Human Resources Consultant

Position Summary

Quinte Health is seeking an experienced Human Resources Consultant, Employee & Labour Relations to join our Human Resources team. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role serves as a trusted advisor to leaders, employees and union representatives, providing expert guidance on complex employee and labour relations matters across the organization.

The HR Consultant brings strong knowledge of collective agreement interpretation, employment legislation, investigations, conflict resolution and organizational change. This role combines strategic advice with hands-on support, helping leaders navigate complex workplace issues while promoting positive employee relations, fair and consistent practices, and a respectful and inclusive work environment.

The successful candidate will build strong relationships across a diverse, multi-union healthcare environment and will be comfortable exercising sound judgment and discretion when managing sensitive and complex matters.

Required

• Successful completion of Post Secondary Studies in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or Business Administration.
• Professional Designation (CHRL) preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressive and recent experience in Human Resources/Labour Relations in a unionized environment, preferably in a multi-unionized environment. Health care experience is an asset.
• Experience in the interpretation and application of collective agreements is essential.
• Experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution, multi-union environment experience, mediation, arbitration, collective bargaining.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, problem solving, conflict resolution, effectiveness in building and gaining credibility, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work within tight timelines and manage competing priorities.
• Strong knowledge in computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, and PowerPoint.
• Please note - preference will be given to candidates with previous labour relations experience in a hospital setting.
  
  

Duties

Employee & Labour Relations

• Provide expert advice and guidance to leaders, employees and unions on collective agreements, employment legislation, organizational policies and labour relations practices.
• Partner with leaders to assess and resolve complex employee and workplace issues, including performance management, attendance, conflict, accommodation and disciplinary matters.
• Coach and mentor leaders in effective employee relations practices, conflict resolution and difficult conversations.
• Proactively support positive labour relations and grievance avoidance while maintaining effective relationships with union representatives.
• Participate in labour-management committees, professional practice reviews and other organizational forums as required.
  
  

Investigations & Conflict Resolution

• Lead or support investigations into sensitive and complex workplace matters, including misconduct, harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, interpersonal conflict, privacy concerns and other employee relations issues.
• Apply sound judgment, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and discretion throughout the investigation and resolution process.
• Develop or support formal documentation, including investigation findings, performance management, remedial and disciplinary correspondence.
• Collaborate with Professional Practice and regulatory bodies when employee relations matters involve clinical practice or professional standards.
  
  

Collective Bargaining, Grievances & Arbitration

• Lead or support collective bargaining, including demand setting, proposal development, negotiations and implementation of negotiated outcomes.
• Manage complex grievances and work collaboratively with unions, operational leaders and legal counsel to achieve effective resolutions.
• Prepare and negotiate grievance settlements, Memoranda of Agreement and Letters of Understanding.
• Support mediation, arbitration and other dispute resolution processes, including preparation of relevant documentation, evidence and organizational positions.
• Provide education and guidance to leaders and functional teams regarding new or revised collective agreement provisions.
  
  

Organizational Change & Workforce Planning

• Provide HR and labour relations expertise during organizational change, restructuring, service transfers and other workforce initiatives.
• Assess the impact of proposed changes, identify labour relations and legislative risks, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate labour adjustment activities and required notifications with leaders, unions and other stakeholders.
• Partner with Occupational Health & Safety to support accommodation and early and safe return-to-work processes while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation.
  
  

Research, Advice & Continuous Improvement

• Research and interpret legislation, collective agreements, organizational policies, case law and labour relations practices to provide timely, well-informed recommendations.
• Identify trends, risks and opportunities and recommend practical solutions that support organizational priorities.
• Develop and deliver education for leaders on employee and labour relations practices, collective agreement obligations and emerging workplace issues.
• Promote innovative approaches to resolving workplace challenges and contribute to continuous improvement within Human Resources.
  
  

Our family of four hospitals play an integral role in improving lives and creating healthier communities. We work together as one team across our hospitals to provide local and regional health care services, and also work in partnership with our communities to improve access to high-quality care, close to home. We are incredibly fulfilled by the work that we do, and proud of our dynamic teams of staff, physicians and volunteers who care deeply about our patients, and each other. We don’t just serve our communities, we are part of them. We live here, raise our families here and, quite often, retire here in the community that we love. Quinte Health is always looking for compassionate, dedicated people to join our team. We have a wide range of exciting roles, some which involve working across more than one of our hospitals, and some which are situated at just one hospital.

Physical Demands Analysis

Strength

• Required Rarely – lifting average 5-10 pounds’ maximum 15 pounds, carrying, pushing/pulling.
  
  

Mobility

• Required Often – prolonged sitting; and
• Required Occasionally – standing and walking on hard surfaces, bending/stooping.
  
  

Dexterity

• Required Often – prolonged fine finger movements;
• Required Frequently – gripping/grasping, eye/hand coordination; and
• Required Briefly – reaching with both hands.
  
  

Cognitive Demands

• Requires advanced critical thinking and sound judgement when addressing stakeholder concerns or dispute resolution under time pressure.
• Ability to make quick decisions in stressful or high-pressure situations, balancing urgency with careful consideration.
• Active listening and empathy are critical to understanding stakeholder concerns.
• Requires strong interpersonal skills, emotional and social intelligence, and patience to manage sensitive issues effectively.
• Requires resiliency to manage competing demands, prioritize effectively, and maintain focus in a high-stress environment. This includes responding to urgent stakeholder issues, managing conflicts, and handling ongoing employee relations initiatives simultaneously.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Mental Stress – varies from considerable to extreme.
• Sensory Attention – varies from considerable to extreme.
  
  

Equal Opportunity

We thank all interested candidates for their response, however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. Quinte Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting needs under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Our Recruitment process follows the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in order to provide a fair and equitable process for all candidates. Applicants requiring accommodation through the recruitment/interview process are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department at 613-969-7400 x2577 or