertise to enable both OTIP and its clients to make informed decisions that result in high quality, financially sustainable benefit programs for their members. What You’ll Do: Establish and foster communication between all Group Insurance Service departments to resolve product or service problems by answering questions; explaining procedures; developing and disseminating information as required to ensure understanding of plan designs and changes, rate information, plan administration procedures, funding arrangements, experience ratings and related financial underwriting information; expediting corrections or adjustments, making recommendations to the Underwriting Leadership. Evaluate new business and plan amendment requests to ensure that appropriate advice and ratings are provided. This includes triage of the change requested, scope of impact, risk and ensuring implementation plans take into consideration all stakeholders. Develop and present solutions for various plan issues to consultants and internal partners. Evaluate contractual and administration exceptions received by underwriting from all OTIP areas for all lines of benefits. Work closely with Underwriting Service Coordinators, Benefit Consultants, and the Underwriting Manager, if required, to make recommendations on such inquiries. Produce amendment communications and coordinate the policy amendment process and other related amendment administration requirements. This includes communicating details of the change, ensuring internal and external stakeholders make the required changes and ensuring appropriate audit documentation is received and filed. Create and maintain member/benefit eligibility rule documentation which is shared across the organization. Document and share administration guidelines, approve administrative practices and report any changes to administrative practices that have been approved by client and/or carrier. Coordinate the underwriting administration of the OTIP RTIP, Life and LTD pool renewals including rate updates, document requirements and other administration requirements. Coordinate the implementation of insurance contracts and amendments with the insurance carrier by reviewing contract language; reviewing master applications; assembling contract documents; obtaining required signatures for contracts and applications; ensuring appropriate distribution of insurance contracts. Work closely with the Benefits Consultants to ensure that all financial agreements are maintained and updated accordingly. Provide assistance with insurance contract provision wording in documentation by updating forms, manuals, reports and communication pieces for insured members and plan administrators. Provide service support to the Consultants, Account Managers and Service Representatives by producing and preparing client authorizations and requirement documentation. Monitor the benefits environment to ensure that OTIP maintains current benefit underwriting, financial and administration practices. Assist in cross-functional projects within the company as required by researching new products or enhancements to existing products; evaluating options; submitting reports and recommendations. Enhance client relationships by participating and providing support to Consultants with client meetings. Qualifications Let’s Talk About You: A college diploma or equivalent insurance-related courses A minimum of five years’ experience in group insurance underwriting or working with the financial aspects and provisions of group insurance. A high level of knowledge of insurance contracts and benefit provisions, underwriting agreements, underwriting and administration practices, premium accounting, and financial reporting systems. Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize data for both client and management reports. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, advanced formulas, data analysis tools). Familiarity with Long-Term Disability (LTD) contract wording and the ability to apply it effectively. Confident written communication skills, particularly in drafting and updating contract or policy language. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of internal and external stakeholders. High attention to detail and accuracy in both data and documentation. Demonstrated ability to provide outstanding service in an accurate and efficient manner. Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration across teams and departments. Superior time management and organizational skills to manage competing priorities, including project management skills. Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications. The ability to communicate in French is considered an asset. We also consider your potential. If you know you have what it takes to do the job, but your experience doesn’t exactly match the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply and provide us with more details about why you think you would be a great fit. Additional Information Some of the Perks We Offer: We offer best-in-class pension and benefits, total reward programs and comprehensive mental wellness supports to set you up for every success in and outside of work. Here are just some of the reasons you’ll love working here: Rewarding salary and bonuses that truly value your dedication Industry-leading group benefits with 100% premium coverage (excluding LTD) that start on your first day Defined benefit pension plan for a financially confident retirement 100% coverage of approved continuing education and licensing fees (including RIBOcourses in Ontario) Access to a wealth of learning resources, including LinkedIn Learning for professional development Flexible work-from-home and hybrid options Unlock your potential with opportunities for advancement Let’s work together If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online. OTIP and its group of companies strive to create an accessible and inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Upon individual request, we will endeavor to remove any barrier to the recruitment and selection processes and provide accommodations for persons with disabilities. As a business, we protect what matters most to our members. As an employer, we value what matters most in our workplace. Together, this includes fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to learning and evolving so we can continue to celebrate what makes us special. You are who you are, and our differences are what make us unique. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr