Senior Advisor, Employee & Labour Relations (Re-post)

Algonquin College•Ottawa, ON

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide. Reporting to the Manager, Employee and Labour Relations, the Senior Advisor, Employee and Labour Relations is responsible for all employee and labour relations operational matters. The Senior Advisor acts as a trusted resource to all levels of management, ensuring that appropriate action is taken with respect to a wide variety of issues that support the College’s strategic plan, including but not limited to: collective agreement and labour law interpretation, performance management, progressive discipline and termination, layoff/recall, human rights complaints, workplace harassment investigations, mediation of workplace conflict, employee conduct issues, and management advisory issues in general. The Senior Advisor is the first point of contact for employee complaints and grievances and in collaboration with key stakeholders takes the appropriate steps to resolve issues in the best interests of all parties, ensuring alignment with the College’s core values and policies and practices. The Senior Advisor works closely with legal counsel and represents the College at Human Rights Tribunals, arbitration proceedings and other employment related hearings. The Senior Advisor provides coaching and formal training to people leaders to support their decision-making capabilities within the workplace and provides ongoing support and feedback to ensure that strategic advice is implemented. The Senior Advisor will act as a key advisor providing employee and labour relations guidance to various cross College committees. The Senior Advisor builds relationships with both Union Locals and other internal and external stakeholders in order to ensure a fair and equitable approach to labour relations, with the goal of achieving a harmonious employee-employer relationship and a labour relations environment that is positive and productive. The Senior Advisor implements College Labour Relations strategies under the direction of the Manager.

Requirements

Minimum four (4) year University Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Psychology, Social Science, or equivalent.
Formal training in Industrial Relations and/or Human Resources management is required.
Minimum of (9) nine years’ experience in a unionized work environment, providing labour relations counsel, coaching and guidance to all levels of management.
Proficiency in interpreting and understanding new legislation, policies, directives, Collective Agreements, collaborating with others to implement changes accurately while remaining aware of potential impacts on the College and its employees.
Knowledge of Collective agreements and collective bargaining processes.
Knowledge of Terms and conditions of employment for non-unionized staff.
Knowledge of The Labour Relations dispute resolution systems and processes, including rights arbitration.
Knowledge of Provincial legislation related to employment and labour law, specifically: The Employment Standards Act; The Ontario Human Rights Code; The Ontario Labour Relations Act; The Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act; The Colleges Collective Bargaining Act.
Knowledge of Application of common law principles and contract law in the employment context.
Knowledge of Case management principles.
Knowledge of Conflict resolution principles.
Knowledge of Mediation principles.
Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written, to communicate effectively with at all levels of the College or the public, whether in person, virtual or by phone.
Ability to gain consensus and lead others with respect to best practices and strategic courses of action.
Ability to adapt and learn quickly, in an ever-changing environment, keeping current with changing legislation, policies, and best practices.
Ability to understand, interpret, and advise others with respect to complex legal documents and legislation.
Ability to discuss and resolve problems in difficult situations that are often emotionally charged; taking into consideration the short and long term best interests of the parties.
Strong analytical and coordination skills.
Excellent organizational/project management skills.
Excellent presentation skills.
Ability to manage multiple conflicting demands and deadlines.
Ability to prioritize and work productively under stress and pressure.
Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
Excellent analytical and records management skills.
Ability to set priorities and to work within deadlines.
Adherence to a strict code of confidentiality and ethics.
Ability to work effectively in a complex multi-unionized, collegial environment.
Sound decision-making, planning and time-management skills.
Ability to work in stressful situations and with critical inflexible deadlines.
Experience with MS Office, Human Resources Information Management Systems (e.g., Workday).
Strong knowledge of Human Resources industry practices, Employment related legislation, Collective Agreements, Case Management, Arbitration decisions/grievance and arbitration processes.