Employee Relations Advisor

Duties :

As a member of the Employee Relations Team within the Human Resources Department, this position provides comprehensive human resources and labour relations consulting services to assigned client groups consisting of academic and operational departments, senior leaders, managers and employees.

This position provides advice to ensure that all employment conditions in three collective agreements, employment contracts and labour legislation obligations are met.

Service objectives include relevant, timely client support and advice, effective application of HR practices and fostering fair management / employee practices and collegial relationships.

The HR Advisor engages clients in practices that link employee and department needs to organizational direction, goals and objectives.

This position problem-solves, educates and works in a collaborative management team, and takes initiative to meet VIU and HR goals and objectives.

Provides clients with advice to support and promote a collegial, productive work environment with regard to collective agreement and labour relations matters;

guides problem-solving processes for immediate and emerging needs. In consultation with Human Resources colleagues, advises on complex employee / labour relations issues, often of a highly sensitive or contentious nature.

Administers and interprets terms and conditions of employment contracts, institutional policies, legislation and related labour law.

Manages the grievance steps and participates in any subsequent arbitration matters. Advises clients on employee development and performance evaluation techniques;

facilitates and assists employees in various employment-related decisions, and manages retirement and termination / layoff protocols.

Participates in and supports various committees including Labour Management Committees and participates in the cyclical collective bargaining.

Works closely with the other HR employees in the areas of Job Evaluation, System Development and Redesign, Disability Claims Management and Accommodation.

Participates in client projects and / or team support, including change management advice as appropriate.

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Human Resources, Labour Relations, Commerce, Business Administration, Psychology, Law, Sociology) from an appropriately accredited institution.

Minimum six years' recent human resources management experience in a unionized, diverse work environment. Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) candidate status.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience must include significant contract application and interpretation, including developing and implementing decisions, processes, and strategies.

Proven ability to influence and support change management interventions and strategies linked to organizational goals. Skills include problem solving, short / long-term planning, and collaboration with various leaders at all levels.

Must be able to effectively facilitate conflict resolution and group processes.

Versatility and flexibility combined with attention to detail are required to successfully perform complex, shifting work assignments.

Superior communication skills, initiative, resourcefulness, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work independently are crucial.

Sound working knowledge of human resources information systems, including interpreting payroll data and compiling statistical information.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Completed Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.
• Human Resources experience in a comparable-sized post-secondary setting or other public sector employers.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Vancouver Island University is a comprehensive teaching university with 13,000 students across four campuses. VIU proudly fosters student success, strong community connections and meaningful collaborations by providing access to a wide range of programs, from academic undergraduate and master’s to industry-responsive trades and vocational training.

VIU is pleased to offer employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan that takes the worry out of retirement.

As part of the VIU campus community, you will work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development.

The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.