The Kettle Society supports people with mental illness to lead healthier lives by providing support services, advocacy, employment, and mentoring and housing. We work to raise awareness of mental health issues, break down stigma and reduce barriers for people with mental illness. Our goal is to promote the inclusion of people living with mental illness in all aspects of society.

Director, Health, Safety & Wellness

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Health, Safety & Wellness (HS&W) is a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member.  This position is responsible for developing, recommending, implementing, and monitoring risk management systems to maintain the integrity of Occupational, Health, and Safety (HS&W) practices and meeting regulatory expectations. Identifying and managing risks using effective risk mitigation strategies and collaborating with the SLT to evaluate organizational financial risks, estimating their probability and potential impact. Working in conjunction with the People & Culture (P&C) department to develop and maintain wellness initiatives, programs, policies and procedures.  Taking responsibility for ensuring compliance with all regulatory reporting deadlines.

Organization:

The Kettle Friendship Society

Address:

The incumbent will primarily work from their office at the Hastings location (1784 East Hastings, Vancouver, BC, V5L 1S9), especially during the first year as they create relationships with the team.  There is opportunity to work from home, in a hybrid role (in-office / home), especially thereafter.

Status:

Full-Time (Exempt Non-Union), Permanent (37.5 hours per week)

Hours and Days:

8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.  On rare occasions, may be expected to respond to emergency-related items outside of work hours.
Salary & Compensation:

$115,000 - $125,000 annually.

Municipal Pension Plan (after 6 months, mandatory involvement).  1 week of personal time per year.  3 weeks vacation per year (increases in accordance with Exempt Policy).  Generous sick-pay policy.  Employer-paid Health and Dental Plan, Life Insurance, ADD, & LTD Plan.  Training Opportunities and Professional Associations-paid for by employer.  Flexible schedule and work-from-home hybrid opportunity.  EAP Access

Duties:

  • This role is crucial for the strategic development, integration, implementation, and evaluation of HS&W within the organization in collaboration with internal stakeholders. It focuses on identifying and addressing gaps in people and asset management practices and measuring the achievement of annual goals.

  • Lead The Kettle’s HS&W program, covering aspects including: Workplace Violence, WHMIS, Inspections, Incident Investigations, Emergency Response, Infection Prevention and Control, Contractor Safety, Food Safety, Hazard Control, and Risk Management.

  • Build partnerships with external agencies and community groups is critical to promoting and enhancing the organization's initiatives.

  • Emphasize leadership in Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts.

  • In collaboration with department heads, a comprehensive three-phase health, safety, and wellness plan is created, focusing on leveraging strengths and addressing weaknesses. This initiative aims to establish a distinctive strategic program in the industry.

  • Collaboration with the Director of P&C includes developing psychological health resources and standardized training on mental health, self-care, and stress management.

  • Create and maintain wellness programs and participate in the Wellness Committee.

  • Design HS&W-related documentation, support health and safety activities, provide direct support to managers in work-related incidents, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

  • Assist with claims management and return-to-work processes.

  • Maintain strong ethical standards and promote these values within the organization.

  • Maintain strong internal controls and effective processes in responsible areas.

  • Work with the IT team to ensure the maintenance and upgrading of HS&W-related systems.

  • Develop, implement, and monitor program plans that align with departmental objectives to achieve the organization's annual and long-term strategic goals. 

  • Conduct research and analysis to provide growth recommendations for HS&W to the ED, SLT, and the Board.  

  • Develop and manage an HS&W budget, covering staffing, consulting fees, and equipment.

  • Collaborate with finance and administrative teams for effective budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

  • Develop strategies to build strong HS&W relationships at municipal, provincial, and federal levels, positioning Kettle as a leader in HS&W practices.

  • Attend and report on Kettle Board and Audit Committee meetings. 

  • Provide, analyze, and recommendation HS&W development to the ED and Board. 

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies.

Qualifications:

  • Degree in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field.

  • 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in the occupational health & safety field in a senior leadership or executive role is required, along with experience operating as part of a cross-functional SLT, establishing and implementing organizational strategy.

  • Professional safety designation as a Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) or Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (CRSP)).

  • Comfortable delivering presentations, training sessions, and reports on health and safety matters.

  • Ability to mentor and coach site teams on safety training programs and requirements.

  • Experience in non-profit health care or social services agencies is an asset.

  • Experience in a unionized environment is an asset.

  • Strong knowledge of risk management methods and the ability to create forecasting models is an asset.

  • Current and up-to-date certifications in CPR, Occupational Basic First Aid (OFA) Level 1, Mental Health First Aid, WHMIS, and Naloxone training.

  • Valid driver’s license with a clean abstract.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of policies, regulations, and legislation governing (HS&W) in British Columbia.

  • Working knowledge of current best practices and procedures related to health and safety regulations in British Columbia with demonstrated success working with WorkSafeBC. 

  • Proven abilities and understanding of adult training principles, concepts, and techniques.

  • Demonstrable ability to effectively create and deliver safety training programs.

  • An understanding of the psychological, physical, and social aspects of working with and for adults with mental illness and those suffering(ed) from abuse, addiction, and recovery.

  • Intermediate to advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

  • Strong competence in working in a multi-functional team environment with the ability to quickly foster effective working relationships with managers, employees, external benefit providers, WorkSafe BC, and other external and internal contacts.

  • Demonstrable ability to support an organization at all levels.

  • Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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