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.
Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel I) Salary: $131,283 - $154,454
Senior Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel II) Salary: $144,157 - $169,593
ABOUT THE ROLE
This position is responsible for providing advice on a broad range of labour and employment issues to Regional Council, Committees, departments, corporations, boards and related entities. Providing legal representation on a wide spectrum of labour, employment and human rights matters on behalf of the Regional Municipality of York and the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Provides legal and procedural advice to various Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities on applicable legislation.
- Provide advice on union and non-union matters including: collective agreement interpretation, grievance arbitrations, collective bargaining, wrongful dismissal litigation, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act matters, Human Rights applications.
- Represents management at grievance arbitrations, in wrongful dismissal matters, and before administrative tribunals including the Human Rights Tribunal, the OLRB, and the WSIB/WSIAT.
- Provides risk management advice and strategies.
- Provides general advice on obligations and responsibilities of Regional Council.
- Attends departmental and cross-departmental meetings, as required.
- Responds to client enquiries directly and/or resolves difficult or highly sensitive complaints either verbally or in writing.
- Negotiates with external agencies and municipal partners, including Provincial and Federal government departments and ministries.
- Maintains current knowledge of developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities.
- Performs other duties as required to meet Branch and Departmental objectives.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Successful completion of a university degree in Law (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
- Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario.
- Associate Counsel: Minimum one to three (1-3) years general and/or specialized experience in the area of Employment and Labour Law including experience advising clients in a unionized environment, experience negotiating and/or negotiating collective agreements and excellent research skills.
- Senior Associate Counsel: Minimum five (5) years general and/or specialized experience in the area of Employment and Labour Law including experience advising clients in a unionized environment, experience negotiating and/or negotiating collective agreements and excellent research skills.
- Knowledge of legislation, regulations, guidelines, procedures and standards relevant to Employment and Labour Law, familiarity with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, grievance arbitration and a complete understanding of the Regional governmental structure.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
- Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with members of Regional Council and staff of Regional departments, corporations, boards and other government agencies.
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