Director, Health, Wellness, & Safety

City of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal police service is seeking a Director of Health, Safety, and Wellness to lead initiatives that ensure member health and safety, aligning with corporate goals. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in HR, proven leadership abilities, and a strong background in developing health and wellness programs. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape a progressive organizational culture focused on wellness.

Benefits

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years progressively responsible experience in HR and Wellness.
• 5 years experience managing teams and developing HR programs.
• Fluency in English in oral, reading, and writing.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute OPS's health, safety, and wellness initiatives.
• Oversee disability claims and workplace accommodations.
• Develop strategies aligning with HR and Safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Communication

Problem Solving

Networking and Relationship Building

Education

Four-year university degree in a related field

Job description

Competition Number:20054

Applications will be accepted until 2359hrs on 06/01/2026.

Posting Details

This posting is for #1 (one) permanent position. All civilian competitions include the possibility of extension and/or additional temporary or permanent positions.

Salary Information: $180,385.66 - $191,260.16 annually. (2025 rates of pay)

All applications must be received on time and through the online application system. Applicants are required to upload their cover letter and resume in addition to the candidate profile. The cover letter should clearly outline your qualifications for this position.

More information about our hiring process can be found on the website under the Hiring Process menu.

Job Information

Directorate: Human Resources
Section: Health, Safety & Wellness
Pay Group: Director
Job Code: 10113260
Work Location: 19 Fairmont Ave
Supervisor's Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Effective Date: November 25, 2025

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Director Health, Safety and Wellness serves as a strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing the Ottawa Police Service’s vision for member health, safety and wellness. Major responsibilities include:

• Driving long‑term organizational strategies that foster resilience, reduce stigma, and embed health, safety and wellness into the Service’s culture.
• Ensuring Health, Safety and Wellness Section priorities are aligned with corporate initiatives and providing overall direction and management of the section, which oversees the effective management of disability claims and workplace accommodations.
• Representing the OPS as a thought leader in health, safety and wellness at provincial and national level.

This role is pivotal in shaping OPS’ reputation as a progressive, wellness‑focused organization. By embedding health, safety and wellness into strategic planning, the Director ensures OPS remains resilient, adaptive and evolving in how it responds to member needs and legislative requirements.

Major Responsibilities

• Drives long‑term organizational strategies that foster resilience, reduce stigma, and embed health, safety and wellness into the Service’s culture.
• Monitors and leads the continuous evaluation and improvement process for the organization’s Health, Safety and Wellness Strategy.
• Designs program strategies that align with the Ottawa Police Service Board strategy and the DRIVE2 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan.
• Translates Corporate Goals into action by converting organizational objectives into actionable programs and measurable outcomes for the Health, Safety and Wellness Section.

• Champion initiatives that normalize mental health conversations, reduce stigma and build a resilient workforce.

• Design and maintain forward‑thinking policies and protocols that reflect emerging trends and best practices in police health, safety and wellness across Canada.

• Oversees strategic reporting to the Police Services Board and Executive Command, ensuring transparency and accountability in health, safety and wellness outcomes.

• Build strategic partnerships internally and externally to advance OPS’s health, safety and wellness agenda and influence broader industry standards.

• Direct fiscal planning and resource allocation to ensure sustainability and efficiency of the health, safety and wellness programs.

• Provide strategic advice to support negotiations that prioritize member health safety.

Provides the overall direction and management of the Health, Safety and Wellness Section overseeing disability claims, workplace accommodations, and Occupational Health & Safety Programs.

• Meet regularly with the CHRO and members of Executive Command to provide briefings on issues arising from the section’s activities.
• Direct and coach staff through performance reviews and professional development.
• Monitor and review the human and financial resource needs of the section and re‑allocate as needed.
• Accountable for the administration, monitoring, and reporting of financial resources, including overtime, per the Overtime Management Policy and Financial Accountability Procedures Manual.

• Meet with key interest holders to develop relationships and resolve issues arising from the Health, Safety and Wellness section.
• Liaise regularly with executive and senior officer associations.

Statement of Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

Four‑year university degree in Business, Human Resources, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Public Administration, or related field. Experience and formal training may substitute for stipulated education requirements.

Minimum eight (8) years progressively more responsible experience, including:

• Five (5) years experience managing the work of others.
• Developing, implementing, evaluating, and reporting on HR, Health and Safety, and Wellness program results.
• Working with external agencies, partners, and various levels of government and community.
• Policy and process development and strategic program development and implementation.
• Experience preparing professional reports for presentation to Senior Management, Board of Directors, or overseeing civilian body.

Language

English – fluency in oral, reading, and writing.

Certifications and Licences

N/A

In Service Training

The following mandatory training and education is provided to all civilian Directors of the OPS:

• Supervisor Health & Safety
• Respectful Workplace
• Harassment & Violence in the Workplace
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Road to Mental Health Readiness (R2MR)
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Towards Authentic Inclusion Supervisor Course)
• Active Bystander Law Enforcement (ABLE)

All employees of the OPS are expected to complete all additional and new mandatory training as prescribed by the Office of the Chief.

Job Knowledge

• The Organization’s Mission, Vision, and Values
• Project management practices and processes

• Current Wellness industry standards, best practices, trends, legislation, and common challenges facing professionals working within Emergency Services.
• Concepts respecting resiliency and programs promoting resiliency in the workplace.
• Relevant legislation including the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety Insurance Act, Ontario Human Rights Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, and others affecting health and wellness.

OPS Competencies

• Communication – 4
• Problem Solving – 4
• Teamwork – 3
• Leadership – 1
• Adaptability – 3
• Planning & Organizing – 3
• Service Orientation – 3
• Resource & Fiscal Management – 3
• Networking and Relationship Building – 4
• Organization & Environmental Awareness – 2
• Strategic Thinking – 3

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday day shift schedule, occasional requirement for weekends and statutory holidays and other irregular hours as needed.

Effort and Working Conditions

• Work performed in a standard office environment with minimal adverse conditions.
• Regular travel (several times per week) between OPS locations for meetings and duties.

Desired Qualifications

• Oral, reading, writing fluency in French or other languages.
• Knowledge of the OPS Business Plan.
• Understanding of organizational behaviour, interpersonal dynamics, and legislative/governance context of police services.

The Ottawa Police Service promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion. We provide accommodation during all parts of the hiring process as required. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.

Additional information about our hiring process can be found on the recruiting website.

Please direct any questions to [e-mail].