Human Resources Labour Relations Advisor

Come work as Human Resources Labour Relations Advisor with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)

Provides human resource and labour relations consultation, advice and support in a dynamic health care environment. Promotes and fosters a consultative and problem solving labour relations approach with Operations Leaders, Union partners, and staff by providing consistent application and guidance on collective agreements, legislation, relevant regulations and acts, policies and procedures. In partnership with other People teams, develops and maintains collaborative relationships with Operations Leaders and influences decision making by providing informed advice and guidance on approaches to meet business requirements. Provides strategic labour relations advice, guidance and support on innovative workforce optimization strategies and planning, and maintains current knowledge on relevant legislation, health care collective agreements and human resource practices for Vancouver Coastal Health.  

This position will be based out of Powell River and with office hours at qathet General Hospital.

As a Human Resources Labour Relations Advisor with Vancouver Coastal Health you will:

• Consult with managers, directors and other clients on operational issues and assists them to meet strategic goals and effective operation of their human resources.
• Consult on performance management, discipline, leave management, selection, organizational redesign, employee interaction and other human resource matters.
• Utilize expert knowledge of applicable collective agreements, legislation, employment and case law, and organizational policies and practices to provide consultative advice to clients on day-to-day operational decisions with potential human resource implications. Provide interpretations and assistance to other support services such as payroll, and employee records and benefits. Liaise with other functions within the People Team and the organization as required.
• Investigate labour relations issues and complaints; research appropriate relevant case law and industry practices; develop, recommend and implement contract interpretations, policies, procedures and programs to create and improve consistent labour relations practice within the organization.
• Maintain conduct of employee grievances/disputes from notification up to and including resolution. Provide guidance on fact finding, drafting appropriate correspondence, strategizing employer position, preparing for and conducting meetings with employees, union representatives and legal counsel, prepares for, and participate in cases proceeding to third party hearing. Provide advice to managers and other clients with respect to grievance management and other dispute resolution processes.
• Promote constructive union-management relations through respectful communication and interest based problem solving. Liaise with Local Union executive and Head Office representatives to resolve problems, consults on issues and provide/exchange information on labour relations issues affecting employees in the workplace, such as organizational changes, staff layoffs, displacements and technological changes.
• In partnership with leadership, assess and evaluate current business delivery and workforce optimization models. Review and analyze relevant information, data and performance metrics and identify opportunities for innovative strategies and practical solutions.
• Monitor and analyze key department/unit/organizational trends and metrics such as vacancies, market pressures, sick time and overtime, attrition, internal turnover and workplace conflict to support operational and organizational planning
• Maintain records such as a grievance tracking database and statistics on labour relations activities; review and analyse data and report concerns and recommendations to leaders and People Operations colleagues.
• Remain current in human rights, employment and other related legislation, health care collective agreements and human resource practices to ensure that Vancouver Coastal Health human resource employment programs are current and within legislative and/or collective agreement requirements.
• Participate on industry working groups and community of interest forums to maintain knowledge of current and future trends and changes in labour relations; communicate this information to identify processes and interpretations requiring reconsideration or review.
• Participate in contingency plans as required for legal/illegal work stoppages and conducts essential service planning for assigned departments.

Education & Experience

• University degree in a related field and/or a Human Resources certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Five (5) years of recent related experience in a unionized environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Membership with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon (CPHR BC & YK) considered an asset.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of current employment legislation and relevant case law.
• Comprehensive knowledge of human resources management principles and best practices.
• Ability to build effective and meaningful working relationships with others, both internal and external, including those with different perspectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Effective negotiation, mediation, and facilitation skills.
• Understanding of the dimensions of equity, diversity and inclusion and the ability to identify structural barriers within the organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to self-awareness and authenticity.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide client focused services.
• Ability to lead change and manage conflict.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process. Why Join Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH):VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.
• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BC's Top Employers, Canada's Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025.Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting. ***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.