Workplace Investigations Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:Under the general direction of the Employee Labour Relations Director, the Workplace Investigations Specialist is responsible for conducting investigations of a broad nature including Harassment and Discrimination, Conduct, Workplace Violence, or other workplace issues. The Workplace Investigations Specialist will conduct full cycle workplace investigations including information gathering, investigation documentation preparation, scheduling and conducting employee meetings, evidence review, determining findings of fact, and preparing investigation summary documentation and reports. The Workplace Investigations Specialist provides advice and counsel regarding investigation best practices and is responsible for ensuring all investigation processes adhere to applicable Ontario employment legislation and guidelines including but not limited to the Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act and the Accessibilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The Workplace Investigations Specialist is responsible to ensure all investigations are conducted and concluded in a way that is non-bias, timely, and supported by evidence and detailed documentation/findings. The position is accountable promoting a healthy and safe constructive workplace environment.QUALIFICATIONS:• Degree in Business, Human Resources, Diversity Equity and Inclusion or related discipline required• Minimum 2-3 years of experience conducting workplace investigations in a multi-union environment with an emphasis on harassment and discrimination is required• An accomplished track record in investigations and human rights, alternative dispute mediation, conflict resolution with demonstrated experience in facilitating the resolution of complex complaints/conflicts between individuals or groups• Sensitivity to and awareness of Indigenous, gender, and disability-related issues and their intersection(s) with other identities including race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, etc.• Specialized education/training/certification in workplace investigations with demonstrated knowledge of relevant Ontario employment legislation including the Labour Relations Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Accessibilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and the Employment Standards Act (ESA)• Experience attending and preparing materials for Human Rights Tribunal and/or Arbitration proceedings• Working knowledge of MS Office software programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. Experience with databases an asset. Ability to type at an intermediate level• Highly skilled and effective in building personal and professional relationships that result in collaborative partnerships and mutually beneficial results• Strong ability to function independently and as a member of a team dealing with multiple priorities in a complex environment• Excellent proficiency with both oral & written communication• Excellent organizational and time management skills• Ability to maintain discretion when handling confidential mattersRESPONSIBILITIES:• Works in close collaboration with colleagues in Employee & Labour Relations and Human Resources Services and organizational leaders to ensure a consistent approach to the intake and handling of human rights concerns/complaints and investigations• Responsible for the intake and review of all harassment and discrimination complaints and develops an initial investigation plan outlining the requirements and process required to conduct a thorough investigation• Informs key stakeholders, respondents, and witnesses that a complaint has been filed and provides the necessary information as per hospital policy• Plans, schedules and conducts the appropriate fact-finding interviews to obtain information from relevant parties. Prepares all investigation materials such as, questions, documentation and/or background materials as required and ensures all investigation notes and materials are clear and organized• Coordinates and prepares research, resources, equipment and technological requirements for conducting investigations (room booking, audio/visual, Zoom, Teams etc.)• Collects, documents and preserves information and physical evidence ensuring all privacy regulations and hospital protocols are strictly adhered to• Conducts efficient and fair investigations, balancing the rights of all parties, assesses evidence and findings and makes sound, non- bias and defensible consultations/ decisions supported by facts and research• Provides advice to staff and leadership seeking information regarding the complaint, investigation, or resolution processes as required• Prepares relevant reports as required in the process. This involves complete and fulsome investigation summaries for the purposes of file maintenance and outcome/recommendation planning• Analyzes trends in complaints or violations of policies. Maintains internal investigation tracking documents• Prepares for legal proceedings, writes briefs and other litigation materials as required, in collaboration with the ER/LR Director, this position presents evidence and follows up on outcomes. May be called upon to represent the hospital at legal proceedings as required• Conducts needs analysis and provides input into the development of programs, processes and procedures and policies to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of human resources related policies regarding workplace complaints• First point of contact for all workplace investigations• Communicates regularly with union partners. Maintains positive relations.• Timely follow-up on concerns raised reduces conflict / grievances, builds trust and credibility.• Keeps abreast of applicable labour and employment legislation• Performs cross-functional and/or other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned or requested• Aid and support for large strategic HR projects as needed• Provide assistance and support for team vacation coverage• All other duties as assigned