Current Opportunities

Almonte General Hospital and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital created the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) in 2016 to formalize their commitment to work together to improve each patient and resident’s overall health care experience through a strong, coordinated system of care. An integrated Senior Team leads the two Hospitals, as well as Fairview Manor and Lanark County Paramedic Service which are operating divisions of AGH. Over 600 caring staff, physicians and midwives provide excellent primary, acute and long-term care to citizens of Lanark County, West Ottawa and Renfrew County.

The Labour Relations Specialist supports a positive labour relations environment by providing expert advice and guidance to leaders and HR partners on a broad range of labour and employee relations matters in a multi-union environment. Reporting to the Manager of Human Resources, the Specialist works collaboratively with leadership, colleagues and union representatives to support grievance management, workplace investigations, dispute resolution, collective bargaining and labour relations initiatives. The role promotes proactive, consistent and effective labour relations practices aligned with organizational priorities, collective agreements and MRHA values.

Duties & Responsibilities

Labour & Employee Relations

• Provide advice and guidance on collective agreement interpretation, grievance management, discipline, attendance management, workplace investigations and dispute resolution.
• Advise leaders on corrective action, employee relations issues, labour relations risks and compliance with applicable legislation.
• Support consistent application of collective agreements and labour relations practices across assigned bargaining units.

Grievances, Investigations & Dispute Resolution

• Support grievance and arbitration processes, HRTO matters and workplace investigations, including preparing documentation, reports, findings and recommendations.
• Assist with mediation, conflict resolution and other dispute resolution processes.
• Promote timely, fair, consistent and confidential resolution of workplace issues.

Union & Labour Management Relations

• Build constructive working relationships with union representatives and support labour-management committees, Occupational Health and Safety committees, job evaluation/pay equity processes and other joint forums.
• Collaborate with leaders, employees and union representatives to address workplace concerns and resolve issues effectively.

Collective Bargaining & Labour Relations Research

• Support collective bargaining through research, data analysis, costing, proposal development, preparation of bargaining materials and participation in negotiations.
• Facilitate the implementation and communication of negotiated settlements and collective agreement changes.
• Monitor labour legislation, arbitration decisions and emerging practices, advising leaders and the HR team of relevant developments.

HR Advisory & Organizational Support

• Support the development and implementation of HR policies, procedures and initiatives related to labour and employee relations.
• Identify opportunities to improve labour relations processes and administrative efficiency.
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential records and participate in HR projects as required.
• Provide labour relations support across all MRHA sites, including Almonte General Hospital, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, Fairview Manor and Lanark County Paramedic Service bases.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Four-year undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Law or a related field.
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible HR experience, with a strong focus on labour relations.
• Healthcare experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in a unionized environment, including collective agreement interpretation, grievance handling, discipline, workplace investigations and employee relations.
• Experience supporting complex and sensitive investigations, mediation, arbitration, collective bargaining and negotiated settlement implementation.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of collective agreements, labour relations practices, conflict resolution and workplace investigations.
• Knowledge of applicable Ontario legislation, including the Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Pay Equity Act and Public Hospitals Act.
• Strong analytical, research, problem-solving, negotiation and communication skills.
• Demonstrated exceptional judgment, discretion, confidentiality and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong ability to manage sensitive issues and to communicate on such matters thoughtfully and appropriately.
• Coaching, counselling and facilitation skills needed to lead managers/directors in developing effective people practices
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
• Fluency in English, including oral expression, comprehension, reading and writing.
• Commitment to MRHA values and a respectful, collaborative and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to travel between MRHA sites as required, with use of a personal vehicle.
• Criminal Record Check (Level 1) and ongoing compliance.

We thank all candidates who apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require accommodation throughout any part of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@mrha.ca to let us know how we may assist you.

Please note that according to MRHA Vaccination Policies, all applicants must be fully vaccinated unless they can provide the proof of a valid medical contraindication or exemption on the basis of protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code in order to be considered for any staff or volunteer opportunities. Upon hiring, applicants must provide the proof of either government issued documentation proving they have been fully vaccinated, or present supporting documentation of a valid medical contraindication or exemption under Ontario Human Rights Code.

Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We believe that embracing diversity in all its forms enriches our workplace and enhances the quality of care we provide to our patients, residents and community. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected and supported regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability or background. We aim to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared mission of providing integrated health care that meets the evolving life-long needs of our communities.