Human Resources Labour Relations Advisor

Come work as Human Resources Labour Relations Advisor with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

This is a hybrid position where incumbents have flexibility to work remotely. 

Provides human resource and labour relations consultation, advice and support in a dynamic health care environment. Promotes and fosters a consultative and problem solving labour relations approach with Operations Leaders, Union partners, and staff by providing consistent application and guidance on collective agreements, legislation, relevant regulations and acts, policies and procedures. In partnership with other People teams, develops and maintains collaborative relationships with Operations Leaders and influences decision making by providing informed advice and guidance on approaches to meet business requirements. Provides strategic labour relations advice, guidance and support on innovative workforce optimization strategies and planning, and maintains current knowledge on relevant legislation, health care collective agreements and human resource practices for Vancouver Coastal Health.  This position has workplace flexibility and the successful candidate can wok remotely majority of the time within Greater Vancouver.  

As a Human Resources Labour Relations Advisor with Vancouver Coastal Health you will:

• Consult with managers, directors and other clients on operational issues and assists them to meet strategic goals and effective operation of their human resources.
• Consult on performance management, discipline, leave management, selection, organizational redesign, employee interaction and other human resource matters.
• Utilize expert knowledge of applicable collective agreements, legislation, employment and case law, and organizational policies and practices to provide consultative advice to clients on day-to-day operational decisions with potential human resource implications. Provides interpretations and assistance to other support services such as payroll, and employee records and benefits. Liaises with other functions within the People Team and the organization as required.
• Investigate labour relations issues and complaints; researches appropriate relevant case law and industry practices; develops, recommends and implements contract interpretations, policies, procedures and programs to create and improve consistent labour relations practice within the organization.
• Maintain conduct of employee grievances/disputes from notification up to and including resolution. Provides guidance on fact finding, drafting appropriate correspondence, strategizing employer position, preparing for and conducting meetings with employees, union representatives and legal counsel, prepares for, and participates in cases proceeding to third party hearing. Provides advice to managers and other clients with respect to grievance management and other dispute resolution processes.
• Promote constructive union-management relations through respectful communication and interest based problem solving. Liaises with Local Union executive and Head Office representatives to resolve problems, consults on issues and provide/exchange information on labour relations issues affecting employees in the workplace, such as organizational changes, staff layoffs, displacements and technological changes.
• In partnership with leadership, assess and evaluate current business delivery and workforce optimization models. Reviews and analyzes relevant information, data and performance metrics and identifies opportunities for innovative strategies and practical solutions.
• Monitor and analyze key department/unit/organizational trends and metrics such as vacancies, market pressures, sick time and overtime, attrition, internal turnover and workplace conflict to support operational and organizational planning
• Maintain records such as a grievance tracking database and statistics on labour relations activities; reviews and analyses data and reports concerns and recommendations to leaders and People Operations colleagues.
• Remain current in human rights, employment and other related legislation, health care collective agreements and human resource practices to ensure that Vancouver Coastal Health human resource employment programs are current and within legislative and/or collective agreement requirements.
• Participate on industry working groups and community of interest forums to maintain knowledge of current and future trends and changes in labour relations; communicates this information to identify processes and interpretations requiring reconsideration or review.
• Participate in contingency plans as required for legal/illegal work stoppages and conducts essential service planning for assigned departments.

Education & Experience

• University degree in a related field and/or a Human Resources certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Five (5) years of recent related experience in a unionized environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Membership with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon (CPHR BC & YK) considered an asset.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of current employment legislation and relevant case law.
• Comprehensive knowledge of human resources management principles and best practices.
• Ability to build effective and meaningful working relationships with others, both internal and external, including those with different perspectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Effective negotiation, mediation, and facilitation skills.
• Understanding of the dimensions of equity, diversity and inclusion and the ability to identify structural barriers within the organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to self-awareness and authenticity.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide client focused services.
• Ability to lead change and manage conflict.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per the current Public Health Orders, as of October 5, 2023, all employees working for Vancouver Coastal Health must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have received a single dose of the most-recent, updated COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2024.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.