ABOUT US
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.
WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.
- Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
- Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
- Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
- Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This position is responsible for providing support in developing policies, guidelines and standards to support Occupational Health and Safety (O&HS) at all levels of the organization. Provides consultation to client Departments on O&HS issues including developing and maintaining a safe work environment, interpreting and promoting compliance with health and safety legislation. Provides relevant training and conducts assessments and sampling, and supports management with investigations of health and safety concerns, incidents and work refusals. Liaises with Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development on compliance matters.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
• Advises clients by promoting, communicating, and interpreting the O&HS Act and all applicable regulations and corporate health and safety policies.
• Researches, develops, implements/maintains and evaluates O&HS programs/procedures/policies; recommends any program revisions in response to changing environment, continuous improvement initiatives, legislative changes, employee/corporate needs and workplace experiences.
• Advises and/or assists line management in the management of relevant hazards.
• Conducts or facilitates health and safety investigations and audits and supports on any follow-ups and recommendations.
• Conducts relevant surveys and inspections to assess employees' exposures and compliance with regulations.
• Plans, designs, facilitates and/or delivers relevant training/learning as required.
• Reviews and evaluates training programs to determine the effectiveness of material, delivery, impacts, and outcomes, and makes recommendations for future enhancements to the programs.
• Provides guidance and recommendations relating to compliance with all health and safety legislation, including both personal and corporate liability.
• Interprets information, assesses compliance with legislation, regulations, policies and standards and assists management in determining strategies/actions to be taken.
• Follows up on outstanding documentation, ensuring that records are complete and in accordance with Regional standards and procedures.
• Participates at Joint Health and Safety Committees and supports the Committees by providing advice/guidance as required.
• Analyzes data and makes recommendations on service improvements.
• Collaborates with relevant stakeholders on policy and procedure development/revisions related to construction/contract projects and with the training on Contractor Safety program.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
• Successful completion of a University Degree in Occupational Health & Safety or related field or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.
• Registered as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) or equivalent specialty certification or eligibility for same.
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in the health and safety field including the planning, implementing and evaluating of occupational health and safety policies and programs.
• Demonstrated project management skills to lead working groups.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety management theory and practice with the ability to use judgment in the application of this information when dealing with complex issues in a diverse work environment.
• Sound knowledge of adult learning principles with proven ability to develop/deliver safety training.
• Sound knowledge of the relevant regulations and legislation.
• Sound investigative and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret statistical data, to identify issues, and make recommendations.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required, and to respond to emergency situations on an on-call basis.
• Demonstrated ability in the Region’s leadership/and core competencies.
• Advanced skills in virtual platforms and MS Office Suite including the use of virtual platforms for conducting meetings and/or presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external stakeholders while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.
• Strong report writing, research, analytical and presentation skills and work to tight deadlines.
• Strong ability to develop relationships and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.