Human Resources and Safety Specialist

Location

YMCA of Niagara Administration Office - 3-300 Bunting Road, St. Catharines

Pay

Annual Salary: $54,080 - $56,160
YMCA Membership Benefits upon hire

Employer paid LTD, Group Life, AD&D, Health and Dental after 3 month probation
Eligible to enroll in the YMCA of Niagara pension plan after 1 year of service

Employment Type

Full time - 40 hours per week - Monday – Friday
Occasional early mornings, evening & weekend hours.
On Site at YMCA of Niagara locations

Placement Date

January 26, 2025

WHY WORK FOR THE YMCA?

The YMCA of Niagara is a mission-driven organization committed to fueling a healthy, connected, and engaged Niagara. Our presence in over 100 program sites has been impacting the community with dedication and purpose for over 150 years.

Our legacy in the community is a testament to the transformative work we do. We serve a diverse range of individuals and families, with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the wellbeing of all. As we move forward, we are embracing a revitalized approach to meet the evolving needs of the community and actively contribute to transforming lives across Niagara.

Guided by our shared values – caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, advocacy, and responsibility - the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities.

Our dynamic team is dedicated to maintaining our growth trajectory though continuously adapting and innovating our services and programs to meet the changing landscape in Niagara.

NATURE & SCOPE

• The Human Resources and Safety Specialist is responsible for administering HR policies including employee relations, performance management, salary and benefits, disability management, terminations, employment policies, and the application of employment legislation.

• Ensures Association-wide compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and maintains a successful health and safety program focused on awareness, training, and risk reduction.

• Supports YMCA leaders through coaching on HR and Health & Safety matters.

• Provides leadership to Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members and directs Health & Safety initiatives.

• This position reports to the Manager, Human Resources and has no direct reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES

HR Generalist Responsibilities:

• Develop, revise and administer organizational and employment procedures and policies, provide guidance and interpretation for managers and supervisors.
• Provide coaching and support on salary, pension and benefits, performance management, disability management, terminations, staff development and retention.
• Acts as point of contact for employee inquiries and concerns.
• Advise YMCA leaders on compliance with applicable employment legislation; maintain up to date knowledge on statutory and common law requirements and update policies/procedures where required
• Guide leaders on disability management, accommodation, AODA compliance, privacy, human rights, and termination processes.
• Support the offboarding through terminations or exit interviews.
• Investigate and resolve workplace concerns and employee issues including workplace harassment and bullying, child guidance issues or breeches, and policy contraventions, maintaining accurate and thorough documentation
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within HR operations.
• Use the HRIS to maintain data integrity, system security, certified records, and risk management information; create and structure reports.
• Create and facilitate training regarding any new HR procedures or initiatives
• Liaise with external agencies including Service Canada, Ministry of Labour, and FACS.
• Manage disability leave, LTD and accommodation processes
• Maintain the salary grids
• Support the performance management process including performance improvement plans, and progressive discipline.
• Produce regular reports to support operations through critical data tracking and analysis.

Health & Safety Specialist Responsibilities:

• Monitor, review, interpret and summarize legislative requirements regarding Health and Safety.

• Work with management to ensure a safe work environment and raise awareness among workers.

• Provide health & safety guidance including safety recommendations for each area of the Association.

• Coordinate the delivery of safety training courses and maintain accurate training records.

• Evaluate and monitor health and safety hazards and develop strategies to eliminate or control risks in the workplace.

• Oversee JHSC meetings and review agendas, minutes, recommendations, and help to coordinate follow-up activities.

• Lead the completion of Job Hazard Analysis and updates and identify training gaps.

• Assist supervisors in determining contributing factors for all accidents and/or incidents and recommend prevention or corrective strategies.

• Respond to and investigating concerns/complaints from workers/employees and assist in taking appropriate action.

• Submit all workplace accident/injury claims to independent insurance company

• Act as liaison during Ministry of Labour Inspections.

• Foster a safety focused culture across the Association.

• Maintain all health and safety related documentation including monthly inspection sheets for all locations.

• Prepares reports, documents, and forms as they related to important health & safety information.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in a related field

• Significant specialized education in Health and Safety mandatory

• CHRP designation required

• BCRSP (Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals) or working towards an asset

• Minimum 2 years in a Human Resources Generalist role

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Occupational Health & Safety

• Extensive knowledge of the Occupation Health & Safety Act

• Strong verbal and written skills

• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills

• Sound judgement and maturity; capable of managing difficult conversations

• Demonstrated coaching experience

• Knowledge of disability management, employee relations and compensation and benefits

• HRIS experience preferred

• Ability to work independently in a decentralized environment

• Standard First Aid – CPR C

• JHSC level I and II

• Upon hiring, applicants 18 years of age and older must submit a clear and satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara.

COMPETENCIES

Problem solving
Identifies an issue and works towards a solution

Relationship building and collaboration
Builds positive interactions both internally and externally

Communication
Communicates in a thorough, clear and timely manner and supports information sharing across the YMCA

Conflict resolution
Facilitates appropriate and timely solutions to conflict

Coaching and Development
Commits to assisting volunteers, staff and self in continuous learning and development

Integrity
Demonstrates confidentiality and maintains high ethical standards

Service orientation
Supports the YMCA of Niagara mission, vision and values

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on December 22, 2025.

Internal applicants are encouraged to apply on our internal job board by logging into their UKG portal and navigating to Myself > My Company > View Opportunities. Internal applicants are also encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

• CRC Basic Check