Position Overview  

Organization: Kids Help Phone  

Title: Director Employee Relations  

Position: Full-time  

Reports to: SVP HR, CHRO

Location: Toronto 

Is this you?  

Are you motivated by the opportunity to positively impact mental health for young people in Canada? Would you be passionate about helping young people deal with the challenges of growing up in today’s complex, ever-changing, technologically driven world?  

This is a key leadership role mandated to bring best practices, processes and programs to Kids Help Phone in the key Human Resources functions that underpin KHP’s mission and values. The incumbent will be responsible for leading the Human Resources portfolio, encompassing staff and labour relations, recruitment, talent management, and performance management of Kids Help Phone.

Kids Help Phone is on a transformational journey, one that will change the landscape of youth mental health in Canada. We cannot do it without a team who are willing to be game changers and help fuel that journey. We need team members that are passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives. It will take courage. It will take resilience.  

Does this sound like you? If so, then keep reading…  

The Position  

Reporting to the SVP – HR and CHRO, the Director Employee Relations will be responsible for developing, implementing, and administering leading and equitable human resources practices and policies to promote mature employment relations with all employee groups and is accountable for ensuring that KHP is compliant with all contractual and legislative requirements (pan-Canadian), while recruiting and retaining staff to meet both current and future needs. The incumbent represents and/or acts as a resource/representative at various Union Committees and at grievance and arbitration hearings and other administrative tribunals. You will work in collaboration with all stakeholders to drive organization effectiveness, capacity and engagement. Additionally, you will be leading a team to support leaders to address their strategic priorities and understand the program’s functions and provide solutions as well as contribute to creating and implementing the KHP’s strategic plan.

What You'll do  

• Plan, organize, supervise and manage the Employment Relations and Talent Acquisition team of the Human Resources department including the full scope of managerial / supervisory responsibility within the employee life cycle i.e. mentoring and coaching; performance and project management; fosters learning and growth, promotes currency and continuous improvement, assigns and monitors tasks and ensures completion; sets work priorities; supports team development.
• Ensure that effective orientation, on-boarding and exit processes are followed to assigned business units. Identify areas of opportunity and implement improvements.
• Develop, implement and evaluate appropriate services, goals and objectives to ensure compliance with legislation and KHP policies.
• Participate in collective bargaining activities, including contract administration, grievance responses, arbitration preparation, negotiation preparation, etc
• Liaise with management, bargaining groups and non-unionized employees to achieve organizational objectives, resolve issues related to concerns, interpretations, conflict resolution, accommodations, sick time and the disciplinary process.
• Responsible for developing and enhancing policies, guidelines and standards to support Occupational Health and Safety (O&HS) at all levels of the organization.
• Ensure policy currency and compliance related to legislative and operational requirements.

What You'll Need   

• College or university degree in Human Resources, and relevant field experience required 

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field; Human Resources, Industrial Labour Studies or Law required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years' related experience working in labour relations in a 7/24 unionized environment.
• Minimum of 5-7 years management experience.
• Human Resources experience as well as significant exposure to workplace legislative, regulatory and legal matters, pan-Canadian.
• Conflict resolution, mediation or negotiation skills training required.
• Experience in social services, mental health, healthcare environment is an asset
• Knowledge and experience in the application and interpretation of collective agreements is preferred, including experience in collective bargaining.
• Possess an acceptable "Vulnerable Person Sector Criminal Reference Check" prior to starting employment.

You’ll already have the following:  

• Excellent verbal communications, facilitation and negotiation skills to elicit accurate information, respond to inquiries, possessing the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise documentation and messaging.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Proven knowledge in operationalizing compensation and performance management programs
• Knowledge of applicable legislation (e.g. Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Act (in several provincial jurisdictions -preferred).
• Strong business acumen combined with a positive approach to client service and relationship building with the ability to build trust at all levels of the organization.
• Computer literacy with MS Office Software (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Demonstrates a commitment to client service when dealing with staff, colleagues and volunteers and other members of the community and public
• Demonstrates KHP’s corporate values and is committed to fostering a healthy and positive work environment in accordance with Health & Safety policy and legislation
• Experience leading recruitment and retention strategies including talent acquisition strategies, compensation strategies, etc

The Organization  

Kids Help Phone is a Canadian and world leader, known for their expertise and continuous innovation as Canada’s only 24/7 professional counselling and information service for young people in both English and French. They have been pioneers in virtual care and e-health solutions for young people in Canada for over 30 years.  

Since 1989, they have offered kids, teens and young adults a critical lifeline of hope and support through their free, anonymous and confidential services, which research shows significantly improves youth mental health.  

Young people reach out to Kids Help Phone’s professional counsellors and trained volunteers from every corner of the country via phone, Live Chat and texting, and benefit from their database of local youth-serving programs. Kids Help Phone’s website is a widely recognized model of youth-focused design; offering therapeutic tools, games, information, and counselling.  

And finally…  

Are you are inspired by helping to meet the quickly evolving needs of young people in Canada today and are ready to contribute to a dynamic organization dedicated to improving their mental health and well-being?   

History in the making!  

Does this sound like a journey you want to be a part of?  

Join us!   

Visit https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=KIDSHELP&lang=en_CA  

Open the posting and click the “Apply” button in the top right corner of the page. Please attach a single file with your resume and cover letter titled:* lastname_firstname_Director EmployeeRelations *  

For more information about Kids Help Phone, please visit our website at http://org.kidshelpphone.ca  

The position will be posted until 5pm March 4, 2021.  

Accredited member, Imagine Canada Standards Program.  

Kids Help Phone is an equal opportunity employer, values diversity of people and communities, and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our organization. We welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who respect and reflect the diversity of service users.  

Kids Help Phone is committed to providing barrier-free environment and accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if your require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.