Labour Relations Specialist (Full-Time)

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.

The Labour Relations Specialist provides subject matter expertise to management on issues including but not limited to grievances, performance management and discipline. They act as the main point of contact between management and the union on matters related to bargaining unit employees. They oversee workplace investigations, maintaining all grievance/investigation/employee relations files.

Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Vancouver, BC. This is an office-based position.
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.

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, and 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.
• Participate in and/or lead 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 meeting minutes that are “arbitration-ready” quality, capturing every important aspect of the meeting and identifying actionable items. Prepare, organize and maintain comprehensive files (e.g., files related to grievances, hearings, investigations and discipline).
• Facilitate 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.
• Participate and/or lead 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.
• 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:

• 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 interpersonal skills and communications skills, verbal and written.
• 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:

All benefits/perks are effective on your first day. These include:

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

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• A valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License, and suitable driver's abstract.
• Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
  
• Documentation that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2024046LRS1. Closing date for Internal Applications: March 22, 2024 at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled.

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

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.