Human Resources Specialist

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade 14

The base salary will be $67,680 - $96,590 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Division of Housing and Ancillary Services (HAS) is committed to providing a first-class experience in the areas of housing, hospitality services, and retail services for undergraduate/graduate students and their families, staff and faculties in the Western communities, while supporting the academic mission of the University and ensuring profitability and cost effectiveness of the operation.

Responsibilities

The Human Resources (HR) Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of a broad range of human resources processes and strategies to ensure highly efficient, client-focused and responsive services are delivered within Housing & Ancillary Services. The Specialist will act as a resource and provide guidance and support on human resources related issues in compliance with Western policies, procedures, collective agreements and government legislation.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Labour Relations or Business
• Human Resource professional designation (completed or working towards) would be an asset
• Professional courses in conflict resolution or labour/employee relations preferred

Experience:

• 5 years of experience working in human resources administration, preferably in a unionized environment (e.g. interpreting collective agreements and providing labour relations advice to leaders and employees)
• Strong people management experience with direct accountability for recruitment, human resource planning, on-going training and development and performance management
• Experience responding to grievances and participating in grievance meetings

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of Human Resources statute, principles and practices and of the Employment Standards Act, and other relevant legislation
• Strong knowledge of employment and labour legislation, with the ability to assess risk, apply sound judgment, and provide practical recommendations on employee relations matters
• Demonstrated experience managing employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, performance management, attendance management, conflict resolution, and progressive discipline
• Well-defined sense of diplomacy, including conflict resolution and people management skills
• Possesses a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
• Knowledge of technical and legislative issues related to employment and labour relations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with all levels of an organization
• Ability to establish and build healthy working relations and partnerships with staff, peers, union leaders and external stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to coach team members
• Ability to remain calm, work well under pressure and use good judgment in assessing difficult situations
• Creative problem-solving skills and sound professional judgement, especially regarding confidential/sensitive matters
• Proven ability to take initiative and champion a project from conception through implementation and evaluation
• Ability to handle diverse and emotional situations, multiple projects and rapidly changing priorities
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office, including spreadsheet design and database management
• Demonstrated ability to support continuous process improvement
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of the team to achieve departmental goals

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.