Employee and Labour Relations Manager - 4-Month Contract

YORK REGION CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY•Newmarket, ON

21h•CA$117,901 - CA$149,654•Hybrid

About The Position

The York Region Children’s Aid Society (YRCAS) is a non-profit community organization legally mandated to protect children and youth and to ensure their best interests and well-being. As a leader within the child welfare sector, we partner with parents, caregivers, and community to provide a safe environment for children and youth, through equitable, culturally aligned services. Comprised of interdisciplinary teams of diverse professionals who push boundaries in support of family centered care, we engage with children and families for a stronger, healthier community within the York Region. YRCAS is fully committed to a culture of belonging and an inclusive environment that encourages every team member to lead within their role, generate innovative ideas that reinforce our mission and goal to create a healthy workplace and community where children, youth and families thrive. To support us on our journey, YRCAS is looking for our newly created role of Manager, Employee and Labour Relations to join our senior leadership team to support the strategic vision of strengthening our agency’s organizational well-being and redesign in innovation within the child welfare sector. We are seeking a visionary leader with a track-record of managing high performing teams in the fields of Human Resources, Employee and Labour Relations, workplace investigation, disability management, attendance management, policy interpretation and Employment Equity. The successful incumbent collaborates closely with operational leaders to promote respectful workplaces ensuring compliance with collective agreements, policies and employment legislation supporting organizational effectiveness; The incumbent’s empowering leadership and mentorship skills will motivate a team to achieve results while also fostering collaboration and inclusivity.

Requirements

Demonstrated HR experience within a senior HR business partnership capacity with well-developed consulting and relationship management skills, demonstrating a strong client service orientation with exceptional interpersonal and organization skills.
Proven insight and support for key HR initiatives with a thorough knowledge of specialized HR subject matter and related legislation.
Efficient problem-solving through “on the spot” thinking.
Sense of urgency and working with a purpose.
Strong analytical skills and problem resolution methods, such as mediation, investigation, conflict resolution and team building.
Exceptional level of verbal, written and presentation skills to communicate with clients and produce appropriate correspondence, reports and material.
Proven participation in various HR projects such as process improvements, new technology, organization design, policy development, etc.
Demonstrated ongoing development of reporting staff to ensure effective HR client service and staff growth.
A sound understanding of specific legislation and regulations governing the practice of human resources, including the Employment Standards Act, the Human Rights Code, the Labour Relations Act, WSIB, Occupational Health and Safety, Employment Insurance, pension legislation relating to OMERS, and the Canadian Pension Plan.
Demonstrated experience in Microsoft suite products and HR software programs, and experience with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)

Nice To Haves

Bilingualism preferred.
Human Resources Professional Designation (CHRP or CHRL) preferred
Workplace investigation certification preferred

Responsibilities

Manages/resolves complex employee and labour issues following investigation practices based on integrity and objectivity, ensuring appropriate records management and provision of sound advice.
Conduct investigations involving harassment, discrimination, misconduct, policy violations, grievances and other employee concerns, manage discipline process with professionalism, discretion and sound judgement, and prepare investigation reports.
Partner with leaders to manage performance, resolve workplace issues and drive engagement
Provide expert interpretation of collective agreements, policy, practices and legislation, and guides HR staff and clients, ensuring established policies and practices are handled consistently and in a timely manner.
Support collective bargaining preparation including proposal development, costing, language review, bargaining research and implementation of negotiated changes.
Manage all stages of the grievance the grievance process, including investigation, responses, mediation, settlement discussions and arbitration preparation and hearing attendance.
Develop strategies to reduce grievances and improve labour-management relationships
Provide guidance regarding disability management, workplace accommodations, absence management, return to work plans and leave administration; support complex disability management cases in partnership with YRCAS’s third party service provider.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of employment legislation, human rights requirements and workplace standards to reduce organizational risk
Building employee relations processes, playbooks, templates, and disability case management practices.
Ensures for the effective functioning of various committees supported by the People and Culture Department, including the Health and Safety Committee, Employee Employer Relations Committee, etc.
Collaborates with the People and Culture Team to assist with effective development and delivery of various learning and development workshops.
Provides support, mentorship and guidance to an assigned team of HR Professionals within the People and Culture team, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to excel.
Serves as a trusted advisor, exhibiting the utmost tact, diplomacy and confidentiality at all times, while demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and customer service.
Partners with key stakeholders to understand agency and departmental goals and recommend new approaches, policies and procedures, and initiatives to affect continual improvements in, and productivity and development of, Human Resources practices and service offerings within the Agency.
Provides leadership and consulting support in areas of team building, conflict resolution, performance management, labour relations, progressive discipline, talent acquisition, employee and leadership development, abilities management and accommodations, etc.
Collaborates with client leaders for organization design strategy and talent planning to leverage talent and drive results.