Human Resources Business Partner

Make a significant impact in the lives of people with developmental disabilities by joining Canada's largest Developmental Disabilities service provider.

At Karis Disability Services what you do matters. Since 1965, our team has come alongside people with developmental disabilities, and their families, to celebrate each person's unique gifts as we promote communities where everybody belongs. Beyond Canada, our global work impacts over 300,000 people across 60 communities in six countries. Learn more about Karis Disability Services at www.karis.org.

Are you a proactive and strategic HR professional with a passion for fostering innovative human resources practices? We are seeking a dynamic Human Resources Business Partner to join our team, specializing in labour relations and supporting our organization's commitment to employee engagement and workplace harmony. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with management, union representatives and employees to build partnerships that drive organizational success. If you're ready to lead impactful initiatives, navigate complex labour matters, and champion a positive workplace culture, we want to hear from you!

Temporary (18 months), Full-Time

Human Resources Business Partner

Waterloo Office

The Human Resources Business Partner provides organizational guidance, education, and counsel on employment matters such as performance management, employee development, health and safety, employee retention, labour relations and other Employment Law issues. The Human Resources Business Partner also works within their assigned District in coordination with appropriate colleagues within the Waterloo office. Working as a team with fellow Human Resources Business Partners, they provide various HR support to the Human Resources Department.

Responsibilities:

• Provide counsel and promote HR best practices to assigned District leadership regarding employee performance, attendance management, failure to follow policies, performance improvement planning, employee conflict, redundancies, contract changes, and the collective agreement(s) if applicable, etc.
• As a representative of the HR Department, provide HR guidance through the attendance of assigned District leadership meetings.
• Provide documentation support to District to ensure appropriate legal language and approach (e.g., corrective action letters, termination letters, layoff notices, legal responses, etc.).
• Prepare background information/documentation and make recommendations to the Director of Human Resources for terminations, escalated corrective action and employment-related legal matters.
• Educate and train leaders on the interpretation of the negotiated contract as well as labour relations strategies.
• Ensure all labour negotiations are properly documented.
• Meet with elected union officials.
• Participate in the collective bargaining process, research trends, and provide information on considerations for negotiation of collective agreements. Suggest changes that ensure the Christian Faith Foundation, Values, Vision and Mission are not compromised.
• Lead grievance mediation by preserving relationships between parties and resolving workplace disputes.
• Conduct grievance investigations and monitor grievance activity to identify underlying issues.
• Make recommendations to improve existing HR processes and systems.
• Maintain knowledge of new and current Human Resources practices and changes in employment law or best practice.
• Be an active member of ad hoc committees, providing the HR perspective and recommendations.
• Provide HR leadership on Harassment investigations and Appeal panels.
• Provide mediation and conflict resolution support in support of the Conflict Resolution process.
• Administration of the arbitration process and provide instructions to external counsel.
• As the organizational lead of a specialty, research and keep informed on trends, legal changes, and best practices in area of specialty, updating the Director of Human Resources and HR team on new and important developments in a timely manner. Formulate plans and projects, training, communication, and resources relating to the specialty to equip the organization for success in the area of specialty. Maintain electronic files of resources and documents and update resources on the intranet for organizational use. In partnership with District Human Resources Business Partners, provide support and answer questions relating to the specialty.
• Provide support to the HR Administration team by responding to escalated concerns regarding new hire packages, salary verification, data requests, etc.
• Provide support to the Abilities Specialist by responding to escalated concerns regarding return-to-work plans, medical leaves of absences, and compliance to related policies.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years of previous HR experience
• Labour Relations experience preferred
• Professional Designation - CHRP required
• Superior Computer Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Counselling and conflict resolution skills
• Experience managing grievances and preparing for arbitration
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Intensive Understanding of Employment Standard Legislation and the Labour Relations Act

Why Should You Apply?

• Live out our shared values, help others, and find purpose in your work every day.
• Receive competitive wages.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Personal and Professional Growth
• Collaboration and Teamwork-Working together on a team with other Human Resources Business Partners, we tackle challenges, share insights, and support one another in fostering a thriving workplace culture. As part of this team, you'll have the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions, exchange best practices, and co-create innovative solutions to address organizational needs.

Salary: $79,206 - $89,856

Application Deadline: April 27th, 2025

Apply with a cover letter and rsum by April 27th, 2025 to the attention of the Director of Recruitment and Retention via the Apply Now feature.

Karis Disability Services seeks to hire a workforce that represents the diversity of our communities where we serve. We are committed to promoting communities of belonging where Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour feel valued, respected, represented, and heard. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from members of groups with historical or current barriers to equity. All persons may apply regardless of religion, or any Human Rights Code protected grounds. We seek to provide accessibility through all stages of the hiring process for all applicants with disabilities consistent with our Accessibility Policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.