Faculty Human Resources Officer

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Human Resources within the Faculty of Law, the Faculty Human Resources Officer is a skilled human resources generalist responsible for the planning and coordination of human resources operations for the Faculty of Law, as well as contributing to the strategic direction of the Faculty of Law’s HR initiatives. The Faculty Human Resources Officer is accountable for carrying out human resources related duties and academic staffing functions in support of the Faculty of Law, in accordance with university policy and legislative requirements. The Faculty Human Resources Officer works closely with the Director, Human Resources, executive team members, and colleagues within the central Human Resources Department and the Faculty Relations Office.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Human Resources and Staffing
•On behalf of the Director, Human Resources, acts as the primary HR contact within the Faculty of Law providing support for human resources and academic staffing processes for faculty and staff.
•Works closely with the Director, Human Resources and executive team members, advising on and participating in the development and implementation of strategic human resources planning, in pursuit of the Faculty of Law’s strategic priorities and operational goals.
•Works closely with the Director, Human Resources, Dean, and the Associate Dean, Faculty, to ensure timely and accurate administration of academic-specific processes, such as recruitment, renewals, tenure eligibility, promotion, merit, workload, academic and negotiated leaves, leaves of absence, retirements, reduced periods of responsibility, immigration and compensation. Consults with the Faculty Relations Office and the Provost’s Office as appropriate.
•Contributes to and progresses the Faculty of Law’s and the University’s programs and initiatives designed to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment. Identifies trends and opportunities to enhance HR processes to support staff and faculty within the Faculty of Law, promote a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative work environment, and strengthen sense of community.
•Facilitates resolution and follow-up on visa and immigration issues in support of faculty recruitment and employment. In consultation with the Director, Human Resources and the University’s Immigration Consultant, prepares applications for labour market assessments for submission to Service Canada and employer pre-screen approvals for submission to the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program.
•Plans and coordinates Faculty of Law-specific orientation and onboarding for new staff and faculty and ensures all university training requirements are met.
•Attends regular Staffing Officer meetings to obtain information and implement procedural updates as required.
•Coordinates the job evaluation process by coordinating submission of job evaluation requests, ensuring documentation is complete and accurate. Serves as point of contact for colleagues in the central Human Resources Department throughout review process.
•Facilitates the performance review process with management, provides support on objectives setting and coordinates submission of reviews to the central Human Resources Department.

Employee and Labour Relations
• Advises management on the appropriate strategies to use in managing labour and employee relations matters such as discipline, performance issues, workplace conflict, accommodation requests, etc. and escalates to the Director, Human Resources as appropriate.
• Completes preliminary inquiries for employee and labour relations issues, gathers and documents information and data from managers and employees, and escalates to the Director, Human Resources as appropriate.
• In consultation with the Director, Human Resources, consults and collaborates with colleagues in the central Human Resources Department and Faculty Relations Office on employee and labour relations issues, as appropriate.

Overall Support
• Supports Faculty of Law projects and initiatives.
• Assists with the development of standardized operating procedures for reoccurring human resources and faculty staffing processes, guides, manuals, and resources for the Faculty of Law. Analyzes and evaluates current practices, identifies and recommends areas of opportunity to streamline internal procedures for process efficiencies, enhanced reporting, and strengthened internal controls and recordkeeping in departmental operations. Supports the implementation of new systems/tools and processes.
• Ensures that HR documentation and files are current and up-to-date, and that the central Human Resources Department has all information required.
• Works closely with the Director, Human Resources and colleagues within the central Human Resources Department, the Faculty Relations Office, and the Provost’s Office to provide effective and comprehensive human resources and academic staffing support to the Faculty of Law.
• Undertakes other duties in support of the Faculty of Law as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or other related area.
• Several years (minimum 5 years) of progressively responsible experience performing human resources functions in a complex unionized environment, particularly in recruitment and selection and collective agreement/policy interpretation.
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation is considered an asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and other applicable employment legislation. Familiarity with University policies and procedures, collective agreements, and organizational structure is considered an asset.
• Previous experience working with human resources information systems and recruitment management systems is an asset.
• Previous work in a university or other academic environment is preferred.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records check is required.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Ability to think and act strategically, creatively, and dynamically in a fast-paced, high pressure, and collaborative work environment.
• Ability to quickly build and foster effective, productive, and professional work relationships with the capability to gain credibility across all levels of an organization.
• Exceptional communication skills (both verbal and written), combined with an ability to adjust communication style for the audience.
• Understanding of, and familiarity with, unionized environments with an ability to interpret and administer collective agreements effectively.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to interact with diverse audiences.
• Ability to influence without direct authority using analytical and effective solution focus problem solving skills.
• Efficient organizational, time management and planning skills to manage a demanding schedule of priorities and deadlines. Ability to work in a collaborative team environment while being able to problem solve independently.
• Ability to professionally manage sensitive situations and treat matters confidentially, demonstrating tact and diplomacy consistently using sound judgement to determine when to appropriately escalate matters to the Director, Human Resources as appropriate.
• Adaptability to respond to changing client needs and evolving HR trends and academic staffing processes and requirements.
• Effective analytical and research skills with strong attention to detail.
• Computer skills including advanced knowledge of word processing, database, data retrieval, spreadsheet software, etc.

DECISION MAKING:
• Evaluates and recommends an effective course of action to the Director, Human Resources on the application and administration of policies, collective agreements, and related procedures based on established interpretations, past practices and/or legal precedent in the context of the Queen’s University environment.
• Understands how interpretation can create precedent and have long-term consequences for the Faculty of Law and Queen’s University. Determines when to involve the Director, Human Resources and other colleagues for support.
• Recommends solutions pertaining to strategic HR planning and appropriate course of action to achieve operational/process efficiency considering operational and systemic impacts of process changes. Determines when to involve subject-matter experts.
• Analyzes and assesses recruitment initiatives, supporting management in defining goals and objectives. Formulates and recommends recruitment strategies.
• Assesses and determines content of correspondence relating to all academic appointments.
• Makes recommendations to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of HR processes within the Faculty of Law.
• Prioritizes own work within confined timeframes and with minimal supervision.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs.