Labour Relations Specialist

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking an Excluded Full-Time Labour Relations Specialist for our HR team located in Vancouver, BC. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This position is excluded from BCGEU membership.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week.  Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet departmental needs.

Closing date for Internal Applications: Monday, September 2, 2024, at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled. 

Education/Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field.
• Four (4) or more years of related experience, including direct experience in leading and facilitating workplace investigations.

Who We Are: 
PLEA is an accredited, not-for-profit, charitable community services agency that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver high quality, innovative services to children, youth, adults, and families facing significant challenges in their lives. PLEA is an ally in reconciliation. The organization is committed to providing culturally safe programs and continuing to work towards breaking down the barriers that cause harm to Indigenous people and communities.

What You Will Do: 

• Provide guidance to managers pertaining to the interpretation and administration of policies and the Collective Agreement, including investigation, discipline, termination and layoff processes. Provide such guidance by methods such as engaging, developing, coaching and supporting management.
• Lead and/or participate in workplace investigations with varying degrees of difficulty/sensitivity. Support managers in preparing and issuing discipline.
• Provide recommendations to managers to correct behaviours using performance management tools.
• Draft, develop and edit documentation related to labour relations and human resources. Prepare, organize and maintain comprehensive files (e.g., files related to grievances, hearings, investigations and discipline).
• Oversee the grievance process including research, interpretation of alleged violation(s), developing responses, and meeting with the Union/Grievor.
• Work with managers in identifying and preparing to pursue strategic issues, and in developing arguments to defend the agency’s position.
• Lead and/or participate the agency’s involvement in labour relations related projects (e.g., preparation/negotiations for Essential Services and collective bargaining). Research industry trends related to the labour relations climate.
• Administer the agency’s return to work program, including accommodations and gradual return to work plans. Work with partners to explore, negotiate and implement reasonable accommodations short of undue hardship. Ensure the Collective Agreement and benefits contract terms are applied, and appropriate follow-up and/or actions are taken.
• Support any other activities that advance the strategies of the Human Resources team.
• Provide backfill coverage for other members of the HR team when required.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.

What You Will Bring:

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to respond to inquiries effectively and interact with employees and managers.
• Excellent time management, organizational, administrative and project management skills, including the ability to handle multiple priorities with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and advise managers with solid judgement and a sense of initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to “seek to understand” and asking the right questions to find the true source of conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to bridge relationships in a unionized environment with a collaborative approach.
• Excellent teamwork skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in the pursuit of organizational goals.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions, and be accountable for results.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Knowledge of employment and labour legislation and government policies, including Employment Standards, Labour Relations Code, Employment Equity and Human Rights Code.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, database systems and web-based conferencing tools.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:  

PLEA offers a comprehensive set of benefits and perks! These include:

• Four (4) weeks of vacation annually
• A benefits package and defined benefit pension plan (effective on your first day!)
• A physical activity fund
• Training and development dollars
• A number of agency-sponsored social events, including a summer barbeque, annual holiday party, and a team day each year

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory criminal record check.
• A valid Class 5 or 7N B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicants' credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.