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People Services, Business Partner (Maternity & Parental Leave Coverage - 12 months)

Okanagan College hires the best-qualified candidates for its positions. Selections for bargaining unit positions are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate Collective Agreement. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Okanagan College thanks all applicants for their interest. Given the volume of applications, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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This process will be used to cover an anticipated 1-year absence. This process may also be used to cover any extensions to the absence, or any additional temporary or permanent needs that may come up over the next year.

Be a part of Okanagan College where you can grow your career and be a part of our mission to transform lives and communities. We are part of the educational and social fabric of the Okanagan region where we have both the opportunity and responsibility to support and empower learners and employees to be positive agents of dialogue, knowledge sharing and change.

The College offers an environment that supports employee work-life balance, continuous learning, and job enrichment. This opportunity starts with 5 weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave benefits, tuition waivers and professional development, health and wellness benefits, a hybrid working model, as well as being a part of one of Canada’s top pension plans.

In general, after an inintial orientation and training period in the Business Partner role, Okanagan College is pleased to offer a regular (2-day per week) working from home hybrid model (based on operational requirements) for employees that live in the Central Okanagan. In addition, for temporary opportunities (e.g. 1-year coverage, etc.), consideration will be given to remote working arrangements for those that live outside the Okanagan Region. Remote work arrangements will include an in-person orientation period in Kelowna, along with in-person attendance for specified meetings and activities (e.g. quarterly meetings, etc.). Travel for in-person meetings will primarily be at the individual’s expense.

Competition Details

Position Information

Position Number S00924
Position Title People Services, Business Partner (Maternity & Parental Leave Coverage - 12 months)
Division/Portfolio People Services
Department/Program People Services
Location Kelowna
Other Flexible Work Options Remote Work (BC Only)
Your Opportunity
Okanagan College has been embedded in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the region for over a half-century. The institution provides post-secondary education and training to the Okanagan, Shuswap and Similkameen regions and has a strong reputation for excellence in learning and teaching through its wide range of academic, career, continuing education, developmental, trades and vocational programs.

Being a valued team member of Okanagan College offers you the chance to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking community where you can make a real impact, grow both personally and professionally, and be supported in achieving your aspirations. Join us in shaping the future of education and making a difference in the community and in the lives of our employees and students.

Okanagan College is looking to add a People Services Business Partner to our People Services team.

The Business Partner (one of three) reports to the Associate Director, People Services, and is a strategic advisor to managers and leaders, for their assigned client groups. The Business Partner is responsible for providing labour relations, recruitment, organizational design, change support and human resources advice to leaders, supervisors and employees in their assigned client groups. The Business Partner works with the People Services team (AVP, Associate Directors, Coordinators and Associates) to implement best practices and strategic programs, policies and initiatives, which support the implementation of the College’s strategic plan and key directions.

Finally, the Business Partner supervises a People Services Associate, that focuses on guidance, support and administration of staffing and recruitment processes, people administration and maintenance of records in Human Resources Information Systems.
Functions and Duties
General Portfolio Support
  • Serves as initial point of contact to the business in providing advice, problem resolution and facilitation in the areas of recruitment, talent management, employee and labour relations, and performance management.
  • Partners with departments to assess short- and long-term business needs of the client groups and provides strategic support to departments in meeting their operational requirements and assists with the development and implementation of responsive, effective and value-added people strategies.
  • Manages the People Services Associate to ensure integrated and seamless services to clients across all staffing and people services functions. Works closely with the other Business partners to ensure consistent service and approaches are delivered to all client groups.
  • Provides departments with timely advice on job content, job descriptions and the job classification process.
  • Provides expertise on employment best practices to departments on matters such as on-boarding, performance management, workforce planning, and employee engagement.
  • In consultation with stakeholders, develops and delivers training and development initiatives on such topics as bullying and harassment, performance management.
  • Provides input on the development and implementation of corporate human resource management policy; drafts policy and/or procedures for approval.


Labour Relations
  • Explores and determines innovative and creative approaches to resolving employee and labour relations issues; manages all requests for non-disability-related Human Rights accommodations.
  • Provides expertise on employment best practices to departments on matters such as human rights, employment standards and other labour legislation.
  • Provides interpretation and advice regarding Okanagan College policies and collective agreements.
  • Provides advice and guidance on grievances or other formal and informal matters; supports the dispute resolution process including investigating issues/grievances and engaging in discussions with stakeholders to achieve effective resolution; maintains documentation and develops draft responses for the responsible manager.
  • Researches and assists with negotiation and arbitration preparations; prepares labour relations reports and documents relating to negotiations, grievances and arbitrations, participates at bargaining tables as a member of the bargaining team.
  • As directed by the Associate Director, People Services conduct thorough investigations into allegations of employee misconduct.
  • Partners with clients to develop change management strategies and related targeted change and communication plans for employees; manages workforce change process including adjustment strategies and layoffs.
  • Represents the employer on joint committees and/or participates as a member of other committees as assigned.

Recruitment
  • Support managers with general recruitment activities including recruitment processes, relocation provisions, identifying competency requirements, advertising options and assessment methods.
  • Working with the portfolio and the Associate ensure that positions postings are accurate and that vacancies are posted in a timely way.
  • Provide anti-bias training to selection panels; participating on selection panels on an as-needed basis.
  • Provides advice to clients on relocation support and relocation agreements.
  • Partners with the Talent Acquisition Specialist on developing talent acquisition plans for departments and identifying hard to fill positions that will need specialist support from the Talent Acquisition Specialist and Associate Director, Talent Management.
  • Provides input and recommendations on recruitment and selection policies and procedures; recommends revisions to standardize templates related to recruitment and selection administration to ensure compliance with collective agreements, terms and conditions of employment policies and legislative requirements.
  • Review recruitment expense claims for approval by the Associate Director, Talent Management.

Job Evaluation
  • Liaises with the Associate Director, Compensation & Transformation to ensure departments receive timely advice on job content, job descriptions and the job classification processes.
  • Actively supports the BCGEU job evaluation process by attending Joint Job Evaluation Committee meetings and providing advice on the application and management of the BCGEU Support Staff Collective Agreement with respect to job evaluation.
  • Works with the Associate Director, Compensation & Transformation to ensure that job evaluation guidelines, procedures and processes for support staff, and exempt and excluded staff are clear, effective and accessible to clients.
  • Provides labour relations support to the Associate Director, Compensation & Transformation on job evaluation issues.

Supervision
  • Supervises the People Service Associate, including assignment of duties, health and safety, orientation, training and staff development, recognition and reward, performance management and evaluation, scheduling, prioritization of work requirements and in consultation with the Associate Director, People Services, completes recruitment and selection, as well as disciplinary action, as required.
  • Leads, guides and motivates staff in maintaining high performance standards and customer satisfaction levels.
Education and Experience
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. CHRP designation is preferred, plus minimum of five years of experience as a Human Resources generalist, including providing labour relations and human resources advice and consultation to managers, supervisors and employees on collective agreement interpretation, performance & conduct management, grievance investigation and handling, progressive discipline, conflict management and collective bargaining, job evaluation & job design; recruitment & selection, disability management, change management, training & development. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience in a unionized environment is required
Skills and Abilities
Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong labour relations knowledge including but not limited to collective agreement interpretation, grievance investigation and handling, progressive discipline, and collective bargaining
  • Extensive human resources knowledge at a professional level, including, but not limited to recruitment and selection, compensation and job evaluation, performance development, disability management, duty to accommodate, supporting change, and training and development
  • Sound knowledge of applicable employment legislation and regulations
  • Demonstrated experience with developing and implementing equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice
  • Advanced conflict resolution skills
  • Effective presentation and group facilitation skills
  • Excellent research skills with ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations


Core Competencies:

Results Focused

  • Demonstrates commitment to, and understanding of, student and client needs in decision making, actions and program design.
  • Demonstrates the ability to analyze information, identify challenges, problem-solve, and find solutions.
  • Shows accountability for effective and efficient delivery of day-to-day performance that supports the needs of the students, employees, clients, the community, and the College.
  • Continually pursues performance excellence and seeks to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform effectively.

Leadership & Connection

  • Manages one’s own reaction and behaviours, and demonstrates empathy, appreciation, and good judgement in interpersonal relationships.
  • Identifies and actions opportunities to resolve issues, collaborate, and build connections and effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrates and supports two-way communication, active listening, openness, cooperation, flexibility and the freely sharing of ideas and information with others.
  • Ensures written communication is concise, transparent, and consistent with the College’s vision, mission, and values.

Innovative & Change Adept

  • Generates, creates, researches, and practices new ways to achieve results and finds new opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Overcomes obstacles and perseveres through challenges to attain the desired outcome to support the College’s strategic goals, policies, and procedures.
  • Remains open minded and positive in the face of challenges.
  • Embraces and promotes change to support the achievement of the College’s goals.

Indigenous Cultural Awareness

  • Learns about the correct protocol when approaching Indigenous communities.
  • Understands the importance and purpose of reconciliation.
  • Learns, embraces, and seeks to understand Indigenous perspectives, being self-aware of personal biases, and participating in opportunities to understand Indigenous culture, decolonization, and the historical context.

Integrity & Respect

  • Acts always with respect, dignity, and honesty.
  • Approaches difficult situations with composure, openness, and curiosity, acting in a manner that will withstand scrutiny.
  • Understands EDISJ principles and practices, looks to promote equity and actively works to reduce the influence of biases in decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
Desired Start Date 07/15/2024
Position End Date (if temporary) 08/08/2025
Schedule
This position works between the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. This position may be required to work additional hours to meet client and institution needs. This position is open to a flexible work schedule, including remote work. Further discussion on work arrangements will occur in the recruitment process
Annual Salary/Hourly Rate Range $79,731 to $116,939. Typical Hiring Range $95,678 to $106,308.
Appointment Type Exempt - Term Full-time
Special Instructions to Applicants
This process will be used to cover an anticipated 1-year absence. This process may also be used to cover any extensions to the absence, or any additional temporary or permanent needs that may come up over the next year.

Be a part of Okanagan College where you can grow your career and be a part of our mission to transform lives and communities. We are part of the educational and social fabric of the Okanagan region where we have both the opportunity and responsibility to support and empower learners and employees to be positive agents of dialogue, knowledge sharing and change.

The College offers an environment that supports employee work-life balance, continuous learning, and job enrichment. This opportunity starts with 5 weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave benefits, tuition waivers and professional development, health and wellness benefits, a hybrid working model, as well as being a part of one of Canada’s top pension plans.

In general, after an inintial orientation and training period in the Business Partner role, Okanagan College is pleased to offer a regular (2-day per week) working from home hybrid model (based on operational requirements) for employees that live in the Central Okanagan. In addition, for temporary opportunities (e.g. 1-year coverage, etc.), consideration will be given to remote working arrangements for those that live outside the Okanagan Region. Remote work arrangements will include an in-person orientation period in Kelowna, along with in-person attendance for specified meetings and activities (e.g. quarterly meetings, etc.). Travel for in-person meetings will primarily be at the individual’s expense.
Employee Group Administration
Posting Detail Information

Competition Number C002789
Posting Open Date 04/25/2024
Posting Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Inclusion Statement

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, AccessibilityHR@okanagan.bc.ca.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
    • Aboriginaljobboard.ca
    • academicacareers.ca
    • AcademicCareers.com
    • Academy of Management
    • Accelerate Okanagan
    • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
    • BCCPA.ca
    • BCLA.bc.ca
    • castanet.net
    • CAUT
    • CICAN
    • collegesinstitutes.ca
    • educationcanada.com
    • Eluta
    • Facebook
    • family/friend referral
    • Higher Education
    • HRMA.ca
    • ica.bc.ca
    • indeed.ca
    • IndigenousCareers.org
    • Indigenous.link
    • Job Bank
    • kijiji.ca
    • linkedin.com
    • Newsletter/E-subscribe
    • Newspaper
    • okanagan.bc.ca
    • payroll.ca
    • Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC)
    • Tradestrainingbc.ca
    • universityaffairs.ca
    • WorkBC.ca
  2. What is the highest level of education attained?
    • GED
    • High School Diploma
    • Diploma/Trade
    • Bachelor's Degree
    • Master's Degree
    • PhD
  3. * Do you currently work, or have you worked for Okanagan College?
    • Yes
    • No
  4. If yes, please enter your 9-digit employee ID#.

    (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. References
Optional Documents