Conflict Resolution Advisor

Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) • Ottawa, ON

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director, Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Bureau, the Conflict Resolution Advisor provides advice to the Director and the Management Team and liaises with PSAC staff and staff unions on conflict resolution internal to the organization. The position implements proactive strategies, measures and mechanisms to shift the organizational culture by supporting the development and implementation of organizational models to prevent and resolve internal conflicts and disputes with a trauma-informed approach. This includes the evaluation, development, adoption and application of the appropriate conflict and dispute resolution models to resolve conflicts based on the prohibited grounds under the Human Rights Act through the application of an intersectional equity lens and Indigenous-centered approaches. The position oversees and monitors internal conflict and dispute resolution processes and assists with the development and delivery of training and education in that area. The Advisor will advise and assist the Director and Management Team regarding human resources issues as they may intersect with the Employer’s obligations regarding equity, human rights and psychological health and safety. The Advisor will provide advice to the Director and the Management Team on methods to address and mitigate conflict within the workplace with the goal of ensuring a harmonious and inclusive workplace for all staff of PSAC. The Advisor may provide recommendations on equitable and inclusive staffing, policy development, collective bargaining, workplace assessment/investigation and dispute resolution in accordance with numerous collective agreements, policies and across all provincial, territorial and federal legislations.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge of labour relations and organizational psychology often acquired through formal training in conflict studies, organizational psychology, alternate dispute resolution or legal studies.
• Ability to understand various dispute resolutions mechanisms and to evaluate and assess which model works best in a variety of circumstances.
• Completion of a recognized advanced certificate program in mediation, dispute resolution or extensive experience in mediating complex and systemic labour relations disputes.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in the field of dispute resolution.
• A minimum of five years’ experience handling mediation processes.
• Experience with the application of Human Rights Legislation.
• Experience providing mediation and training in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of issues related to human rights and equity including disability; Indigenous peoples; the diverse racialized communities; two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer + persons, including how these issues relate to gender within specific communities.
• Superior knowledge of legal research methodology and mechanisms for dispute resolution.
• Practical knowledge of various conflict resolution models, including Indigenous models of dispute resolution.
• Excellent knowledge of the principles of employment equity, human rights obligations.
• Capacity to apply an intersectional equity perspective to conflicts that draws on the principles of decolonization and reconciliation.
• Knowledge of acts and regulations, policies and practices which govern the employer-employee relationship.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the practices and principles of the labour movement.
• Excellent knowledge of Human Rights legislation, Health & Safety and Employment Equity legislation and principles.
• Firm understanding of organizational conflicts and Regulation 19.
• Sound understanding of human resources in a union environment.
• Understanding of the sensitive political and social issues between a union employer and its internal bargaining agents.
• Ability to research case law, interview peoples from various backgrounds and collect facts.
• Ability to promote mediation, healing circles, conciliation and negotiation as dispute resolution processes.
• Ability to establish relationship of trust with complainants or grievers through the mediation process.
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Ability to plan, organize and co-ordinate the preparation of various cases in a dynamic and changing work environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct detailed analysis of information, and to create and deliver best solutions.
• Excellent facilitation skills; ability to engage diverse audiences and at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability in managing highly confidential matters.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate at the right level for the intended audience.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet firm deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to identify systemic issues encountered during informal conflict resolution and make proposals towards relevant actions to be taken.
• Excellent judgment and demonstrated problem solving, consultative, persuasive and conflict resolution skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills; dependability, reliability, and flexibility.
• Ability to work in a political organization with often competing priorities as well as a commitment to equity principles, union and social justice issues.
• Understanding and commitment to principles of confidentiality.
• Availability to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice to the Director and the Management Team on conflict resolution internal to the organization.
• Liaises with PSAC staff and staff unions on conflict resolution internal to the organization.
• Implements proactive strategies, measures and mechanisms to shift the organizational culture.
• Supports the development and implementation of organizational models to prevent and resolve internal conflicts and disputes with a trauma-informed approach.
• Evaluates, develops, adopts and applies appropriate conflict and dispute resolution models to resolve conflicts based on the prohibited grounds under the Human Rights Act through the application of an intersectional equity lens and Indigenous-centered approaches.
• Oversees and monitors internal conflict and dispute resolution processes.
• Assists with the development and delivery of training and education in conflict resolution.
• Advises and assists the Director and Management Team regarding human resources issues as they may intersect with the Employer’s obligations regarding equity, human rights and psychological health and safety.
• Provides advice to the Director and the Management Team on methods to address and mitigate conflict within the workplace.
• May provide recommendations on equitable and inclusive staffing, policy development, collective bargaining, workplace assessment/investigation and dispute resolution in accordance with numerous collective agreements, policies and across all provincial, territorial and federal legislations.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• A health care spending account (HCSA)
• Up to $7,500 per year for mental health services
• Flexible work arrangements — with dedicated workstations for hybrid staff
• Defined and secure pension plan — shared 50/50 between you and us
• Three (3) weeks’ vacation to start
• Extra paid leave for appointments, moving, personal days, sick days, or whatever you need
• Professional development support
• An annual recreation allowance of $800

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed