Associate Counsel or Senior Associate Counsel, Labour and Employment Law

StatusTemporary Full-TimeTemporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months24Type of Positiona ReplacementStart DateSalaryAnnuallySalary Grade$131, $154,454.00DepartmentYork Region -> Legal & Court Services -> Legal ServicesLocationLegal Services Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1 CA (Primary)Job Description (E)ABOUT USAlmost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that's expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.WHAT WE OFFERConsistently named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We're committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel I) Salary: $131,283 - $154,454Senior Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel II) Salary: $144,157 - $169,593ABOUT THE ROLEThis position is responsible for providing advice on a broad range of labour and employment issues to Regional Council, Committees, departments, corporations, boards and related entities. Providing legal representation on a wide spectrum of labour, employment and human rights matters on behalf of the Regional Municipality of York and the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board.WHAT YOU'LL BE DOINGProvides legal and procedural advice to various Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities on applicable legislation.Provide advice on union and non-union matters including: collective agreement interpretation, grievance arbitrations, collective bargaining, wrongful dismissal litigation, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act matters, Human Rights applications.Represents management at grievance arbitrations, in wrongful dismissal matters, and before administrative tribunals including the Human Rights Tribunal, the OLRB, and the WSIB/WSIAT.Provides risk management advice and strategies.Provides general advice on obligations and responsibilities of Regional Council.Attends departmental and cross-departmental meetings, as required.Responds to client enquiries directly and/or resolves difficult or highly sensitive complaints either verbally or in writing.Negotiates with external agencies and municipal partners, including Provincial and Federal government departments and ministries.Maintains current knowledge of developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities.Performs other duties as required to meet Branch and Departmental objectives.WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORSuccessful completion of a university degree in Law (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario.Associate Counsel: Minimum one to three (1-3) years general and/or specialized experience in the area of Employment and Labour Law including experience advising clients in a unionized environment, experience negotiating and/or negotiating collective agreements and excellent research skills.Senior Associate Counsel: Minimum five (5) years general and/or specialized experience in the area of Employment and Labour Law including experience advising clients in a unionized environment, experience negotiating and/or negotiating collective agreements and excellent research skills.Knowledge of legislation, regulations, guidelines, procedures and standards relevant to Employment and Labour Law, familiarity with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, grievance arbitration and a complete understanding of the Regional governmental structure.Demonstrated knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with members of Regional Council and staff of Regional departments, corporations, boards and other government agencies.Council Approval DateScheduled Weekly Hours35Scheduled ShiftsOperational HoursClose DateDecember 8, 2025of Hires Needed1UnionNon Union Staff.Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above.All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling ext We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email or call extension Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.