Hiring: Human Resources/Labour Relations Specialist

Careers > Human Resources/Labour Relations Specialist (LRS)

The Anne & Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto (TanenbaumCHAT) is a coeducational community Jewish high school. Located in North York, and with an enrolment of almost 1,300 students, TanenbaumCHAT has been a foundational community institution more than 60 years. We offer an exciting and extensive educational experience inside the classroom and beyond. Rigorous General and Jewish Studies curricula prepare students to attend the finest post-secondary institutions,
to succeed in their chosen paths, and to become caring and contributing members of their communities.

We are looking for an experienced Human Resources/Labour Relations Specialist (LRS). Reporting to the CFO/Executive Director, you will play a central role in all HR and labour relations matters.

Labour Relations

• Addresses complex employee and labour relations issues while fostering positive working relationships between management and staff; liaises with union leadership
• Interprets and applies employment legislation, collective agreements, workplace safety requirements, TanenbaumCHAT policies and HR best practices. Ensures policies and procedures are current and relevant based on developments in legislation and best practices, particularly within the education sector.
• Contributes to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s labour relations strategies. Provides informed, strategic and timely advice, support and counsel to management to proactively address issues and concerns. Provides in-service and coaching of management with labour relations matters 
• Provides leadership and expertise in areas including workplace conflict, employee conduct, performance management, progressive discipline, termination, attendance support, contingency planning, etc.
• Responds to and investigates queries, complaints, concerns and grievances from union representatives, union leaders and non-unionized employees including fact finding, preparing positions, acting as the school’s representative, using legal resources effectively, attending hearings and providing counsel to witnesses
• Manages all conflict resolution processes. Conducts workplace investigations, prepares and communicates the findings, makes and implements recommendations for resolution, and provides post-investigation mediation where appropriate.
• Chairs and participates in joint meetings between the union and management including grievance meetings.
• Partners with legal counsel on matters proceeding to arbitration
• Plans, coordinates, supports and participates in Collective Bargaining processes; guides management in planning and decision making including undertaking sector-wide research, preparing materials and drafting proposals, and providing data-based recommendations for potential solutions
• Acts as the point person for all union reporting obligations.

New employees

• Actively assists in recruiting and screening prospective employees
• Checks references and Vulnerable Sector Screening (police checks) of prospective employees
• Conducts onboarding of new employees
• Develops and delivers a program that includes training in all regulatory areas (i.e. AODA, Violence in the Workplace, Duty to Report, Child Protection, etc.)

Employment policies

• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes and new technologies in human resources, talent management and employment law.
• Develops HR policies to ensure compliance with provincial and federal legislation as well as insurance coverages
• Develops and delivers employee training programs in areas such as workplace violence, workplace harassment, sexual harassment and accessibility requirements
• Maintains records of completion for all employees regarding workplace training Workplace Safety
• Works with the Occupational Health & Safety Committee and TanenbaumCHAT management to ensure a healthy and safe work environment for all staff and identifies appropriate temporary modified work and/or permanent accommodation solutions

Qualifications, skills & key competencies

• Post-secondary education in industrial relations, labour relations or human resources management combined with a CHRP designation or qualifications/experience deemed equivalent by the school
• A minimum of five years of HR experience working in labour relations / labour law / human resources, supporting labour relations activities related to the interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation and policy provisions in a unionized environment
• Experience in Collective Bargaining and managing the administration of Collective Agreements within a unionized environment
• Knowledge of employment legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Ontario Health and Safety Act and Ontario Human Rights Code rules and regulations
• Workplace investigations certificate preferred
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) grounded in sound decision making, and problem-solving orientation with a demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
• Patience, tact, diplomacy and the ability to work under pressure
• Proficiency in the use of word processing and spreadsheet applications (e.g. Google Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.), internet browsers and email applications.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a unionized/school setting.

How to Apply:
Qualified candidates are invited to email their cover letter and resume in PDF format to hr@tanenbaumchat.org, specifying ‘Human Resources’ in the subject line, no later than 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Please include with your resume a list of three professional references and relevant supporting educational and/or training documentation. The successful candidate will be required to provide an original Criminal Record Check (CRC), including a Vulnerable Sector Screening, prior to the commencement of employment, dated within six months of the date of acceptance of employment.