HR Consultant

Department: Human Resources 

Job Type: Limited Term

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) 

Campus: Waterloo 

Reports to: Manager, Employee Relations

Employee Group: CPAG 

Application Deadline: March 26, 2023 

Requisition ID: 5518 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading Canadian university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact.  With a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and indigeneity, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Position Summary: 

Reporting to the Manager, Employee Relations, and part of the Employee and Labour Relations team, the Human Resources Consultant works collaboratively with Laurier managers as a strategic HR business partner. The HR Consultant provides quality HR services which supports a thriving and future-ready community where all employees can reach their full potential. The HR Consultant also works to support Laurier’s strategic priorities, including its commitments towards Indigenization and equity, diversity and inclusion. 

As a first point of contact on employee and labour relations issues, the HR Consultant provides managers with advice, counsel and strategic solutions. Day-to-day responsibilities include supporting recruitment and selection, employee relations, performance management, contract administration and organizational change.  The Consultant provides exceptional value added service in support of a diverse client group in understanding and assessing departmental needs to support optimal operation.  This includes identification of issues, recommendation of changes as well as facilitation and resolution/implementation of specific HR issues/change.  In addition, the HR Consultant is responsible for exercising due diligence on behalf of the University and providing sound and informed advice that is consistent in interpretation and application of policies, procedures, collective agreements, employee handbooks, and employment legislation. The HR Consultant uses their sound judgement in determining when to refer complex employee relations issues to the Manager, Employee Relations. They are also comfortable problem solving on their own and providing sound advice despite multiple interruptions. Given the nature of the role, the HR Consultant must apply a high level of discretion and confidentiality. The HR Consultant must also be familiar with the principles of employment equity and work with managers to uphold equitable employment practices.

As well as performing administrative duties, the incumbent will participate and lead on special projects and committees relating to broader Human Resources matters.

Accountabilities:

Employee Relations:

• Advises and consults with management to ensure leadership is providing consistent interpretation, application, and compliance of collective agreements, employee handbooks and legislation such as the Employment Standards Act;
• Identifies core issues through working directly with managers.  Coaches managers on appropriate courses of action and possible solutions to resolve issue.  Provides guidance to managers regarding performance, attendance and progressive discipline processes;
• Supports managers in creating inclusive work environments and embeds employment equity practices during recruitment, selection, promotion, and performance assessment;
• Supports managers and employees through conflict and dispute resolution;
• Provides advice and guidance on organizational redesign and implementation;
• Takes lead responsibility in employee redundancy and layoff situations. Works directly with managers, employees and union group executives in accordance with applicable procedure and/or collective agreement provisions. Ensures accurate and timely redeployment, displacement and/or layoff;
• Makes recommendations to the Employee Relations Manager on how to approach more complex employee relations issues;
• Provides support to the Employee Relations Manager function (grievance and letter of understanding tracking, grievance and arbitration preparation);
• Advises clients and/or takes lead in Steps 1 and 2 of the grievance process, in addition to pre-grievance meetings/discussions;
• Ensures the timely and accurate communication and processing of collective agreement reports/initiatives for example, seniority lists,  various reports and minutes at labour/management meetings;
• Collaborates with Learning and Organizational Development to develops and facilitates educational opportunities for managers on pertinent issues, collective agreement/labour relations topics.
• Supports collective agreement bargaining by assisting with proposal writing, taking minutes, conducting market research, scheduling meetings, booking rooms, developing communication and educational plans to promote collective agreement changes, implement collective agreement changes.
• Discusses issues with Union and draft letter of understandings;
• Provides back-up for Employee Relations Manager during times of absence.

Recruitment:

• Provides initial consultation and advice on Laurier’s recruitment and selection process. Provides support to the hiring manager in developing an individualized recruitment plan based on promising employment equity practices to select the best candidate for the position..  Duties include:  position description preparation, advertisement planning, reviewing areas of underrepresentation, initial screening of resumes at manager’s request, preparation of interview questions, drafting offer and notifying unsuccessful candidates with feedback;
• Consults with Director, Total Rewards to determine appropriate starting salary for positions which are exempt from bargaining unit positions;

HR Administration:

• Utilizes Banner/HRIS and reporting tools in support of employee relations and HR function:
• Supports HR processes and  maintains accurate documentation for employee and departmental files and information systems;
• Provides back-up to the other HR Consultants as required;
• Attends campus meetings on behalf of HR;
• Responds to inquiries regarding salary guidelines, benefits/pension programs and refers to appropriate benefit & compensation/pension administrator when required;
• Reviews inputs to the Banner system and payroll to ensure accurate and up to date employee documentation;
• Responds to inquiries from management and employees for information;
• Conducts exit interviews; 

Job Evaluation:

Provides support to management in the timely preparation and presentation of position descriptions for formal evaluation;

Consults with Compensation and Benefits Analyst and provides additional information to ensure accurate understanding of the role for review.

Qualifications:

• University degree and/or college diploma in Human Resources Management; CHRL an asset;
• Minimum of 3-5 years progressive Human Resources experience including recruitment, employee relations and other key human resource functions;
• Knowledge of employment equity practices; experience recruiting and working with those from equity seeking groups including those who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities and as sexual and/or gender minorities an asset.
• Proven ability to provide sound advice and guidance on human resource matters;
• Strong problem-solving skills are essential, as is good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, tact and discretion.
• Excellent communication skills in order to ensure the clarity of roles, accountabilities and expectations in all interactions;
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to multi-task,  prioritize and strong attention to detail;
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills;
• High level of customer service and professionalism;
• Knowledge of applicable legislation such as Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Human Rights Code;
• Has the highest regard for the sensitivity and confidentiality of information;
• Adjusts comfortably to the needs of diverse audiences (President, Management, Faculty, Staff and Union Representatives);
• Proven ability to remain calm and respond constructively to pressure, emotional situations and in dealing with conflict
• Working knowledge of software packages such as MS Office Suite, Banner, and Cognos;

Compensation:

Position Grade: EX - H 

Salary: $65,048 - $81,310 annually 

Hours of Work: This is a full-time, limited term position until April 30, 2024. The hours of work are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual identities and gender identities. To learn more about our commitment to inclusion, please visit: https://wlu.ca/about/working-at-laurier/commitment-to-inclusion.html

We have strived to make our application process accessible however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources at 519-884-1970 ext.2007 or hr@wlu.ca.