Senior Human Resources Generalist, Employee Relations
Permanent, Full Time
HOURS OF WORK: Full Time (35 hours/week)
START DATE/TERM: Immediately
REPORTS TO: Senior Manager, Human Resources
VACANCY: Replacement
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Human Resources Generalist, Employee Relations provides thoughtful guidance and advice to managers, supervisors, and staff on matters related to employee relations and will work effectively as a trusted and collaborative member of the HR Team. They are responsible for activities related to progressive discipline, performance management, workplace investigations, leaves of absences, disability case management and the return to work process. This role requires strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and written communication skills, as well as a high degree of curiosity and sound judgment to assess information, identify risks, and develop practical solutions. The Senior Human Resources Generalist is a member of the management team.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Employee Relations
- Provide employee relations advice and expertise, while developing strong relationships with managers, supervisors, staff and union representatives in multiple locations.
- Provide consistent and equitable interpretation of collective agreements, Agency policies and procedures, relevant laws and regulations.
- Offer creative and effective recommendations and solutions to lead and resolve complex, ambiguous, and/or escalated employee relation issues providing coaching techniques and developing performance improvement plans.
- Review investigation reports, analysis, and recommendations and provide advice and expertise to ensuring consistency in decision-making.
- Act as counsel and reviewer for staff probation reviews, performance improvement plans, terminations, layoffs, etc.
- Conduct investigations related to workplace harassment and violence, code of conduct, violations of the collective agreement and other Agency policies and procedures up to the supervisor level. Prepare investigation reports and make recommendations to Management consistent with Agency practice regarding various human resources and employee relations matters.
- Support management staff with investigations, as needed and as available, including interviews, investigation reports, follow-up meetings, letters, etc.
- Analyse employee relations trends and partners with internal stakeholders to improve Agency processes and develop proactive strategies, programs, and policies.
- Liaise with union representatives to promote a co-operative and effective labour relations climate.
Accommodations, LTD, Leaves of Absences, Return to Work
- Ensure consistent application and compliance with leave of absence policy and reviewing requests and making recommendations for approval or denial of leaves of absences (personal, medical, ESA, educational).
- Review and process staff leaves of absences.
- Oversee and manage Long-Term Disability (LTD) process, including communication with the staff, supervisor, and benefits provider.
- Conduct and lead accommodation and return to work meetings with various stakeholders; promote inclusion and compliance with legislative requirements.
Employee Engagement & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation (DEIR)
- Review and analyze feedback from exit surveys and stay interviews to identify trends and opportunities for improvement, determining when follow up actions or investigations are necessary, specific to their portfolio.
- Provide insights and recommendations to enhance employee engagement and retention strategies.
- Serve and act as a valued member of Macaulay’s DEIR committee to promote initiatives.
Training & Development
- Conduct needs assessments, design, and deliver training for staff in collaboration with the HR team, focusing on areas relevant to their portfolio. Coordinate external training as needed to support agency-wide HR initiatives and system proficiency.
- Assist Sr. HR Manager and/or lead training initiatives on employee relations topics, such as conducting investigations, performance management, and probation reviews, while developing and refining tools, resources, and training guides/materials to support best practices in employee relations.
- Develop and deliver training, tools and resources to support management in accommodations, LTD and RTW processes.
Analytics & Reporting
- Track and analyze trends in investigations, grievances, policy violations, including key performance indicators and prepare quarterly and year-end summaries with actionable recommendations based on patterns and case outcomes.
- Monitor and report on accommodations, LTD cases, LOAs, including any emerging trends to make policy or process improvements.
General
- Serve as a back-up for the Sr. Human Resources Generalist, Employee Experience
- Follow-up on general telephone and email inquiries, answering non-standard questions as needed.
- Maintain optimal attendance at work.
- Work evenings and weekends when required.
- Work in compliance with all applicable regulations and laws and comply with all Macaulay policies, practices and quality standards.
- Work to further Macaulay’s mission, vision, values and strategic directions.
- Perform other tasks as delegated or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- University or College diploma/certificate in the area of Human Resources.
- 5+ years related human resources generalist/employee relations experience.
- Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation an asset.
- Have a valid driver's license and access to a dependable vehicle for travel to various agency locations.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective work partnerships with colleagues of diverse backgrounds, abilities and identities.
- Ability to apply sound judgment to a variety of situations demonstrating tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information is essential.
- Demonstrates a high degree of integrity, initiative and problem solving with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
- Highly motivated with strong organizational capabilities to manage multiple projects with the ability to multi task and prioritize effectively.
- Able to work independently and within a team environment.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication including presentation skills.
- Experience with ADP WorkforceNow is an asset.
- Proven intermediate to advanced technical skills utilizing Microsoft Office Suite.
- Joint Health and Safety Certification is an asset.
- Experience working in a unionized environment is an asset.
- Acceptable Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check.
SALARY:Senior Human Resources Generalist Pay Scale Hiring Range: $78,841 - $85,527 per annum within a broad salary band of $78,841 - $92,645 per annum. Competitive Benefits Package (health & dental), Defined Pension plan, and paid time off entitlements (starting at 20 vacation days & 5 float days)
THIS POSITION IS NOT WITHIN THE CUPE LOCAL 2563 BARGAINING UNIT.
Internal candidates: Apply through the Internal Career Centre on ADP Sign In | ADP WFNPORTAL.
External candidates: Apply through the Macaulay Job Opportunities Page at https://macaulaycentre.org/opportunities/job-opportunities/
INTERNAL APPLICATION PERIOD FOR CUPE LOCAL 2563 BARGAINING UNIT:
June 18, 2026 – June 24, 2026
DATE POSTED: June 18, 2026
Macaulay Centres for Children values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion. We welcome qualified individuals who contribute to the diversity of our staff group.
Macaulay Centres for Children offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted by the agency regarding a career opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation.
We thank all applicants for their interest in our organization, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This document is available in alternate formats upon request.
Macaulay Centres for Children is committed to service and employment equity.
