Occupational Health & Safety Advisor

Posted By: Nova Scotia Nurses' Union

Date Posted: 09/24/2024

Position Description:

Location:              Dartmouth, NS
Type:                    Permanent
Salary:                  $87,873 to $116,910
Closing Date:       October 18, 2024
 
Founded in 1976, the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union (NSNU) is a professional union representing more than 8,000 Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in Nova Scotia hospitals, long term care facilities, adult residential centres, and community nursing practices.
NSNU is seeking to hire an Occupational Health & Safety Advisor to join our team. Accountable to the Executive Director or designate and working independently within the scope of the position, you will work with the membership to respond to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) queries and promote safe work practices, safety standards and regulations. This position is also a key resource to NSNU staff, supporting them in ensuring that NSNU members’ right to work in a healthy and safe environment is protected via the collective agreement and legislation and in mobilizing our elected health and safety representatives and front-line members to this end.
 
Responsibilities
<ul>
<li>Communicate proactively with members through phone calls, email, in-person, and virtual meetings where required, responding and providing updates to membership as needed.</li>
<li>Collect information from members on issues and provide problem-solving options and next steps, determining if intervention is required on their behalf.</li>
<li>Identify appropriate contacts and resources to move issues forward and reach resolution.</li>
<li>Work with Labour Relations Representatives to support OHS matters as needed.</li>
<li>Meet with Employer representatives to identify and address OHS concerns.</li>
<li>Work with Senior Employer Management representatives to address OHS matters as required.</li>
<li>Escalate concerns through OHS collective agreement provisions as needed.</li>
<li>Escalate concerns through the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration (OHS Division) as needed.</li>
<li>Participate in hearings and arbitrations as needed.</li>
<li>Advise on applicable government briefs to proposed OHS legislation and regulatory changes.</li>
<li>Attend and lead various committee meetings as required. </li>
<li>Develop and deliver OHS workshops for members. Update educational materials as legislation changes.</li>
<li>Represents NSNU at conferences and educational functions related to health and safety, as assigned.</li>
<li>Works with the labour movement and other organizations who share a common cause in the promotion of a safe working environment.</li>
<li>In collaboration with other staff, ensures communication with respect to OHS is ongoing through union publications, the website and other reports to members. </li>
<li>Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.</li>
</ul>
  
Qualifications
<ul>
<li>Post-secondary degree or certificate in occupational health and safety, nursing, business administration, commerce or industrial relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.</li>
<li>A strong background in OH&S, preferably 5 years of experience. Knowledge and experience of OHS in healthcare is an asset.</li>
<li>Strong and demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret applicable codes, standards, guidelines; demonstrated working knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act, other Acts and related federal, provincial and local regulations, standards, legislation that govern health and safety compliance.</li>
<li>Skilled at clear and tactful communication to all parties, verbally and written.</li>
<li>Effective time management and organization skills, with demonstrated ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.</li>
<li>Strong facilitation skills with a demonstrated ability to effectively lead meetings.</li>
<li>Strategic and creative approach to problem solving, able to work with others to identify workable solutions to problems in high conflict situations.</li>
<li>Investigation skills which enable in-depth assessments of situations to assess truth.</li>
<li>Familiar with operating computer programs within the Windows environment.</li>
<li>A valid driver’s license is required.</li>
<li>Ability to demonstrate and maintain strict confidentiality.</li>
</ul>
 
Working conditions and physical requirements.
 Office environment with extended sitting & computer use.
<ul>
<li>Own vehicle to be used to drive to deliver training, meet members and attend meetings.</li>
<li>May work irregular hours on an occasional basis.</li>
<li>Travel throughout Nova Scotia.</li>
</ul>
 
More Information
This is a unionised position; you will be part of the NSNU Staff Union. Key benefits include a defined benefit pension, healthcare dental plan and various other benefits. The salary range for this position is $87,873 to $116,910.
Closing date for this position is October 18, 2024, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.