Human Resources Business Partner

Company Bio

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

Primary function

Legal Aid Ontario is looking for a strategic, results-oriented, client-focused human resources professional to provide a broad range of comprehensive generalist services in a multi union environment.

Reporting to the Manager, HR Advisory Services and Recruitment and working as a member of a cohesive team, the Human Resources Business Partner will act as a consultant and strategic partner to provide advice, information and support to managers/directors in a variety of HR capacities.

Home Location: Toronto Provincial Office

Secondary Location: n/a

Key accountabilities

The Human Resources Business Partner is responsible for providing strategic advice and direction to employees and managers on all Human Resources related issues to an assigned client group, while ensuring high quality, confidentiality and timely service standards.

This Includes But Is Not Limited To

• Consulting with managers and directors in client group on a regular basis to understand HR needs and partner strategically to solution and anticipate arising issues
• Leading the employee complaint and grievance processes, which may require complex/sensitive fact finding, creativity and dispute resolution management through consultation with managers and union partners
• Managing family status accommodation process by liaising with employees and managers on all family status requests
• Advising and coaching managers on employee/labour relations, performance management and attendance management matters
• Partnering with legal counsel on matters proceeding to mediation/arbitration
• Tracking and analyzing data to identify departmental trends (e.g. attendance, grievance types) and recommend actions to management
• Providing subject matter expertise and guidance on matters involving accommodation, workplace discrimination and harassment, and employee relations in general
• Developing and implementing HR policies, standard operating procedures, and programs in collaboration with other HR team members aligned with best practice and changing legislation
• In collaboration with Talent & Organizational Development, develop and deliver education programs for client managers to provide guidance in HR processes and management (e.g. progressive disciplinary procedure)
  
  

Required Skills & Experience

• Possess a diploma or degree in human resources at the post-secondary level combined with a minimum 5 years' previous Human Resources experience or the equivalent training and experience. CHRP/CHRL designation is an asset.
• Experience in a unionized environment required with sound knowledge of relevant employment legislation with proven ability to interpret contracts, collective agreements and policies, etc. and provide related advise
• In-depth knowledge of best HR practices and previous experience in the areas of performance management, employee/labour relations, grievance handling, arbitration processes, collective bargaining, recruitment and selection, job evaluation and salary administration
• Proven ability to maintain confidential information
• Excellent client service skills including the ability to anticipate client needs and provide quality customer service within established HR policies and in accordance with Collective Agreements
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail to handle multiple, disparate tasks with often competing deadlines.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers, including HRIS, and Microsoft suite of programs including Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, Word and Outlook.
• Solid working knowledge of employment and related legislation such as the Labour Relations Act, Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Collective Agreements and human resource policies and practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation and human relation skills.
• Must be self-directed and capable of working with minimum supervision
  
  

Your work-life balance

Employees Enjoy Generous Paid Time-off Including

• 17 vacation days at hire,
• Sick days
• Discretionary days
• Three paid days for religious or cultural observances
• Statutory holidays and The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day and Easter Monday
  
  

Your career

LAO supports your career development by offering professional development and networking through several programs, including training to support a positive culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB), and lunch and learns to build client service skills

• Informal Employee Networks for staff with shared identities to connect, support each other and build professional networks
• Law Society of Ontario (LSO) accredited training to support learning and professional development for all employees
• EDIB-focused training
• Mentorship programs, including an Indigenous-focused mentorship program
  
  

Your future

Employees are eligible to enroll in the defined benefit Public Service Pension Plan which provides financial security during retirement.

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position. Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply. Once you have successfully applied, you will receive a confirmation email.

Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com

Equity Statement

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.