Assistant Director, Health and Safety Specialist
Field Service Division
Full-time, temporary position ending on August 31, 2028

The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), established in 1917, is a union of professionals representing over 50,000 public school teachers in the province of BC. As an organization, we are dedicated to advancing learning conditions for students concurrently with advocating for BC's public school teachers and the teaching profession. We are also deeply committed to democratic decision-making and supporting the engagement of the teachers who make up our member base. Equally, we act on our belief in social justice in schools and the broader community, and actively support our members in striving to achieve equity, inclusion, and a more just society for their students today and into the future.

Housed in a modern, well-maintained office setting located close to the Canada Line and other major transit routes, the BCTF provides an exceptional working environment where respect, learning, and professional growth are championed and valued. Please note, this is a full-time, in-person position based out of Vancouver.

Function and purpose

Reporting to the Director, Field Service Division (FSD), the Assistant Director, Health and Safety Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining a Federation Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) program that fosters member awareness of health and safety rights and understanding of OHS issues in schools and other work sites, and assisting locals in addressing such matters.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• Co-ordinates the Federation’s Occupational Health and Safety Program including developing Federation responses to provincial health and safety issues, and/or changes in policy, legislation, and related guidance.
• Co-ordinates the work of the BCTF Health and Safety Advisory Committee.
• Provides advice and support to locals, in collaboration with other BCTF staff as needed, on grievances, bargaining, and/or other labour management issues where occupational health and safety is a factor.
• Develops, plans, and supports facilitation at workshops, courses, and conferences related to health and safety for local contacts, members, and locals.
• Provides support to site-based health and safety representatives on Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees to ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations.
• On behalf of the Federation, liaises with external organizations and agencies on occupational health and safety matters, including representing the Federation in meetings as needed.
• Prepares briefs, reports, educational and other documents and materials as needed.
• Responsible for other duties and Federation initiatives as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Education
  • successful completion of a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree
• Experience and competencies
  • experience as a public school teacher, preferably in British Columbia
  • demonstrated ability to provide research, analysis, and support related to workers’ health and safety and options for resolution of OHS issues
  • knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation and regulations
  • demonstrated ability to develop materials to support communications and/or learning
  • excellent organizational and administrative skills, including a high-level of computer literacy
  • strong verbal, written, communication, and facilitation skills
  • ability to function effectively both independently and within a team.
• Other desired qualifications, skills, and abilities
  • flexibility to work evenings and weekends
  • flexibility to travel
  • ability to communicate in French would be an asset
  • understanding of issues of social justice, equity, diversity, decolonization, and inclusion (JEDDI) with a desire to further develop in this area.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be provided including a starting salary of $106,518.76 per annum (however, may differ if applicant has previous BCTF staff experience), a Special Allowance of $3,176.84 per annum, and excellent benefits including:

• extended health and dental (employer paid)
• long-term disability
• life insurance (employer paid)
• Teachers’ Pension Plan (shared contribution)
• seven (7) weeks of vacation per year
• thirty-five (35) hours weekly schedule Monday to Friday with flexible work hours
• generous professional development allowance
• ·on-site parking available
• transit subsidy
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• a supportive team environment.

Only applications received in writing by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023, will be considered. Please submit a letter of application and résumé, including reference contact information, via the link A0306-2023-01.

Appointment date

September 1, 2023, or a mutually agreed upon date, and ending on August 31, 2028.

Deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m., May 26, 2023

Diversity and accessibility

The BC Teachers’ Federation is committed to furthering social justice, diversity, decolonization, equity, and inclusion within our community. Applicants are encouraged to disclose, on a voluntary basis, whether they self-identify as a member of an equity-deserving group, which includes female, 2SLGBTQIA+ person, a person of colour, a person who has experienced racism, Aboriginal (Indigenous) person, and/or a person with a disability. The BCTF strives for compliance with the Accessible British Columbia Act and ensuring our communities are as barrier-free as possible. Applicants requiring an accommodation are encouraged to contact the hiring manager at 604-871-2200.