In-house Legal Counsel

**Job Description**:
Are you passionate about exceptional care? Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is seeking a dynamic and motivated Legal Counsel to join our team. RVH is located in the city of Barrie in the heart of Ontario’s cottage and ski country and is a 50-minute drive north of Toronto. The area offers numerous recreational activities, a relaxed lifestyle and a comparatively low cost of living. Every day, inspiring care is provided to patients across the Simcoe Muskoka region by a team of exceptional employees, physicians and volunteers who demonstrate Work Together, Respect All, Think Big, Own It, and Care. Being a member of the RVH team means you work side-by-side with people who are passionate and dedicated to delivering high quality patient-centred care... opportunities begin here

The role of In-House Legal Counsel (Employment and Labour Relations) represents an exciting and challenging opportunity for an innovative labour/employment lawyer with vision, energy, and knowledge of progressive labour relations strategies and leading practices. Reporting to the Vice-President People Experience & Chief Human Resources Officer, the role is instrumental in helping us achieve the goals and strategic direction of the Human Resources portfolio, in keeping with the vision, mission, values and strategic directions of the Health Centre. RVH currently has six (6) collective agreements, two of which are solely local agreements. You will work closely with the RVH management and HR teams, providing expert advice and direction in the delivery of timely, effective services including labour management and bargaining strategies, grievance and arbitration processes, collective agreement negotiation and interpretation, legislative compliance, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, health & safety/WSIB and more. As well, you will represent the Health Centre as counsel in mediation, arbitration and other legal matters; and provide training to management and HR staff on employee and labour relations best practices and strategies.

This role may be part-time or full-time, to be determined.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education**:

- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B or JD), or equivalent degree.
- Current Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.

**Experience**:

- Significant Labour/Employment law and litigation experience, preferably in a unionized environment.
- Health sector/hospital experience is an asset

**Competencies**:

- Thorough understanding of Ontario employment legislation, applicable healthcare statutes and dispute resolution processes, case law and administrative practices and processes.
- Well-developed analytical, planning and organizational skills.
- Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation and skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, conflict and dispute resolution skills.

**Responsibilities include**:

- Strategizing best approach and gathering required information and evidence related to interest and rights mediations/arbitrations and related legal proceedings.
- Conduct workplace investigations as appropriate.
- Preparing exhibits, submissions and briefs.
- Acting as chief spokesperson/legal counsel for the Health Centre as required in collective bargaining, mediations and hearings under labour/employment-related administrative tribunals/processes and law courts.
- Responding to legal queries, issues and concerns from union lawyers, managers, etc.
- Reviewing and addressing Human Rights concerns as necessary in conjunction with the Director, DEIB
- Providing analyses and legal advice to managers and HR staff on a range of labour/employment related matters such as discipline, collective agreement interpretation, policy implementation, investigations, negotiations, settlements, etc.
- Drafting and/or reviewing letters, papers, policy, collective agreement language, complaints, responses etc.
- Attending internal meetings and providing legal advice and direction.
- Providing overview of HR-related legislative changes and government directives/orders for communication to management and Human Resources staff.
- Designing, developing and delivering training for management and Human Resources staff on labour/employment law issues and changes, effective management strategies, strike prevention etc.