Director Human Resources and Administration

DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATION

• Organization: Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal         
• City: Toronto, ON     
• Job Term: 1 Permanent
• Compensation Group: Senior Management Group
• Job Code: EXE2
• Salary Range: $130,930.00 - $180,360.00 per annum  
• Hours of work: Minimum of 36 ¼ hours / week
• Language of Position(s): English
• Posting Status: Open

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) is a highly specialized adjudicative tribunal that hears appeals of final decisions of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and other matters within its statutory jurisdiction, including right to sue applications. The WSIAT is currently seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and innovative leader for the position of Director, Human Resources and Administration to lead the Human Resources and Administration portfolios of the WSIAT.  The Director, Human Resources and Administration directs the Human Resources and Administration portfolios at the WSIAT through the development, execution and continuous improvement of programs and strategies in support of the WSIAT’s mission involving the implementation of policies, procedures, protocols, collective agreements, and other substantial initiatives.  The Director, Human Resources and Administration has full responsibility for and provides the WSIAT Chair and senior management team with advice and consultation on all Human Resources and Administration (e.g., facilities services, emergency management, and business continuity) services.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Human Resources and Labour Relations

Direct the development, implementation and Administration of Human Resource programs, initiatives, services, and standards in support of the WSIAT’s goals and objectives.  Evaluate existing programs/services to determine the quality and effectiveness; recommend new, revised, or additional policies where necessary; and ensure the consistent application of all policies and procedures including OPS directives, principles, and standards applicable to the WSIAT, ensuring compliance with all relevant directives, laws, or professional standards.  Provide strategic advice to senior management on the potential and actual impact of business decisions on the WSIAT, and within the terms of the Collective Agreement.  Provide organizational development advice including recommendations involving HR planning and organizational design and re-structuring and identify the impact of organizational changes and provide well-considered options and proposed actions.  Provide strategic and practical expertise in finding solutions to employee issues. Direct and provide support, advice, and consultation to WSIAT Directors, management and staff on all aspects of the employment relationship within the context of a public sector setting, including issues relating to recruitment and staffing, attendance and leave, performance and position management, compensation, job evaluation, organizational development, policy development, payroll, benefits, and pension administration.  Interpret and explain the application of complex directives; advise managers on the use, scope, and applicability of management decision-making for employee-related issues; investigate or oversee the investigation of a variety of issues and recommend corrective action.  Direct and provide a wide range of Labour Relations services to the WSIAT with overall responsibility for all staff relations and collective agreement administration, including development of labour relations strategies for the WSIAT.  Participate in negotiation of the Collective Agreement(s); manage and/or investigate grievances; consult with legal counsel on jurisprudence and precedent-setting issues; advise managers in the application of the Collective Agreement, labour relations policies, relevant acts, and regulations. Direct and manage the conducting of research and project work relative to Human Resource services, programs, requirements, and related matters, including research and preparation of briefing notes for senior management, leading individual or group projects. Champion a positive, healthy workplace in partnership with senior management, including leading change management, organizational design and workforce planning initiatives, health and safety, wellness initiatives and accommodation plans for staff. Provide leadership in fostering a positive relationship with union representatives. 

Training and Development

Lead the creation and implementation of the WSIAT’s training programs to support operational and business plans and compliance training obligations including developing needs assessments, identification of skills gaps, identification of compliance training obligations, defining training content, new employee orientation/onboarding programs, developing and maintaining training records, and the measurement of training impact/effectiveness. Direct the delivery of training on specific issues or assist with the retention/contracting of external training programs. 

Facilities and Accommodation Services

Direct the facilities lease, leasehold improvements and maintenance of the WSIAT facilities and services. Manage the development and implementation of projects/studies to improve physical operations and accommodation requests, provide project leadership, and provide input into the development of operational and business plans to support senior level decision-making. 

Emergency Management, Security and Business Continuity

Direct the formulation of recommendations, strategies, options, policies and procedures for emergency services and business continuity to ensure an effective response to identified issues, including the establishment of communications and messaging to all managers/staff on the status of emergency situations.  Ensure emergency policies/protocols are consistent with the desired outcome in areas of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and are integrated with Ministry initiatives.  Review plans for on-site business continuity, physical and personal security including risk assessments for specific scenarios. 

Departmental Procurement

Direct the purchasing and procurement needs of the Department by providing leadership and advice, discussing issues, providing suggestions, and recommending improvements to processes and practices to streamline effectiveness while ensuring compliance with OPS standards and guidelines.  Lead the preparation of Request for Bid proposals, review and evaluate submissions as part of a panel, liaise with counsel and senior management to seek advice and ensure compliance.  Participate in contract negotiation, administration, and the implementation of contract evaluation procedures.  Authorize expenditures within delegated limits, ensure payment processes are followed.

Management

Manage and lead a team of multi-disciplinary staff and third-party advisors involved in unit functions, including recruiting, orientation, evaluating performance, taking corrective or disciplinary action, providing training and developmental opportunities, planning, organizing, and coordinating the schedules and activities of the department, determining priorities, setting deadlines, and allocating work to meet deadlines.  Determine staffing needs, identify service gaps, implement enhancements and continuous improvements to service delivery.  Promote a productive teamwork environment and service culture through active training, coaching, and mentoring.  

How do I qualify?

Leadership and Management Skills:

• Dynamic leadership experience in leading and motivating high-performing and diverse teams. Strategic planning with the ability to think transformationally, plan strategically and communicate your vision to senior management and other stakeholders. Demonstrated superior management and strategic leadership abilities to lead and influence people. Strong project management and change management skills to lead organizational change and management.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of strategic human resource planning and management, and current and emerging HR trends Extensive knowledge of all aspects of Human Resources management (e.g., recruitment, organizational design, health and safety, wellness, human rights and accommodation, training and development, labour relations), and knowledge of all relevant Human Resources and labour relations acts and legislation Experience working in the Public Sector is an Asset Knowledge of the provision of administration services (e.g., facilities services, emergency management, business continuity) Knowledge of business and financial planning to effectively plan and direct operations, budget and resources. Ability to acquire knowledge of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act,1997, related regulations, WSIB policy, the WSIAT’s policies and procedures related to its administration, the appeal processes at the WSIAT, the conduct of hearings, and the processing of appeals under the Act and issues under appeal.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders and build/maintain positive working relationships at all levels.
• Strong written communication skills to develop recommendations, reports, briefing notes, and presentations.
• Superior oral communication skills to provide advice and responses to key issues, present briefings to senior management, and represent the HR department to internal and external clients.
• Persuasion and facilitation skills to inform, advise and influence diplomatically, and articulate options, impacts and recommendations.
• Excellent dispute resolution skills including negotiation, mediation, and facilitation skills to identify options and resolve complex issues and possible grievances.
• Strong political acuity to recognize sensitive situations and develop appropriate responses.

Research, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

• Strong conceptual and analytical skills to assess and respond to business requirements, complex or contentious policy, labour relations and HR issues, and develop and recommend strategies and solutions. 
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills to investigate and assess organizational structure proposals, grievances, and to interpret and apply legislation, collective agreements, policies, procedures, and jurisprudence.
• Strong research and analytical skills to review background materials related to ongoing programs and prepare and present proposed actions and solutions.

Additional Information:

Address:                                  505 University Avenue, Toronto

Posted on:                               January 22, 2024

How to Apply:

1. Please submit your resume and cover letter through our online WSIAT Career Centre.
2. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad.  Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job.  We rely on the information you provide to us.
3. If you require a disability related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at Recruitment@wsiat.ca to provide your contact information.  Recruitment staff will contact you within 48 hours.

Remember:  The deadline to apply is February 9, 2024, 11:59 pm EDT.  Late applications will not be accepted.  We thank you for your interest.  Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal is an inclusive employer.

Accommodation is available under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

All Ontario Public Service external job advertisements are posted in English and French. To confirm the language requirements of a job, check the "language of position" information at the top of each job ad. For all positions, candidates will be assessed in English, the business language of the Ontario Public Service. For English/French designated bilingual positions, candidates will also be assessed through French-language proficiency testing.

Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario sont affichées en anglais et en français. Pour connaître les exigences linguistiques, vérifiez les renseignements sur la « langue du poste » figurant dans le haut de chaque offre d'emploi. Pour tous les postes, l'évaluation des candidates et candidats se fera en anglais, la langue usuelle de la fonction publique de l'Ontario. En ce qui concerne les postes désignés bilingues, la maîtrise du français des candidates et candidats sera également évaluée.