Manager, ES Program Services

Role Responsibilities

The Manager, ES Program Services is responsible for two program services for Employment Standards Program Delivery (ESPD) – the Permits/Variances Unit and the Appeals Unit. The Manager is an integral member of the ESPD management team and reports to the Director of ES Program Services.

The Manager leads the Appeals Unit and establishes and maintains effective Appeals Program governance. 
The Manager also ensures the effective administration of appeals and leads the Appeals team to meet their responsibilities with regards to the conduct of Decision of Officer Appeal reviews and fair and equitable mediation and dispute resolution.
The Manager is accountable for development and monitoring of service level agreements with Treasury Board and Finance (TBF) related to collections activities. This includes the provision of operational support, and liaison with the partnering ministry, as necessary. 
The Manager is responsible for inter-departmental coordination of service delivery, reporting and issue management as well as the provision of up-to-date information regarding ES as it relates to collections.
The Manager promotes a team environment and is accountable for implementing effective human resource practices. The incumbent builds relationships and facilitates cooperation within the branch, with other government branches and departments, and with clients. 

This position is responsible for collaborating with divisional management to ensure shared vision for success and consistent interpretation, application, and enforcement of legislation.

Responsibilities include:
Program Management – Permits/Variances Unit:
 Providing leadership and direction for the processing, prioritizing, analysis and recording of all permitting and variance functions of Employment Standards.
 Developing and maintaining a streamlined and efficient process through which members of the public can apply for a permit or variance.
 Establishing work priorities and determining the level of response required concerning applications for employment standards permits or variances.
 Engaging with IMIT, Communications and Public Engagement regarding clear public information regarding the permits and variances process.

Program Management – Appeals:
 Providing leadership and direction for all appeal processes and the appeal program within ESPD.
 Overseeing a team of appeal officers and subject matter experts accountable for the review of ES files, issues under appeal, representing the director of Employment Standards at appeal hearings and presenting cases to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of the Employment Standards Code and Regulation.
 Ensuring the appeals program supports fair and equitable resolution of issues between employers and employees arising from the terms and conditions of employment through effective mediation and dispute resolution.
 Building collaborative relationships with the Labour Relations Board, other branch managers and partner departments and divisions to facilitate the effectiveness of both the Permits and Variances Program and the Appeals program.
 Supporting the branch in meeting its responsibility to set and report on business plan targets that are reflective of Government, Ministry and Department objectives and priorities.

Role Responsibilities

Program Management – Collections:
 Providing inter-departmental coordination of shared services with Treasury Board and Finance (TBF) for collections activities through Memorandums of Understanding and Service Level Agreements.
 Building collaborative relationships with TBF, other branch managers and partner departments and divisions to facilitate effective collections for clients with outstanding ES judgements.
 Overseeing a Collections Liaison to coordinate information and service between ESPD and TBF including process maintenance and improvement, issues identification and reporting.
 Ensuring service delivery standards for collections are met through coordination of information, reporting, issues management and continuous improvement principles.

Human Resources Management:
 Identifies and implements appropriate human resource and labour relations strategies to address issues including: absences, deals with illness/ leaves, authorizes overtime, identifies staff stress issues & makes referrals to services available to staff, promotes / models positive work-life balance, ensures code of ethics and conduct policies are implemented in daily activity, discipline staff.
 Coordinate training for staff and orientation to role and position within ES Programs. Supports ongoing professional development strategies.
 Promotes and provides recognition for positive performance efforts of staff through formal and informal means.
 Integral to creating and supporting a positive / respectful workplace and an environment that motivates staff.

Budgetary Expenditures:
 Responsible for approving expenses related to the budget in the program area. Is accountable for the management of expenditures within budget allotted for their teams. Identifies ongoing operational needs (supplies, equipment, materials, training) and addresses these with the l Director in relation to budget forecast and expenditures.
 Approves expense accounts as the team expenditure officer including: process service requests, utilizing approved vendor services, officer travel.
 Identify and explain budget expenditures, be aware of expense trends and forecasts of future operational expenses.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies: 

Systems Thinking - This position must align opportunities with organizational and stakeholder goals. 

Agility - This position is required to work with various stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. Must be aware of changing priorities and adjust unit staff workloads based on current needs. Must think pro-actively about stakeholder needs and prepare accordingly. 

Creative Problem Solving - This position is required to identify solutions to various challenges that have no set precedent. Must seek information from internal and external stakeholders and consider all perspectives before generating potential solutions.

Develop Networks - This position is required to maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. 

Develop Self and Others - This position is required to work directly with unit staff and provide mentoring, training, and overall support. Must create a team atmosphere and work with staff to provide professional development opportunities in line with their interests.
 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field supplemented with four years of progressively related experience.

Equivalencies:
One year of degree for one year of education and vice versa will be considered as equivalent. 

• Minimum of two years leadership experience is required.
• Applicants are required to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience and relevant examples of required competencies.

Knowledge required:
 Management theory and experience to lead in the recruitment, development, and performance management of staff.
 A demonstrated knowledge of departmental goals, direction, programs, policies, and procedures.
 Departmental human resource and financial management policies, union agreement, and Alberta Government programs/services.
 Comprehensive knowledge of and expertise in interpreting and applying legislation to processes.
 Thorough knowledge of the Code/Regulation, policies, and procedures to provide guidance to staff.
 Broad knowledge of numerous acts and regulations referenced in the Code/Regulation and relevant legislation that impacts the investigation of a complaint.
 Proficient understanding of labour-related case law, jurisprudence, and prosecution procedures/practices impacting operational activities of the business unit.

Skills and Experience required:
 Experience working in a complaint-driven or regulatory program.
 Demonstrated management, leadership and/or supervisory experience; practical experience coordinating or leading teams and projects.
 Successful completion of a progressive assignment of responsibilities and accountabilities.
 Superior written and verbal communication skills.
 Excellent supervisory, leadership, interpersonal, coaching, and mentoring skills.
 Understands how to strategically prioritize and manage issues.
 Builds collaborative and supportive working environments based on trust and communication.
 Demonstrated commitment to Alberta Public Service vision and values.
 Research and analytical skills in terms of precedents, legislative interpretation, and policy analysis.
 Utilizes effective conflict resolution strategies with internal/external clients.
 Excellent customer service focus and proven relationship builder.
 The ability to promote and work efficiently within a group environment.
 Superior project management skills.
 Sound analytical and conceptual skills and abilities.
 Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

There is one full-time permanent positions working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This role is expected to work onsite at a government office location within Calgary, Edmonton or Red Deer, Alberta. Option of a hybrid arrangement. 

A cover letter outlining how your experiences relate to the qualifications is recommended. 

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.

The successful candidate should have a valid Class 5 Driver's License.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Management employee Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.