Labour Relations Officer

The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 48,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.
**Job Title**: Labour Relations Officer - WCB Advocacy (2 positions)
Regular Full-Time
**Reporting To**: Coordinator, WCB/LTD Appeals
**Posting #**: USW-003-25
**Bargaining Unit**: USW 2009
**Pay Grade**: 5
**Starting**: February / March 2025
**Posting Period**: January 21 to 30, 2025
Position Overview
Advocates on behalf of members with Workers’ Compensation appeals and provides advice to members and staff on matters related to Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Key Responsibilities
Investigates, researches, prepares and represents members with WCB appeals.
- Investigates and researches individual members’ cases involving Workers’ Compensation claims; makes recommendations based on the merits of claims and represents members in their appeals to the Review Division and Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal and in other forums as required.
- Interviews claimants and witnesses; researches case histories, precedents and applicable policies and legislation, prepares cases for representation at appeals including both written and oral submissions. Prepares members for and conducts oral hearings.
- Works in a supportive, collaborative manner to represent members.
- Requests medical legal opinions, independent medical examinations and functional capacity evaluations.
- May be required to represent members with LTD appeals.

Provides information, interpretation, support and instruction to staff, OH&S representatives, and members on matters related to Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
- Ensures that OH&S representatives are kept informed regarding legislative and Board policy changes, identifying trends and developments regarding workers’ compensation benefits.
- Provides assistance in developing training programs, as assigned.
- Facilitates workshop and makes presentations to stewards, members, and staff.

Serves as union’s in-house expert and staff lead on WCB matters, and works with other staff and departments collaboratively.
- Collaborates with LROs and other departments and provides technical expertise on WCB matters.
- Works with other staff on complex cases involving return to work and/or accommodations.
- Provides input into the operational plan and collaborates with team members to ensure successful
- implementation of the plan.
- Refers and/or escalates issues out of scope to appropriate BCNU resource.
- Participates in team meetings and projects.
- Orientates new staff as required.

Provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.
- Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.
- Delegates work appropriately to administrative staff.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:
**The successful applicant must have**:
1. College or university education in an approved Social Sciences, Occupational Health & Safety/Industrial Hygiene, Industrial Relations, Legal and/or Nursing program or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
2. Demonstrated ability and recent progressive experience (3 - 5 years) as an active steward, labour relations officer, or practicing lawyer with a good understanding of occupational illnesses and diseases and the Workers’ Compensation system and appeals process.
3. Demonstrated ability and recent progressive experience (3 - 5 years) in advocacy work including researching cases, requesting medical legal opinions, preparing written submissions, and representing workers in oral hearings.
4. Demonstrated ability to interpret the Workers’ Compensation Act and policies as well as relevant collective agreement provisions and applicable legislation i.e.: Human Rights Code. Good knowledge of nurses' employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy and BCNU’s values.
5. Able to work well with others and independently manage a full caseload.
6. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
7. Ability to travel throughout the province and carry a valid driver's license.
Required Competencies
- Functional/Technical Skills
- Timely Decision Making
- Delegation
- Informing
- Negotiating
- Presentation Skills
- Knowledgeable about Relevant Legislation/Jurisprudence/Regulations/Acts/Standards of Practice (as appropriate for the role)
- Advocacy
- WCB Provisions and Appeals
- Member Focus
- Dealing with Ambiguity
- Composure
- Learning on the Fly
- Political Savvy
- Teamwork
- Managing Diversity
- Listening
- Compassion
- Problem Solving
- Written Communication
- Deci