HR Specialist

Employment Opportunity HR Specialist Position Type: Full-Time / Contract (one year) Position Status: New Position Location: Remote Reports To: Director, Human Resources Hourly Rate: $27.66, plus 4% vacation pay About FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute) FNTI is an Indigenous-owned and governed post-secondary institution dedicated to serving Indigenous learners. Established in 1985, FNTI has graduated over 4,000 students through certificate, diploma, and degree programs delivered in partnership with Ontario’s colleges and universities. As a First Nation-mandated, not-for-profit, and registered charitable organization accredited by the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC), FNTI delivers a range of post-secondary programming grounded in Indigenous knowledge and community connection. Through its community-driven and intensive delivery model, FNTI enables learners to remain connected to their families and communities while pursuing meaningful educational and career pathways. Since the Indigenous Institute Act, 2017, FNTI has advanced the development of independently accredited degree programs, created by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people. Programming is delivered from its main campus in Tyendinaga on the Bay of Quinte, as well as virtually. Position Summary The HR Specialist (Compliance & Support) is a pivotal role dedicated to ensuring the organization meets all regulatory standards while providing comprehensive support to its employees. This role centralizes employee health and safety, and benefit/pension administration. By managing the complexities of leave protocols, benefits, and workplace safety, the HR Specialist mitigates organizational risk and enhances employee retention through a seamless support experience.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits and Pension Administration Serve as the primary administrator for Group Benefits and Pension accounts, ensuring accurate enrollment and billing. Conduct information sessions to ensure staff understand their benefits, and pension packages. Act as the primary liaison with third-party vendors (insurers, pension administrators) to ensure service level agreements are met and issues are resolved efficiently. Act as the first point of contact, and subject matter expert, for employee questions regarding these programs. Leave & Systems Management Manage and audit Paid Time Off (PTO) tracking within the Leave Management System to ensure accuracy and policy compliance. Oversee the full lifecycle of disability and personal leaves, including the development of Return-to-Work (RTW) protocols. Manage all WSIB claims, reporting, and coordination to ensure organizational compliance and support for injured workers. Health & Safety (H&S) Lead the workplace Health & Safety program, ensuring all standards meet provincial and federal requirements. Monitor and interpret changes in employment and safety legislation to ensure proactive adjustments to internal policies and training materials. Collaborate on the development and promotion of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health initiatives to support holistic workplace wellness. Draft and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all compliance workflows, ensuring business continuity and consistency in Health and Safety operations. Conduct regular audits and safety assessments to reduce workplace hazards and ensure "audit readiness." Coordinate and support the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). Compliance, Administration & Records Monitor contract end dates and renewals; assist in drafting employment agreements and onboarding of employees. Collaborate with the team to ensure the consistent organization of HR software, maintaining high standards for digital integrity and secure document handling. Maintain digital integrity and organization of digital files on the Leave Management System and HR storage systems. Analyze benefits utilization, safety incident trends, and PTO patterns to provide data-driven recommendations for program improvements and risk mitigation. Ensure salary ranges are maintained and applied across the organization. Verify that all salary range adjustments are accurate and processed on a timely basis. Provide logistics support for training delivery and tracking of professional development credits and certifications within the HRIS (Human Resource Information System). Actively participate as a member of the Job Evaluation Committee (JEC). Providing administrative support for the evaluation process and maintaining the master registry of graded positions and historical data.

Qualifications

Education: Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Certification: CHRP designation (or working towards) is strongly preferred. Experience: 3–5 years of experience in HR, with a specific focus on benefits administration, disability management, or health and safety. Technical Skills: Proficiency in HRIS platforms. Advanced skills in Adobe, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office Suite. Strong understanding of WSIB procedures and provincial Health & Safety legislation. Competencies: High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information. Exceptional organizational skills with a "compliance-first" mindset. Strong communication skills for educating staff on complex benefit and safety topics. Conditions of Employment Willing and able to travel occasionally and work overtime as required. Successful candidates must provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check. Must be legally entitled to work in Ontario, Canada. Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility FNTI is an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), applicants may request accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. To request accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected] with the job title and accommodation details. FNTI provides preference to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry who self-identify.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting: A cover letter outlining interest and qualifications A current resume Applications must be submitted online through the FNTI Careers site by June 19, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Posting Date: June 2, 2026 Application Deadline: June 19, 2026 Apply To This Job