Respectful Workplace Specialist

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for temporary up to 18 months, position of Respectful Workplace Specialist in the Employee Relations section of Human Resources.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Manager, Employee Relations, the Respectful Workplace Specialist is responsible for the intake, management, investigation, reporting and resolution of complaints related to a respectful workplace. Through a proactive and collaborative approach, they will provide a range of services to support the organization’s commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful working environment. These services may include:

• Informal advice or consultation (coaching),
• Facilitation or mediation
• Investigation
• Analysis and recommendations
• Training

The Respectful Workplace Specialist will work closely with our Leaders and our Human Resources team to go beyond compliance and share tools and knowledge to promote a respectful workplace.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acts as a subject matter expert on matters related to maintaining and promoting a respectful workplace and provides consultation to employees and leaders on related matters.
• Manages the intake, processing, investigation, reporting and resolution of complaints by:
• Leverages coaching, facilitation and mediation skills to proactively promote a positive workplace and resolve conflicts at their early stages.
• Conducts workplace investigations in a timely manner utilizing objective investigative procedures including interviewing, report writing and applying sound judgement.
• Provides direct support to Leaders and Human Resources team on best practices that contribute to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace.
• Provides or recommends Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services, as appropriate, including facilitating/leading mediation sessions.
• Participates in projects related to promoting and maintaining a respectful workplace.
• Develops and delivers training for employees and leaders on maintaining a respectful workplace.
• Provides advice on current and emerging trends and best practices related to maintaining a respectful workplace.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• Related post-secondary education at the bachelor’s level. Specialized training in alternate dispute resolution and/or conducting investigations is preferred.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years of related experience coaching, investigating analyzing, report writing, mediation and delivery of training related to conflict, harassment and maintaining a respectful workplace.
• Experience within unionized context is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience managing emotionally charged situations and maintaining composure and a values-based approach.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of laws prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including the Human Rights Act of Nova Scotia and other conflict resolution related policies, legislation and supporting tools or resources, such as applicable case law, regulations, guidelines, and trends.
• Strong research and analytical skills with a propensity to problem solve and make decisions with sound judgement.
• Strong communicator with the ability to collaborate easily with others.
• Strong organization and time management skills, with the ability to independently prioritize competing demands and changing priorities, to meet deadlines.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Valuing Diversity, Values & Ethics, Organizational Awareness, Customer Service, Organization & Planning, Teamwork & Cooperation, Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Risk Management

Please note - Applicants are responsible to include all information that they wish to have taken into consideration in the review of their application, and applicants are required to provide full details of experience or training referenced in the posting. Applicants may be screened out of this competition at preliminary stages of review based on the insufficiency of the information provided, and the award of this position may be made solely on the basis of the information provided in the electronic submission without any requirement that the Employer contact the candidate for further elaboration on information referenced in the application.

WORK STATUS: Temporary, Full Time - Up to 18 Months

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; 35 hours per week

SALARY: Non-Union, Level 8, $90-466-$117,079 Salary to be commensurate with education and experience.

WORK LOCATION: Purdy’s Wharf Tower 2, 1969 Upper Water Street, Halifax.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on November 17, 2026

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax