Human Resources Generalist

Who we are:

Cornwall is a beautiful community with a population of 47,000 situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. The city offers a wide array of urban amenities, making it an excellent place for a career and raising a family. With a growing economy, expanding population and fantastic quality of life, there has never been a better time to start the next phase of your career with the City of Cornwall Cornwall is a diverse and progressive community where residents and partners feel safe, welcomed, and enjoy a high quality of life supported by access to financially responsible and sustainable municipal services and infrastructure.

Position Summary

The Human Resources Generalist serves as a key support to the HR team and municipal leadership, supporting the delivery of various HR functions in alignment with organizational goals while ensuring compliance with labor laws, collective agreements, municipal policies, and best practice. This role may focus on a range of HR functions, including, but not limited to recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and training initiatives, contributing to a positive workplace culture and the effective delivery of municipal services.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with department managers and supervisors to support end-to-end recruitment, including drafting job postings, coordinating and participating in interviews, managing candidate selection, preparing offer letters, and serving as the primary point of contact for applicants.
• Conduct orientation and onboarding programs for new employees, ensuring a smooth and informed transition into the organization.
• Support performance management activities by assisting managers and supervisors in conducting evaluations and providing effective feedback.
• Coordinate and organize employee training programs to foster professional growth and development.
• Assist in the planning, development, and implementation of HR and labour relations strategies, including policies, programs, and procedures aligned with organizational goals.
• Support the resolution of labour disputes and grievances and participate in collective bargaining processes as required.
• Serve as a point of contact for employees and supervisors on HR policies, procedures, and workplace concerns, providing clear guidance and support.
• Participate in employee relations matters, including attending disciplinary meetings, supporting investigations, and assisting with terminations, ensuring professionalism and compliance.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation in compliance with privacy and regulatory requirements.
• Generate reports on HR metrics such as turnover rates, absenteeism, and headcount to support data-informed decision-making.
• Stay current with employment legislation, collective agreements, and municipal policies to ensure HR practices remain compliant and reflect industry best practices.

Leadership of Others

• N/A

Position Requirements

Education & Certifications:

• Formal education in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CHRP or CHRL designation is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in human resources, with exposure to various HR functions such as recruitment, employee relations, and performance management.
• Previous experience in a unionized environment is required

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse interest-holders at all levels of the organization.
• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to identify and resolve HR-related issues effectively and efficiently.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with HR software and tools for managing employee data and records.
• Attention to Detail: Keen ability to ensure accuracy and thoroughness in HR advice, documentation, reporting, and compliance.
• Labour Relations Knowledge: Working knowledge of labour laws, collective agreements, and employee relations practices, with the ability to support related activities under guidance.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with occasional travel to various municipal sites to support client requirements.
• Standard hours of operation, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility required for after hours meetings or bargaining sessions.
• Cognitive demands include critical thinking, decision-making, and managing sensitive employee information in a confidential manner.
• Physical demands include extended periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.

If selected for this role, you will need to provide:

• Successful reference check (two work-related references, with a minimum of one being a direct supervisor)
• Proof of certifications
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check

Additional Information:

The Corporation of The City of Cornwall strives to promote and demonstrate the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the community we serve and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The City of Cornwall is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the City, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The City of Cornwall is committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Please save a copy of this posting for your records. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how you meet each of the required qualifications. Please note, selection for further consideration will be based on the information you provide in your application. Interviews may be conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams or in-person.

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