Lead, Employee Relations

Ontario Health; Old Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

This innovative firm is seeking a Lead in Employee Relations to foster strong partnerships and manage employee concerns across Ontario Health. You will play a pivotal role in workplace investigations, performance management, and coaching leaders to enhance organizational compliance. With a commitment to equitable health outcomes, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative and values-driven environment. If you are passionate about HR and want to contribute to a culture of integrity and care, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Fully paid medical, dental and vision coverage

Health care spending account

Premium defined benefit pension plan

Three personal days and two float days annually

Three weeks’ vacation to start

Career development opportunities

Collaborative values-based team culture

Wellness program

Hybrid working model

Participation in Communities of Inclusion

Qualifications

• 6-10 years of experience in investigative HR roles.
• Postsecondary degree in HR or Business Management required.

Responsibilities

• Manage workplace investigations and performance improvement processes.
• Provide guidance to leaders on employee-related issues.

Skills

Workplace Investigation

Mediation Expertise

Relationship-Building

Stakeholder Management

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Coaching Skills

Strategic Management

Education

Postsecondary Degree in Human Resources Management

Postsecondary Degree in Business Management

Tools

HR Metrics Analysis

Performance Management Tools

Job description

time left to apply End Date: January 26, 2025 (15 days left to apply)

job requisition id R108316

At Ontario Health, we are committed to developing a strong organizational culture that connects and inspires all team members across the province. Our vision is that together, we will be a leader in health and wellness for all. Our mission is to connect the health system to drive improved and equitable health outcomes, experiences and value. How we work together is reflected through our five values: integrity, inspiration, tenacity, humility and care.

What Ontario Health offers:

1. Fully paid medical, dental and vision coverage from your first day
2. A health care spending account
3. A premium defined benefit pension plan
4. Three personal days and two float days annually
5. Three weeks’ vacation to start (for individual contributors), increasing to four weeks after two years
6. Career development opportunities
7. A collaborative values-based team culture
8. A wellness program
9. A hybrid working model
10. Participation in Communities of Inclusion

Want to make a difference in your career? Consider this opportunity.

The Lead, Employee Relations, is responsible for developing strong partnerships with leaders across Ontario Health (OH) and for managing all employee relations and employment concerns (workplace investigations, performance management, employee relations case management, etc.).

The role is key support for OH leadership in achieving business objectives through developing and implementing Performance Improvement Practices and investigative Practices. The Lead, Employee Relations coaches and guides leaders during the mediation process and supports the repair of working relationships while supporting organizational compliance and ensuring policy and legislative compliance.

The role partners with the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) Team to develop and implement data-driven HR Strategies, enhancing decision-making and ensuring alignment with business needs.

There are 2 positions available.

Here is what you will be doing:

1. Point of contact for all People Leaders for guidance on employee-related issues and leadership accountabilities.
2. Responsible for administration of Ontario Health’s Workplace Investigations Process and Performance Improvement Process.
3. Manages a caseload of investigations with various priority levels, sensitivity, and time frames.
4. Leads complex high-profile and/or time-sensitive workplace investigations.
5. Champions the HR support function through effective influencing and partnership efforts.
6. Supports HRBP Team and People Leaders by providing expertise, analysis, and a point for resolution and/or escalation of employee relations matters.
7. Develops trusting relationships with People Leaders and external partners as required.
8. Develops investigation plans for consultation and early identification of issues by assessing the scope and determining the methodology and techniques required to conduct a thorough and effective investigation.
9. Partners with the HRBP Team to transition and case manage People Leader support with all performance management and is valued as the expert during the investigation and mediation process.
10. Conducts thorough and objective investigations involving individual and systemic issues, focusing on rigorous fact-finding, fairness, timelines, and attention to detail.
11. Coordinates list of people to be interviewed, communicates with complainants and witnesses, and conducts on-site interviews and inspections to gather evidence.
12. Investigates incidents, claims, or legal matters by gathering and reviewing evidence.
13. Plans and conducts thorough interviews using a variety of interviewing techniques.
14. Interviews witnesses, suspects, and experts to collect statements or testimonies.
15. Analyzes physical evidence, documents, or digital data to find relevant information.
16. Collects and analyzes records, reports, and other materials pertinent to an investigation.
17. Identifies potential barriers to an effective investigation and recommends solutions.
18. Recommends and implements mediation techniques to support parties in resolving outstanding issues and concerns.
19. Provides guidance and direction when required to the Employee Relations Specialist on investigative or other employee relations process management.
20. Collects HR metrics and data from various sources to conduct research and analyze investigative trends and issues for client groups.
21. Leads the analysis and resolution of complex ER issues with the HR Team and leaders.
22. Prepares briefing/issue notes, options papers, business cases, feasibility studies, presentations and other HR-related documents.
23. Develops and maintains effective partnerships and relationships with OH’s leadership team.
24. Collaborates with EIDA-R team to include EIDA-R principles throughout the investigation processes.
25. Maintains objectivity by staying impartial and focusing on the issues in question.
26. Leads and/or participates in various HR projects as assigned.

Here is what you will need to be successful:

Education and Experience

1. Completion of a postsecondary degree or diploma in Human Resources Management or Business Management or a related field.
2. Six to ten years of related progressive work experience in an investigative HR capacity.
3. Mediation/Investigation certification, an asset (e.g. ADRIC, ADR, etc).
4. CHRP/CHRL, an asset.
5. EIDA-R expertise/training an asset.

Knowledge and Skills

1. Thorough understanding of workplace investigation, including mediation expertise.
2. Strong relationship-building skills/communications to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
3. Demonstrated ability to strategically manage conflicting priorities.
4. Proven initiative with an entrepreneurial spirit for developing innovative HR solutions.
5. Develops and maintains strong/supportive working relationships with the legal team, HR colleagues, and leaders.
6. Proven research skills to analyze and leverage quantitative and qualitative data.
7. An ability to anticipate emerging issues and assess their complexity.
8. Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
9. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
10. Coaching and facilitation skills.

Other duties as assigned.

Location: Ontario, Canada (currently hybrid; subject to change)

Employment Type: Permanent Full time

All applicants must be a resident of Ontario to be considered for roles at Ontario Health.

Ontario Health encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.

Ontario Health is an accessible employer, and we offer accommodation in all aspects of employment.