Occupational Health And Safety Representative Ii

Employment opportunity: Occupational Health & Safety Representative II

Are you a skilled advocate interested in working for a progressive health care union with a large and diverse membership, and a broad social justice mandate?

The Hospital Employees’ Union is looking for an experienced individual to fill the position of Occupational Health & Safety Representative II at its provincial office in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Reporting to the Director of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), the Occupational Health & Safety Representative II will provide technical expertise to HEU members and staff on health and safety issues affecting healthcare workers. They will also advocate for improvements to, and better enforcement of, OH&S law and policy to protect the health and safety of HEU members.

Duties performed by an OH&S Rep II are specific in scope. However, staff at the Rep II level are expected to be qualified to provide a wide range of labour relations services and to participate in promoting and implementing all policies and programs of the Union.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Write and present submissions and briefs on behalf of the Union to government and employers including Work Safe BC and the Ministry of Health.
• A strong commitment to the labour movement and the goals of HEU, and an understanding of issues impacting the health care sector.
• Ability to work to deadlines under pressure, maintain detailed records (electronic and paper), and able to manage competing priorities and demands.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for work.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct health and safety research and to communicate (verbally and in writing) complex and technical information using plain language.
• Specific and detailed knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety issues and legislation and any other legislation, regulations, and policies that affect workers’ health and safety.
• Ability to identify health and safety problems and support local unions in their resolution by assisting with investigations and inspections and providing representation to appropriate agencies and health care management.
• Ability to travel throughout BC, including overnight travel and occasional evening and weekend work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with other people and organizations in situations involving conflict.
• Provide support and training to HEU members on provincially legislated OH&S committees and Joint Occupation Health & Safety committees.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in grievance, arbitration, and appeals.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Experience in preparing and delivering OH&S education and training materials to diverse groups and individuals (including written documents).

Working Conditions

May be required to work some evenings and weekends and may be required to travel.

This is a unionized position. Compensation is based on a collective agreement and includes a 72-hour fortnight and generous vacation time and benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan.

About HEU

Since 1944, the Hospital Employees’ Union has advocated for better working and caring conditions, defended public health care, and stood against privatization. We have a long history as a strong, democratic, progressive, socially conscious union committed to social justice and advancing labour and human rights on a local and global level. We identify and challenge historical and systemic inequities and hear, respect, serve, empower, and advocate for each and every member. Together we fight for fairness, solidarity, equity, inclusion, and understanding, knowing that our members’ economic security depends on our success.

HEU is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to being a workplace that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from qualified people of all equity-seeking groups, including Indigenous persons, Black persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, all gender expressions and identities, and sexual orientations.

Interested in working with us? Here is how to apply.

Please send your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected] (subject line: Occupational Health & Safety Representative - Your Name) by 5:00 PM, September 5, 2023.

Please note that due to the anticipated volume of applications, we will only be responding to applicants selected for an interview.