PHS Community Services Society is hiring a Senior Human Resources Advisor!

Reporting to the Director, Human Resources & Labour Relations, the Senior Human Resources Advisor is a strategic and operational human resources professional responsible for providing expert employee relations, workplace investigations, labour relations support, and human resources advisory services across PHS Community Services Society. Operating within a unionized environment, the Senior HR Advisor works closely with managers, employees, and representatives of CUPE Local 5536, to support positive labour-management relationships and ensure the consistent application of collective agreement provisions, organizational policies, and employment legislation.

The Senior HR Advisor provides guidance on complex employee and labour relations matters, supports conflict resolution, and contributes to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and safe workplace culture. This role leads and manages workplace investigations and ensures the process is conducted fairly, objectively, and in compliance with the BC Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Workers Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, applicable collective agreements, and organizational policies.

Working in close partnership with the Senior Manager, Labour Relations, the Senior HR Advisor also supports grievance management processes, prepares and analyzes documentation related to labour relations matters, and provides recommendations to support timely and effective resolution of workplace issues. This role requires the ability to make fair, objective, and sound decisions while upholding strict confidentiality and impartiality.

As a senior member of the Human Resources team, this role has access to highly sensitive and confidential information, including employee records, performance management documentation, workplace incidents, grievances, and investigation files. The incumbent must exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential information, ensuring compliance with privacy legislation, organizational policies, and ethical standards.

Why work here?

PHS is recognized as North American leaders in low barrier housing and harm reduction services. We are innovators, highly regarded across the sector, looking for people to join experienced, supportive multi-disciplinary teams.

You will be a valued member of the team, working with colleagues who respect your input.

PHS is located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, in easy walking distance of Downtown, Chinatown, Gastown and the Sea Wall. There are good transit links – we’re a couple of blocks from the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station.

Responsibilities for the role include (but are not limited to):

Workplace Investigations & Employee Relations Leads and conducts complex workplace investigations involving allegations of harassment, discrimination, bullying, misconduct, policy violations, employee conflicts, human rights complaints, and occupational health and safety matters. Responsible for managing all stages of the investigative process, including intake, planning, evidence gathering, witness interviews, document review, factfinding, analysis, and reporting. Provides support and counsels managers in addressing performance, attendance, misconduct, accommodation, and workplace conflict issues, including the implementation of progressive discipline up to and including termination. Leads HR meetings with employees, facilitates difficult workplace conversations, and promotes respectful workplace practices that support employee engagement and positive labour-management relationships. Ensures investigations are conducted in accordance with applicable legislation, including the BC Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Workers Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, collective agreements, and organizational policies. Prepares comprehensive investigation reports and provides objective findings, recommendations, and guidance to managers regarding corrective actions. Exercises sound judgment and maintains procedural fairness, confidentiality and respect throughout all employee relations matters. Identifies emerging trends and systemic workplace issues and recommends proactive solutions that strengthen organizational culture, reduce risk, and support a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Labour Relations Works closely with the Senior Manager, Labour Relations to support grievance management and dispute resolution processes through fact-finding, documentation review, and participation in labour-management discussions. Prepares case summaries, briefing materials, timelines, and supporting documentation for grievance meetings and arbitration preparation. Supports managers and employees on a broad range of employee and labour relations matters and provides guidance on the interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation, human rights obligations, organizational policies, and HR best practices, ensuring consistent and legally compliant decision-making. Monitors trends in employee relations matters and grievances, identifying opportunities to proactively mitigate risk. Supports the consistent administration of collective agreements and employment policies. Participates in labour-management meetings and provides employee relations expertise as required.

Leadership & Collaboration Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with senior leaders, managers, employees, union representatives, and external stakeholders, promoting a culture of accountability, respect, inclusion, and continuous learning. Serves as a resource, mentor, and subject matter expert within the Human Resources team, providing guidance and support on employee relations, labour relations, and workplace investigations. Provides day-to-day guidance, coordination, and oversight of the work of other Human Resources team members, including coaching, training, and work direction as assigned. Contributes to the development and enhancement of HR policies, programs, reporting processes, and organizational practices that support operational excellence, employee well-being, and organizational goals. Promotes knowledge sharing, collaboration, and consistency in HR practices across the organization.

Recruitment, Talent & Disability Management Supports internal and external recruitment, onboarding, workforce planning, and employee development initiatives in partnership with management and the Human Resources team. Contributes to employee retention strategies, and the ongoing review of job descriptions and organizational structures. Collaborates with the Disability Management Advisors to support accommodations, return-to-work, attendance management, and disability management processes. Supports the facilitation of multi-party meetings involving employees, union representatives, and enhanced disability management stakeholders Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and experience required:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field such as Business Administration with additional human resources education, or a combination of education and experience. CPHR designation (or working towards) is an asset. Minimum 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including employee relations, labour relations, and a demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations from intake through final reporting, including interviewing, fact-finding, analysis, and recommendations. Experience interpreting and applying collective agreements, supporting grievance processes, and collaborating effectively with union representatives. Applied extensive knowledge of the BC Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Code, Workers Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, and privacy legislation. Demonstrated expertise in conflict resolution, mediation, de-escalation, risk assessment, and managing highly sensitive and confidential matters. Experience working in the non-profit sector and in a healthcare, community development or social services organization is a strong asset. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills. Proven ability to lead change, influence stakeholders, and build strong working relationships across all organizational levels. Proficiency in HRIS platforms Ability to prioritize, work under pressure and manage tight deadlines with a varied and demanding workload, while maintaining sound judgment and decision-making. Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and workplace respect.

Terms of employment Job Type: Permanent, full-time. Standard in-office environment with occasional off-site meetings and hearings Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm Benefits: Extended healthcare, dental, vision care.

Successful applicants will be required to complete a criminal records check. PHS strives to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the community we serve. We seek a diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and professional and lived experience in our staff. We particularly encourage applications from Indigenous individuals.