Labour and Employee Relations Officer - Full-time

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE)
Program Name: Labour Relations
Number of Hours Bi-weekly: 75
Work Schedule: Days
On Call: No
Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position

About Us: VON is a non-profit organization that provides clinical, personal, and social support to people who want to live every day to the fullest while remaining in their own homes and communities.

Job Summary: The Labour Relations Officer supports the development and implementation of a labour relations strategy and leads various labour relations functions including grievance administration, collective agreement interpretation, employee relations, investigations and response. The Labour Relations Officer is responsible for developing collaborative strategic relationships with unions and VON leadership, advising on collective agreement administration, employee relations matters and providing training, education and support to VON managers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide subject matter expertise on the interpretation and administration of multiple collective agreements.
• Provide strategic guidance to management to ensure that policies and practices are in line with applicable legislation (e.g. employment standards) and collective agreements.
• Support the development of labour relations skills of managers through active training in labour relations matters including discipline, attendance, conflict resolution, grievance handling, and investigations.
• Support facilitation and resolution of employee conflicts/issues in partnership with the Senior Director of Human Resources/Labour Relations and/or VON leadership.
• Ensure consistent application of collective agreements and HR policy throughout the organization.
• Provide support in the handling of medical accommodation cases.
• Represent the function at National and Regional work groups, task forces, projects, etc. on key organizational initiatives.
• Lead workplace investigations as delegated.
• Represent the organization at grievance and arbitration hearings, working on behalf of the organization with legal counsel and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure confidential information relating to clients, work colleagues, suppliers and VON's operations is properly protected and not disclosed to third parties, unless permitted or required under relevant law or regulation.
• Comply with all statutory and internal disclosure requirements on a timely basis and ensure to the best of their ability, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information.

External and Internal Relationships:

• Work with VON National and Regional leadership teams in preparing for collective bargaining; in post-bargaining rollout and training initiatives.
• Strong collaboration with VON National and Region leadership teams and Human Resources department.
• Strong interactions and relationships with Union representatives and bargaining lead to promote a co-operative and effective labour relations climate.
• Maintain professional relationship with employees at all levels.
• Represent the organization and give direction to outside stakeholders as required on labour/employee matters.
• Extensive interaction on behalf of VON with legal services, Ministry of Labour, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

Education, Designations and Experience:

• Post secondary degree in labour relations, law or related discipline.
• Knowledge of labour/management principles, the Canada Labour Code, provincial employment law, Human Rights, statutes and the Labour Relations Board process(es) and collective agreement administration.
• A minimum of 5 years broad and progressively more senior labour relations experience including participation in collective bargaining (as a member of the bargaining or bargaining support team) and contract administration and interpretation.
• Familiarity with provincial labour regulations, collective agreements, provincial worker compensation legislation and practice, and various labour organizations.
• Experience with Nova Scotia and Ontario healthcare unions is an asset.
• Experience in a health care environment preferred.

Skill Requirements:

• Ability to work in a fast paced multi-union environment meeting multiple demands and changing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and verbal/written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, mediation, workplace investigation and conflict resolution skills.
• Relationship management skills, including the ability to quickly earn the trust of internal customers and external clients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to on-going learning and professional development.

Other:

• Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Willingness to travel regularly during the day and at times overnight to support sites and attend meetings.
• Current criminal background check required with possible vulnerable sector screen.
• The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.