Employment Relations Consultant

Do you thrive when analyzing complex problems and providing subject matter expertise to clients?  Are you a trusted advisor driven to deliver excellence in your approach to building relationships? If this describes you, an Employee Relations Consultant position with the Alberta Public Service Commission is awaiting you.

Reporting to an Employee Relations/Occupational Health and Safety Manager or Team Lead, Employee Relations Consultant provides strategic advice and coaching on complex and contentious Employee Relations matters related to collective agreement interpretation, performance and behaviour or conduct in the workplace. Your subject matter expertise in Employee and Labour Relations will be essential to support and provide advice to HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and/or directly to clients in their day-to-day diverse operations that make up the Alberta Public Service. The ER Consultant leads or advises on Grievance proceedings and supports arbitration preparation. The ER Consultant leads or supports fact-finding processes for issues related to Respectful Workplace Policy complaints and conduct issues.  As an Employee Relations subject matter expert you will support initiatives/projects related to workforce reductions, job action readiness, etc.  The position plays an integral role in supporting clients with information and training on Labour/Employee Relations best practices, consistency in Collective Agreement/Directive application and new/emerging HR Labour/Employee Relations trends.

This position requires a specialization in the field of Employee and/or Labour Relations and an in-depth understanding of the Collective Agreement, Human Resources Directives and Human Resources legal framework as it relates to the Public Sector.  The position requires well-developed problem solving and research skills to resolve matters that can be complex, unique or legalistic in nature. Your excellent interpersonal skills will be essential to support clients through complex and emotionally charged Labour/Employee Relations issues.  The position is required to liaise with union representatives to resolve union-management issues in a multifaceted, unionized environment. 

Qualifications

Requirement:

University graduation in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related area supplemented with a minimum of two years of recent and progressive experience in Employee Relations, including handling workplace investigations, grievances, performance management, conflict resolution, and working knowledge of the Human Resources legal framework. Experience in areas such as: HR Business Partner/HR Generalist or HR Specialist in the field of Employee/Labour Relations is required.

Equivalency:

Equivalencies will be accepted on the basis of a related two-year diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution and a minimum of four years of directly related experience; or a related one-year certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution and a minimum of five years of directly related experience.

Assets:

• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge and experience with collective agreements and HR directives.
• Understanding of how FOIP, Human Rights, Ethics Commissioner policies/processes work.
• Strong presentation skills.