People & Culture Advisor (Maternity Leave)

Status:  Temporary, Full Time
Hours: 37.5 hours weekly (Maternity leave coverage)

Start Date:  October 1, 2024
End Date: November 14, 2025 (or return of incumbent)

Date Posted:  September 10, 2024
Closing Date: September 16, 2024

Salary:  This position starts at $70,000 per year and increases to $99,000 per year, over a 10- year period. This salary range incorporates experience, yearly salary increments to reward years of service, employee growth and development within the organization.

The Opportunity:

We are currently seeking a People & Culture Advisor to join our People & Culture Team. If you have a passion for providing an exemplary HR experience and want to work in a fast paced environment this opportunity is for you! Reporting directly to the Director of People & Culture, while working with a great deal of independence, the People & Culture Advisor is accountable for providing advice, guidance, and support with all HR functions to the departments. This role is responsible for recruitment and selection, labour and employee relations, training and development, employee engagement, performance management, discipline, HR policies, procedures, and programs, and organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides advice, guidance and support to employees within assigned departments, promoting best practices and ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, programs and legislation; 
• Manages full-cycle recruiting by partnering with management to determine staffing needs and requirements which includes job postings, external advertising, screening, interviewing, reference checks, creating offer letters, onboarding and coordinating new hire processing;
• Prepares various administrative correspondence relating to new employee enrolment, probationary periods, employee reassignments or internal movements, promotions, benefits, disability management, layoffs and terminations; 
• Researches, develops and provides recommendations on the creation of new job descriptions or review and make updates to existing job descriptions;
• Works on classifications/ re-classifications of union job descriptions with our union representative (CSSEA);
• Ensures policies, procedures and Collective Agreement language is understood throughout all levels of the organization;
• Provides timely support, advice and guidance to management on a wide range of personnel issues in a variety of areas including: recruitment, retention, terminations, staff training, professional development, performance management, staffing logistics, labour relations, job description development, classifications, and policy development and implementation;
• Advises and coaches managers on the application and interpretation of HR policies and procedures in accordance with current and proposed employment legislation and local issues, to ensure consistency, accuracy and best practice;
• Collaborates with managers regarding absence management for employees including sick and other leaves, and assisting in the return to work of staff through accommodations or other means as required; 
• Manages and monitors employee medical certification requirements in coordination with DMI (for union); including communication with Management and employees;
• Assists employees in applying for disability benefits as needed;
• Organizes and assists with employee investigations for all matters and participate in employee discipline and grievance meetings as required;
• Works with the Director of People & Culture to administer grievance processes to ensure that timelines are met and provides advice to Directors, Senior Managers and Managers at the various stages including investigations, responses, etc.;
• Streamlines HR processes related to labour relations, and assists the Director of People & Culture with preparing for mediation and arbitration hearings;
• Remain current on labour relations trends and developments in legislation and assists with identifying opportunities to ensure the compliance with legislation and Collective Agreement provisions;
• Provides support in preparation for and during Collective Bargaining; 
• Participates in Labour/Management and other Committee meetings as required, which may include the preparation of agenda, minutes and relevant documentation;
• Prepares and processes HR documentation, liaises with Payroll staff, local Union and maintains personnel files in a confidential manner and in alignment with the requirements of the Employment Standards Act;
• Maintains accurate and up to date records and reports and provides written and verbal reports as required;
• Attends management meetings when required;
• Apprises the Director of People & Culture of emerging issues and critical incidents; and
• Other related duties as required.

• Completion of post-secondary education in human resources, labour relations, or a related program;
• Minimum two (2) to three (3) years related experience; 
• Possession of, or working towards Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation is an asset;
• Experience working in a unionized, non-profit sector is preferred;
• Knowledge and experience of the Labour Relations Codes, Human Rights Legislation, Employment Standards Act, and WorkSafeBC legislation;
• Strong understanding of human resources policies and practices, including labour relations, policy development and implementation, change management and recruitment;
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to deal with a wide range of HR issues, using tact, professionalism and empathy;
• Must be familiar with interpreting the provisions of Collective Agreements;
• Proficiency in Microsoft software (i.e., Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint), and knowledge of databases such as Payworks.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with other departments, at times with external agencies;
• Manage multiple priorities, be flexible, and problem solve under pressure in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to confidently exercise considerable independent judgment and make sound decisions that reflect well on the organization;
• Act with tact and discretion around sensitive issues or situations and to maintain strict confidentiality;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision with a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, diplomacy and confidentiality; and
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.

A criminal record check is required as a part of this process.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter as separate attachments.  Please note that only Word or PDF formats can be accepted.   As part of the application process, you will be prompted to complete a short questionnaire. Please ensure all questions are answered. 

To view all opportunities at DIVERSEcity visit www.dcrs.ca/work-with-us/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is based in our Surrey office and is a blend of remote and in-person services.  DIVERSEcity has implemented new safety procedures for in-office and in-person work, to view our safety plan, please visit www.dcrs.ca/news/diversecity-covid-19-safety-plan/. Successful candidates will be provided with the training and equipment to safely carry out their duties, ensuring the best protection for our staff and clients.

A comprehensive job description will be provided to all candidates shortlisted for interviews. 

DIVERSEcity is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and visible minorities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact our People & Culture department at (hr@dcrs.ca). Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

About DIVERSEcity

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is a registered charity devoted to helping newcomers. For 40 years we have focused on providing specialized services newcomers to find employment, learn English, find housing, deal with family challenges, work through mental health issues and access medical care. DIVERSEcity is a client-centred organization committed to quality and accountability. We value growth, respect, integrity and compassion.  To learn more about DIVERSEcity visit us at https://www.dcrs.ca/.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.