Human Resource Officer - Industrial Relations (Level 7)

Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Human Resources, the incumbent is responsible for managing employee and industrial relations practices within the Agency. This includes addressing and resolving issues related to working conditions, contracts of employment, workplace agreements, absence/leave management, and dispute resolution. The role also involves fostering employee participation in management decisions, particularly in matters of conflict and grievance resolution. Additionally, the incumbent will coordinate, develop, and monitor health and safety systems, providing expert advice on accident prevention and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards. The role also includes the implementation of welfare programs aimed at improving the physical and mental well-being of employees, contributing to a supportive and productive work environment 💰 Salary: $3,501,526 - $4,709,163 JMD per annum

Responsibilities

• Management of Industrial Relations Climate:

  • • Develops and implements strategies for the prevention and resolution of disputes and grievances in order to ensure organizational compliance with relevant legislation, industrial instruments, Agency and Government policies;
  • • Interprets policies for supervisors and employees;
  • • Meets with union representatives and staff regularly to resolve concerns, problems, and grievances. Provides innovative ways to address and solve industrial disputes;
  • • Provides consultation for supervisors and managers on disciplinary actions involving bargaining unit employees to ensure consistent and fair application of the principles of due process and just cause, as well as collective bargaining agreements and Agency policy;
  • • Coordinates responses to employee grievances; prepares for and assists in presenting arbitration and contested cases;
  • • Acts as liaison with internal stakeholders, monitors organizational change processes and ensures appropriate communication and consultation with employees and their representative unions/associations to mitigate the risk of industrial disruption and ensure that organization priorities are met. Assists with outplacement and job search options where possible;
  • • Liaises with Legal Officer and Disciplinary Committees on all cases;
  • • Researches and investigates concerns by managers, employees and unions/associations relating to employee issues and formulates plans to address potential breaches of industrial instruments or statutory entitlements to enhance industrial peace;

• Technical/Professional:

  • • Coordinates programmes intended to improve the physical and mental health of employees;
  • • Tracks the return on investment of implemented wellness programmes including quantitative data such as tardiness, and absenteeism rates ,workers complaints, sick days taken and productivity increases attributable to improved wellness;
  • • Coordinates with Public Sector Employee Assistance Programme (PSEAP) and other providers to conduct counseling sessions with employees individually as necessary;
  • • In conjunction with the Administration Unit promotes occupational health and safety within the Agency and recommends healthier ways of working;
  • • Rolls out programmes to build organizational awareness and compliance with all legislation relating to workplace safety and the use of equipment/machinery in all locations;
  • • Organizes the investigation of accidents and unsafe working conditions, studies possible causes and recommends remedial action;
  • • Conducts training sessions for management, supervisors and workers on health and safety practices and legislation;
  • • Sensitizes staff to respond appropriately to emergencies through drills, lectures, information pamphlets and updates on the intranet;
  • • Provides monthly and /or ad hoc reports as required

• Human Resource Management:

  • • Participates in the recruitment of staff and recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established Human Resource policies and procedures;
  • • Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff are identified and addressed;
  • • Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and Agency’s goals;

• Other:

  • • Performs any other duties assigned by the Director, Corporate Services and Manager Human Resources

Required Skills

• Behavioural:

  • • Oral Communication
  • • Written Communication
  • • Teamwork and Cooperation
  • • Interpersonal Skills
  • • Initiative
  • • Client & Quality Focus / Commitment to Service
  • • Compliance
  • • Adaptability
  • • Integrity and Confidentiality
  • • Methodical
  • • Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • • Planning & Organizing
  • • Goal / Result Oriented
  • • Confidentiality
  • • Mutual Respect
  • • Leadership
  • • Impact, Motivation and Influence
  • • Management of External Relations
  • • Strategic Vision
  • • Analytical Thinking
  • • People Management
  • • Creativity & Innovation
  • • Listening
  • • Observation

• Technical:

  • • Excellent knowledge of Jamaica Industrial Relations system and current workplace legislation and policy
  • • Sound knowledge of the Child Care and Protection Act, Children (Adoption of) Act, National Parenting Support Policy, Executive Agencies Act, FAA Act, Public Service Regulations, Government of Jamaica policies, Staff Orders, LRIDA, Access to Information Act, and other public sector legislation
  • • Policy Development, Analysis, and Evaluation
  • • Change Management
  • • Negotiation and Consultation
  • • Risk Management
  • • Monitoring & Evaluation
  • • Mentoring
  • • Prioritizing conflicting demands and making rational decisions under time constraints
  • • Contract Management
  • • Negotiation Skills
  • • Stakeholder Engagement
  • • Regulatory Knowledge

Qualifications

• • Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management or equivalent professional qualifications
• • Five Years’ experience in industrial relations
• • Professional Certification in Industrial Relations (would be an asset)

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

  • • May be required to work beyond normal office hours to meet deadlines.
  • • Will be required occasionally to travel locally to inspect the work being done at offices and facilities island wide and to participate in presentations as well as represent the Agency at meetings, workshops and conferences.
  • • Extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
  • • May be required to travel overseas on work related business.
  • • Will be required to occasionally work under pressure and must be able to work with minimum supervision.

Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted no later than Thursday, May 22, 2025 by email to recruitment@childprotection.gov.jm and addressed to the: Director Corporate Services Child Protection & Family Services Agency 48 Duke Street, Kingston 📜 N.B. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email. Please note that responses will be sent only to shortlisted applicants.

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