HR Associate

Located within the traditional unceded territory of the syilx people, Westbank First Nation is a progressive and prosperous self-governing First Nation. The Okanagan Valley truly has it all, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

Westbank First Nation values diversity and we are committed to creating a healthy, strong and vibrant community through programs and services that promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and healing. Come join our team and become part of an innovative and rewarding place to work.

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, the Human Resources Associate provides operational HR support across the employee lifecycle, with a primary focus on recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, HRIS maintenance and general HR coordination. This role supports the delivery of efficient, responsive and well-coordinated HR services that contribute to a positive employee experience.
Working closely with the Human Resources Advisors, the HR Associate serves as a key point of contact for candidates, employees and Managers. The position is responsible for ensuring HR processes, documentation and systems are accurate, timely and effectively coordinated, while providing day-to-day support across assigned portfolios.

• Diploma or post-secondary education in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or a related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Human Resources, recruitment, benefits administration or a related administrative role.
• CPHR designation, or working towards a CPHR designation, is considered an asset.
• Experience working with HRIS systems such as UKG is considered an asset.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or working towards is an asset
• Previous experience working in a local government or First Nation environment and experience engaging with Indigenous communities or peoples is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

• Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to WFN.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and discretion on all matters relating to employees and the affairs of Westbank First Nation.

• Independently coordinates assigned recruitment processes from intake through selection and offer, including job postings, applicant tracking, candidate communication, interview scheduling, reference and background checks, and preparation of employment documentation.
• Partners with hiring Managers to support recruitment planning, candidate screening, interview preparation, candidate selection and workforce attraction strategies.
• Participates in interview panels and provides guidance to hiring Managers on recruitment processes, practices and candidate experience.
• Leads and coordinates the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring required documentation, system access, benefits information, orientation activities and internal setup requirements are completed.
• Coordinates the employee onboarding experience through the probationary period, including 30-, 60- and 90-day review tracking and follow-up with Managers.
• Maintains and monitors recruitment and onboarding records, statistics and reporting; identifies trends and recommends opportunities to improve recruitment, onboarding and the employee experience.
• Administers employee benefits and pension processes, including enrollments, terminations, employee changes and routine inquiries.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for employees regarding routine benefits and pension inquiries and liaises with Payroll, benefit providers and other stakeholders to resolve routine issues and ensure records remain accurate.
• Coordinates assigned employee programs and initiatives, including Health and Wellness, Employee Recognition and other employee experience programs.
• Develops and distributes employee communications and provides guidance on benefits, pension, onboarding, recruitment and other assigned HR programs.
• Provides day-to-day HR support within assigned departmental portfolios, independently responding to routine HR inquiries and escalating complex or higher-risk matters to the Human Resources Advisor or HR leadership as appropriate.
• Coordinates and completes routine HR processes, correspondence, documentation, job description updates and employee lifecycle activities, consulting with Human Resources Advisors where…