The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 45,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.
Job Title: Human Rights, Equity & Health Policy Officer (0.5 FTE)
Education Officer (0.5 FTE)
Temporary Full-Time (Maternity Leave)
Posting #: USW-008-24
Bargaining Unit: USW 2009
Pay Grade: 5 ($8,134.83/month)
Position Overview
Key Responsibilities
- Develops (with others), implements, and monitors a strategy for advancing human rights and equity (HR&E), within our own organization and within the workplaces and communities of our diverse membership.
- Provides facilitation, coaching and operational support to BCNU’s HR&E caucuses and the members who lead them, in accordance with their needs and stage of group/leadership development. Directly supports capacity building within the caucuses through involvement (as deemed mutually appropriate) in their planning, outreach and project activities.
- Fosters relationships with internal BCNU partners that strengthen support for the work and encourage broad participation in, identification with, and commitment to BCNU’s HR&E efforts.
- Builds relationships with counterparts in other Unions and organizations, engaged in equity and diversity work, in order to keep informed of initiatives, trends and approaches in equity education and promotion, and to build strategic alliances to advance the overall work of HR&E.
- Assists in organizing BCNU’s annual HR&E and Practice Conferences, establishing the theme, design, agenda, and speakers.
- Plays a lead educator/developer role in relation to BCNU’s equity efforts, active in course development, strategy and process design, materials creation (concepts and writing/production), development of e-tools, etc.
- Is actively located within the Education team, attending department meetings, contributing as a skilled educator to the team’s overall visioning and pedagogical activities, and advancing the integration of HR&E into all work of the department. Contributes to the design, delivery, and project work of the Education team.
- Works directly with steward teams, providing education and team building support, as assigned by the Coordinator, Education.
- Keeps in regular contact and connection with the Servicing Department and the Sr. Education Officers to ensure current knowledge of relevant collective agreements and labour relations issues.
- Attends GAC/Tech meetings.
- Assists in the preparation and presentation of reports to the governing Council. Provides active support to committees of Council on equity promotion, steward recruitment and retention, member engagement, and steward/leadership development.
- Liaises with other organizations and institutions engaged in labour and leadership education. Enhances the effectiveness of the team’s work through self-directed and team-engaged professional learning, and linking with counterparts in other Unions, organizations, and institutions.
- Communicates with organizations concerning health and nursing issues.
- Promotes BCNU priorities regarding healthcare and nursing policies.
- Contributes policy news to BCNU publications.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
The successful applicant must have:
- College or university education in a health-related discipline, approved adult education or education technology program. Or a degree/certificate in Health/ Social Sciences, or a Nursing program supplemented by courses in adult education, workplace education and/or education technology or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Experience and knowledge in diversity, equity, human rights initiatives, cultural safety, and progressive equity analysis. A demonstrated personal commitment to the pursuit of social justice, equity, inclusion and democracy, and significant experience in working with pedagogy that holds these values central (e.g., popular education). An understanding of BCNU’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. An identification with one of BCNU’s equity seeking caucus groups is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability and experience (3 – 5 years) in instructional design, needs assessment and course development in adult education and the administration and coordination of adult education programs.
- Knowledgeable in adult learning principles and demonstrated ability to teach/facilitate using various learning strategies. The ability to facilitate dialogue relevant to: 1) supporting members, stewards, and leaders in their roles and 2) strengthening the organization’s capacity to deliver on its mission, vision and values.
- An understanding of learning technologies and the ability to manage e-learning tools and courses. Previous experience with learning management systems (LMS) is preferred. Knowledge of and experience in the use of social media in supporting education and/or engagement efforts considered an asset.
- Good knowledge of trade union and healthcare-related employment issues. A thorough understanding of and commitment to trade union philosophy.
- Knowledge of the collective agreement, labour and human rights legislation, and union policies and procedures.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong cultural fluency, emotional intelligence, and comfort/skill managing conflict, and building relationship and dialogue across difference with respect and awareness.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, good judgment in navigating a political environment, and a desire and ability to work collaboratively with others, within and beyond the team.
- Strong event planning skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with multiple generations and multiple competing priorities.
- A willingness to travel throughout the province and a valid driver’s license.
- Functional/Technical Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Managing Diversity
- Labour Management Relations
- Multi-tasking
- Approachability
- Composure
- Member Focus
- Interpersonal Savvy
- Understanding Others
- Listening
- Patience
- Compassion
- Conflict Management
- Creativity
- Intellectual Horsepower
- Priority Setting
- Time Management
- Written Communication
- Knowledgeable about Relevant Legislation/Jurisprudence/Regulations/Acts/Standards of Practice (as appropriate for the role)
- Enforcing the Collective Agreement
Why BCNU?
BCNU values, respects and protects diversity. We take pride in representing a diverse membership and staff. We offer an inclusive and supportive workplace with opportunities for career development and professional advancement as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package.
If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we’d like to hear from you!
