JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, the Health, Safety, and Wellness Liaison is responsible for researching, coordinating, and implementing health and safety programs, policies, procedures, and training. This role provides expert advice and guidance to managers, employees, and Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members. Key duties include conducting risk assessments, ergonomic evaluations, health and safety audits, and incident investigations. The position also handles workplace investigations, manage WorkSafeBC claims, and supports the return-to-work planning process, supports Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOSH) and generates HR metrics to evaluate and improve health and safety performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

This position reports to the Manager, Human Resources, and operates within the framework of Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) guidelines, and objectives. The Health, Safety, and Wellness Liaison is responsible for the following key functions:

• Provide guidance and support to managers and staff on health, safety, and wellness matters, ensuring alignment with Tsleil-Waututh Nation values and community-focused practices.
• Review regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices to develop policies and programs that meet legal obligations and TWN priorities.
• Lead the development and implementation of safety programs to maintain a safe working environment.
• Provide training to employers, employees and the community on issues of workplace safety
• Communicate, engage and influence decision-makers and workers to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and regulations.
• Works with the management team on the development/implementation of specific safety plans, job hazard assessments and safe work procedures
• Assist and provide guidance on return to work plans for on- and off-site injuries
• Support the JOSH committee and provide training to JOSH in Annual basis.
• Conduct safety inspections and risk assessments, identify hazards, and recommend solutions.
• Develop and maintain health and safety manual and guidelines in compliance with regulations and reflecting TWN values.
• Coordinate and manage health and safety training, including New Employee Orientation, onboarding and training renewals.
• Identify, develop, and deliver tailored health and safety training, including monthly Safety Talks and orientation programs, promote a safety-conscious culture, and provide ongoing support to staff and management.
• Maintain the hazard prevention program
• Conduct incident investigations, prepare reports, recommend corrective actions, and track progress.
• Collaborate with managers and consultants to ensure hazard assessments and job demands analyses are culturally sensitive and legally compliant.
• Support the Joint Health & Safety Committee by participating in meetings, preparing agendas, tracking corrective actions, and providing cultural materials.
• Conduct health and safety audits and report findings to ensure continuous improvement and compliance with Canada Labour Code, BC Employment Standards, and TWN principles.
• Liaise with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to ensure employees have access to culturally relevant support services.
• Adhere to safe work procedures in compliance with federal and provincial regulations.
• Support Human Resources operations to ensure alignment with the TWN strategic plan and values.
• Perform other duties as needed to contribute to the effective functioning of the organization and staff health and safety.

Administration

• Prepare ESDC Annual reports, analyze data to identify trends, and present findings and recommendations to support staff health and safety and organizational growth.
• Administer Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claims, including completing Form 7, Hazard Occurrence forms, maintaining records, and liaising with WCB  and payroll.
• Assist in developing and maintaining an employee health, safety and wellness strategy that aligns with the First Nation holistic approach, and coordinate staff wellness activities.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintain related documentation, and act as the primary contact for inquiries.
• Integrate Tsleil-Waututh cultural values into health and safety initiatives.
• Collaborate with the emergency response planning team and support drills to ensure staff preparedness.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information, including employee data, benefits, and compensation, ensuring compliance and privacy.
• Monitor safety performance and recommend improvements, staying updated on industry trends and best practices.

Financial responsibilities:

• This position is not directly responsible for the management of a budget, measuring financial performance or budget reviews but may assist the HR Manager in collecting and analyzing financial data for input to the budget and development of recommendations related to the cost of health, safety and Wellness programs.
• This position is expected to follow appropriate procedures and policy in regard to approval for expenditures and purchases, including appropriate supervisory approvals such as orders supplies, training materials, conferences & hotels.

Supervisory responsibilities:

• This position does not have direct management or supervisory responsibilities but is expected to offer expert knowledge and training to employees on Health, Safety, and Wellness (HSW) topics. The role provides valuable support and guidance to both employees and managers, ensuring the consistent interpretation and effective implementation of HSW policies and procedures.

Other duties as assigned/required.

CRITICAL SKILLS/COMPLEXITIES OF JOB

This position works under the direction of the Manager, Human Resources. It will work within the framework of the TWN, departmental policies, directives, guidelines and objectives.

This position will:

• Ability to handle sensitive data and situations professionally, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to lead workflow optimizations, automation, and system improvements.
• Research and draft communications relating to HSW programs and services;
• Participate in the development and presentation of presentations/ training programs for internal uses;
• Exercise discretion and independent judgement to determine and manage work activities, referring unusual problems to manager;
• Demonstrates a high level of enthusiasm, exceptional organizational skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Possesses a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.
• Demonstrates resilience and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to candidate engagement
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment while managing individual goals
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with candidates and internal stakeholders
• Detail-oriented with a passion for improving processes and enhancing the candidate experience
• Proactive mindset with a problem-solving and can-do attitude
• Excellent organizational skills with an ability to prioritize projects and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong ability to work independently while also thriving as a collaborative team member, with a proactive sense of initiative to drive results.
• Strong time management skills, able to plan and organize work with multiple demands and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills , with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing..
• Dedicated work ethic, with the desire to continuously learn and improve.

Dedicated advocate for First Nations communities, actively supporting initiatives that promote their rights, well-being, and cultural heritage.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Required:

• Three (3) years of post-secondary education in Occupational Health & Safety or Human Resources.
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation or equivalent safety certification (asset).
• Minimum three (3) years of experience leading safety initiatives, with expertise in Occupational Health & Safety and relevant legislation. Experience with risk assessments, first aid training, and legal compliance is ideal.
• Experience working with First Nations (asset).
• Ability to influence strategy and collaborate with TWN leadership.
• Comfortable with multi-tasking, working under pressure, and managing timelines.
• Proficient in technical writing, computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, and HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP and UKG Pro).
• Excellent organizational, judgment, initiative, and interpersonal skills; able to work independently or within a team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks with competing deadlines.
• Willing to travel throughout Tsleil-Waututh Nation and other satellite locations as needed.
• Legally eligible to work and reside in Canada.
• First aid, CPR, and other relevant medical training.
• Valid BC driver’s license (Class 5) and proof of satisfactory driving record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of employment legislation, including the Canada Labour Code, Employment Standards Act, Privacy Legislation, and Occupational Health and Safety Legislation.
• Criminal record check (vulnerable sector).

Preferred/Asset:

• Previous experience working in a First Nations community and/or organization.

Contacts 

Internal:

Daily, routine contact with TWN staff and management at the nation , departments levels to give, obtain and or exchange and/ or discuss information with the goal of ensuring understanding.

External:

Routine contact with external parties such as service providers (ergonomics), EAP provider, WCB, ESCD, TWN community – over the phone, via email or in-person.

Requires tact and discretion; diffuses conflict with an expectation to resolve non-complex conflict matters, escalating more serious situations to a management level individual.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Physical Demands

• Significant desk work with long periods of manual dexterity activities (keyboard operations, filing).

Mental Focus 

• Must synthesize complex and diverse information.
• Must remain calm, professional, objective, and constructive.
• Attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
• Must model adherence to established systems and processes.
• Provide detailed and comprehensive strategic advice with little notice.
• Highly-developed ability to work under pressure.

Environmental Conditions

• Dynamic environment with multiple demands, changing priorities and constant interruptions.
• Highly sensitive legal, confidential and political issues and environment.
• Engagement with other departments, crown governments, private sector, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, proponents and other First Nations.
• Occasional meetings outside normal office hours.