Advisor - People Relations

Job summary

Advise, coach, and support managers on employee relations matters, including grievances, performance and disciplinary issues, attendance, accommodations, return-to-work processes, and layoffs and recalls. Partner with unions and organizational stakeholders, support arbitration and collective bargaining activities, and contribute to strategic initiatives and improvements to HR policies and procedures.

Job details

Your Opportunity: Are you an experienced HR professional with a passion for building strong, collaborative partnerships across organizations? Do you thrive in a strategic role, helping business leaders to understand HR processes, policies & practices & to make informed business decisions that align with organizational goals & drive performance? Yes, then we got your perfect opportunity. Covenant Health has an exciting position available for a People Relations Advisor. In this temporary position, you would be responsible for advising, coaching, & supporting leadership in the management of human resources & people operations, including employee relations issues, interpretation of various employment/legal documentation, supporting classification/compensation, recruitment/selection, attendance support, performance management & return to work matters, including Duty to Accommodate. We are in search for a self-driven professional who excels at administering HR policies & other labor relations legislations, strategic thinking, effective stakeholders’ engagement, organization, etc. You possess a Can-Do spirit, can work through a problem and can think & act strategically. Your expertise would be instrumental in furthering Covenant Health’s desire to effectively engage & support its stakeholders. This position is based in Edmonton; This is an onsite position located at either offices in Misericordia Community Hospital or Grey Nuns Community Hospital. This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office) upon successful completion of six-month probation. Travel between Covenant Health sites may be required & may involve the use of a personal vehicle. This position is non-unionized. Description: The People Relations Advisor coaches and supports management with all areas of employee management including grievance handling, and possible outcomes or consequences; Assists with collecting data to present at Arbitration hearings; Advises, coaches, and supports management in respect to employee related issues involving performance, disciplinary action, and attendance management; Coordinates and oversees the layoff and recall process by guiding the process and advising, informing, and making recommendations to management; and working with unions in partnership; Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with union representatives; Support Managers with the Duty to Accommodate Process (including Family Status/Religious Status, Medical status and other); Facilitate Return to Work Meetings with various stakeholders; May participate in collective bargaining. The incumbent in this role will also work as a strategic partner to ensure organizational initiatives are supported; Liaise with unions to exchange information; Provide information to other HR departments from an employee relations standpoint; Support process improvement regarding policies and procedures. Carry out other such duties within the scope of this role. The ideal candidate leverages their knowledge of all aspects of Human Resources and understands how to partner with operational leaders to get results through people. They have self-leadership and stakeholders’ engagement skills with an ability to coordinate change or other project initiatives within an organization. This position is non-unionized. Classification: Advisor Union: COV OUT OF SCOPE Unit and Program: People Relations Primary Location: Grey Nuns Community Hospital Location Details: As Per Location Temporary Employee Class: Temp F/T Benefits FTE: 1.00 Posting End Date: 20-NOV-2026 Date Available: 14-DEC-2026 Temporary End Date: 14-DEC-2027 Hours per Shift: 7.75 Length of Shift in weeks: 2 Shifts per cycle: 10 Shift Pattern: Days Days Off: Saturday/Sunday Minimum Hourly Salary: $37.12 Maximum Hourly Salary: $55.68 Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable Required Qualifications: Completion of Baccalaureate degree in a related discipline or a recognized Human Resource Management Certificate. Minimum five (5) years of HR Generalist experience specifically supporting a unionized environment is required. CPHR Designation. Workplace investigation certification. Solid understanding of unionized environments, conflict resolution and consultation. Additional Required Qualifications: Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook and internet software application; Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, and listening skills; Ability to communicate effectively in a co-operative, respectful, and sensitive manner with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including all levels of the organization; Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, Ability to maintain composure under constant pressure and stress while maintaining a high level of involvement in confrontational situations while facing tight timelines; Demonstrated ability to handle concerns and investigations while maintaining discretion, diplomacy, and tact; Must be able to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and be extremely flexible in managing variable and unpredictable situations with strong leadership, problem solving, and decision-making skills; Strong commitment to participation within a collaborative team environment; Demonstrated excellence in customer service and commitment to quality health care. Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated ability to apply and interpret relevant legislation, regulatory standards and organizational policies into practices.

What you’ll do

Advise, coach, and support managers on employee relations matters, including grievances, performance and disciplinary issues, attendance, accommodations, return-to-work processes, and layoffs and recalls. Partner with unions and organizational stakeholders, support arbitration and collective bargaining activities, and contribute to strategic initiatives and improvements to HR policies and procedures.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree in a related discipline or a recognized human resources management certificate, at least five years of HR generalist experience in a unionized environment, a CPHR designation, and workplace investigation certification. Candidates also need strong knowledge of labor relations and conflict resolution, communication and negotiation skills, sound judgment, discretion, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Listed skills

• Conflict Resolution · Preferred
• Negotiation · Preferred
• Attendance Management · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Microsoft Office · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Employee Relations
• Labor Relations
• Grievance Handling
• Workplace Investigations
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation
• Duty To Accommodate
• Return-To-Work Coordination
• Performance Management
• Attendance Management
• Collective Bargaining
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Human Resources Policy Administration
• Change Management
• Problem Solving
• Microsoft Office

Job areas

• Human Resources
• Management & Leadership
• Healthcare
• Legal

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