Coordinator - Benefits and Return to Work, Division of Business and Operations
Lethbridge School Division is seeking an experienced and highly professional individual to serve as Coordinator - Benefits and Return to Work, Division of Business and operations as soon as possible. We are seeking a highly organized and relationship-focused professional with extensive experience in benefits administration, disability management, pension administration, and return-to-work coordination. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to build effective working relationships with employees and stakeholders.
The Division
Our School Division, situated on the beautiful traditional lands of the Blackfoot people, is dedicated to growing, leading, and supporting our community through the values of learning, respect, leadership, well-being, and inclusion. We provide culturally authentic learning opportunities that nurture the growth and well-being of all students and staff.
Embracing diversity within our inclusive schools, our division is recognized for its innovative culture and commitment to fostering leadership and community partnerships. We offer meaningful, engaging learning experiences through a wide range of student-centered programs that meet the unique needs of each learner while prioritizing the well-being of everyone in our schools.
With over 1200 dedicated staff members, Lethbridge School Division serves the educational needs of more than 12,000 students across 25 schools in the city. Together with our community, we create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Mission
Lethbridge School Division is inclusive, forward-thinking and accountable for engaging students in quality learning experiences that develop strong foundations, innovative minds and responsible citizens.
For a complete overview of our division, you are encouraged to visit our website.
The City of Lethbridge
Lethbridge is located just two hours south of Calgary, close to the Rocky Mountains and U.S. border. It is a family-oriented and culturally vibrant community with many amenities of a larger city. Lethbridge has over 100,000 residents and is one of only a few cities its size with two post-secondary institutions. Lethbridge Polytechnic and University of Lethbridge. Lethbridge has a robust fine arts community and is renowned for the breadth of recreation activities with outstanding facilities. Lethbridge offers more than 70 parks, 140 km of walking and running trails, playgrounds and sports fields throughout the city.
The City of Lethbridge is a proud neighbor to the largest First Nation reserve, by area, in Canada. Kainai Nation (also known as the Blood or Kainaiwa), covers 1,342.9 km², and is located southwest of the city of Lethbridge, north of the town of Cardston, east of Pincher Creek, bordered on all sides of the Oldman, St. Mary and Belly rivers in Alberta. We are fortunate to learn from Indigenous communities and are committed to enhancing our understanding of the truths of our past so we can continue to move towards reconciliation.
The Role
Working in the Business and Operations Department, the Coordinator- Benefits and Return to Work, manages a full range of employee benefits and leave plans to ensure compliance with Division policy and legal requirements. The Coordinator- Benefits and Return to Work will report directly to the Director of Finance.
The Coordinator- Benefits and Return to Work is responsible for benefit coordination in accordance with policy, collective agreements, and appropriate legislation for all staff.
This position is also responsible for coordinating short term and long-term disability benefits and workers compensation and having a thorough understanding of accommodation.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Maintain positive relationships with Division staff.
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Provide timely responses within portfolio in person or via email or phone.
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Manage benefit enrollment and administration.
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Maintain a working relationship with the Division unions and ensure a thorough understanding of the collective agreements.
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Provide advice and guidance regarding benefit-related matters for a variety of purposes, which involves maintain positive working relations and communication with Education Centre Departments, specifically human resources.
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Provides a balanced approach in meeting employers and the employee's needs with respect to returning to work or accommodations.
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Guide and advise employees on their specific benefits program, purpose and processes, and benefit and leave entitlements.
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Provide case management and track employee’s progress towards return to work goals.
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Coordinate the timely reporting and effective responses to workplace injuries (WCB).
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Engage in continuous communication between WCB or ASEBP (short term or extended disability), Supervisor/Principal and Human Resources, the Coordinator will assess requirements and recommendations that will reflect workplace factors.
- The coordinator will facilitate the return to work that supports accommodation where possible to identify steps that have clear focus on ensuring a successful transition back to work.
- Outline rights, responsibilities and guidance on the workers compensation plan.
- Supports with analyzing the performance and cost-effectiveness of benefits programs, recommend changes and provide information to Division Leadership.
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Liaise with insurance carriers and health care provider related to Division benefits.
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Liaison between insurer and claimant.
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Provide employee awareness, support and education of benefits (education on extended health care, Employee Family Assistance and pension). Arranging ATRF and LAPP seminars and retirement workshops.
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Stay current with legislation, collective agreement changes and emerging technologies.
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Maintain quality service procedures by analyzing operational practices and procedures.
- Collaborate with Principals and Human Resources to ensure a Division approach to disability management strategies and Division benefits.
- Participate in ongoing professional learning and contribute to the continuous improvement of the Division’s benefits, disability management, and employee wellness practices.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and highly organized professional with extensive experience in benefits administration, disability management, pension administration, and return-to-work coordination. They possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a thorough understanding of applicable legislation, collective agreements, and benefit plans, and the ability to navigate complex employee situations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment. The successful candidate builds effective relationships with employees, unions, administrators, health-care providers, and external agencies such as ASEBP, WCB, ATRF, and LAPP, while maintaining strict confidentiality and a commitment to service excellence. They are skilled at balancing operational requirements with employee support, communicating complex information clearly, and providing strategic advice and recommendations that contribute to the effectiveness, sustainability, and continuous improvement of the Division's benefits, disability management, and employee wellness programs.
What will you work?
1.0 FTE (35 hours per week)
Requirements
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:
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Certification and/or experience in disability and/or benefits management.
- Empathy to support employees.
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Sound analytical skills, detailed oriented, effective time management and organizational skills.
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Excellent oral and written communication.
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In depth knowledge of: benefits production, legislation, taxation, collective agreements, benefits for all pay groups, pension plan regulations and compensation and pay policies.
- Experience with various computer applications such as Microsoft Office.
Problem Solving skills necessary for the position:
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Analyze complex benefit, disability, pension, and leave-related situations and interpret applicable legislation, policies, collective agreements, and plan provisions to determine appropriate courses of action
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Assess medical, workplace, operational, and employee-specific factors to develop practical and effective return-to-work and disability management strategies.
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Balance employee needs, operational requirements, collective agreement obligations, and legislative requirements when making recommendations related to accommodations, return-to-work planning, and benefits administration.
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Exercise sound judgment and discretion when managing sensitive situations involving medical information, privacy concerns, claim disputes, and complex employee cases.
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Working collaboratively with Division leaders to meet Division needs.
Education and Experience Required:
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Two (2) year post secondary diploma.
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Minimum five (5) years of benefit administration and/or disability management related experience, preferably in public sector environment.
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Preferred experience with ASEBP, WCB, ATRF, LAPP, and unionized environments.
- Preferred experience in Atrieve Payroll program, ASEBP and BEDI programs.
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Class 5 Alberta drivers license.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
In order to ensure and maintain a safe and secure working and learning environment, applicants new to Lethbridge School
Division who are offered employment must provide:
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A police information check; including Vulnerable Sector Check from Police Services or an RCMP detachment that does not have any charges or convictions.
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A satisfactory Intervention Record Check from South Region Alberta Child and Family Services.
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Proof of photo identification, may be a valid driver’s licence, provincial identification card as issued by a licensed government registry office, valid passport or Nexus card. If one cannot be provided, a new card must be obtained and proof of application provided within three days of hire.
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Documentation of a valid Social Insurance Number in the employee’s legal name. If valid Social Insurance documentation in the current legal name can not be provided, the successful candidate will be required to obtain a new one within three days of hire.
Hold and maintain a valid Class 5 Alberta drivers license.
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Benefits
Salary range for this position is $76,000 - 81,000 depending on education and experience.
Lethbridge School Division prides itself on supporting and promoting the wellness of our employees through our diverse benefit plan for you and your family to access. Some of the amazing benefits included are:
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100% employer paid premiums for health and dental care.
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Health Spending Account (HSA).
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Free 24/7 access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). This includes but is not limited to:
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Lifestyle and specialty counselling (Health, Life Balance and Career).
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Competitive retirement pension plan.
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Discount at a variety of local fitness facilities within Lethbridge.
This is a purposeful and rewarding career that helps make a difference in students lives!
Posting will remain open until 8:00 AM, July 15, 2026.
Please note that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted regarding an interview.
