Job Description

THE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39)

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx?wu7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish) Nation, and s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation.

At the VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, the VSB is one of Canada's most diverse school systems and equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education.


Throughout the District, more than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students' needs, applying evidence-informed practices, and building relationships. The VSB's culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts. Our commitment to students goes beyond academics with students' overall well-being and sense of belonging being equally important. As an organization, we strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we work to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. For more information about our school district, visit .

THE OPPORTUNITY: ADVISOR, HEALTH AND SAFETY

Reporting to the Manager, Health & Safety, the Advisor is a key member of the Health and Safety team, responsible for the implementation and ongoing administration of the District's comprehensive occupational health and safety program. As a district resource, the Advisor provides expert service in safety management systems, risk assessments, industrial hygiene, safety audits, emergency management, and the reviewing of injury report submissions, evaluation of investigations and initiation of claims appeals.


The Advisor collaborates with Employee Services and site leaders to drive continual improvement in injury prevention, safety compliance, claims management, and emergency preparedness. Core responsibilities include developing and maintaining internal processes for regulatory compliance, conducting risk assessments and workplace inspections, leading or participating in incident investigations, and delivering organization-specific safety training.


Success in this role requires strong communication and report-writing skills, adaptability, and the ability to interpret and explain complex requirements to diverse audiences. The Advisor must be ethical, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.


You possess a post-secondary degree or certificate in engineering, sciences, or health and safety, a relevant professional designation, and 5-10 years of progressive experience in health and safety roles, ideally within large or complex organizations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products is essential for clear and efficient communication.


As a trusted subject matter expert, you are ready to make a positive impact on the VSB community, which values diversity, inclusion, and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Occupational Health and Safety

Establish, implement and maintain system related documentation to support clarity around safe work. Provide comprehensive health and safety reports with recommendations and technical guidance to management, supervisors, and staff. Conduct site visits and workplace inspections, investigations, and risk assessments to identify hazards and recommend control measures. Lead or contribute to health and safety projects, programs, objectives. Respond to compliance issues identified by WorkSafeBC or other regulatory authorities, including public health. Develop, facilitate, and deliver staff training and presentations on occupational health and safety topics. Carry out assessments including industrial hygiene monitoring, and ergonomics. Interpret and follow through on information and reports related to high-risk activities. Work to minimize the impact of workplace violence on workers. Review incident reports and ensure that investigations are completed to the highest level proportionate to the assessed risk. Support joint committee efficacy and safety stewardship throughout the district.

Claims Management

Review and process complex WorkSafeBC claims to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. Coordinate employer obligations for WorkSafeBC claims with internal departments, including payroll, leaves, wellness, dispatch, and supervisory staff. File objections and manage appeals for complex WorkSafeBC claims, as necessary. Monitor claim status and maintain ongoing communication with WorkSafeBC, supervisors, and internal service providers to ensure timely resolution. Ensure all legislative filing deadlines and documentation requirements are met.

Emergency Management

Organize, maintain, and continuously improve the district's emergency management program, including preparedness, communications, and emergency supplies at both district and school levels. Coordinate and support emergency drills at schools and district worksites. Develop, coordinate, and deliver emergency preparedness training sessions for staff and other groups as required. Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Post-secondary degree or diploma in engineering, science, or Occupational Health & Safety, or a similarly related field. 5-10 years of progressive experience in health and safety management, preferably with experience in large complex organizations. You hold any of the following certifications or similar equivalents Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC). Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Independent Work & Initiative

Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and identify opportunities for improvement. Demonstrated initiative and adaptability in a dynamic workplace.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships. Comfortable having respectful, difficult conversations. Able to present safety information clearly to non-experts.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Able to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions. Capable of balancing competing priorities and escalating issues when necessary.

Confidentiality & Professionalism

Handles sensitive and private information with discretion and strict attention to confidentiality. Maintains composure under pressure, including during complex issues and critical deadlines.

Technical & Regulatory Knowledge

In-depth knowledge of health and safety legislation and regulation as well as other applicable codes, policies, and guidelines in British Columbia. Understanding wise practices in health and safety administration and the ability to apply an ethical lens to decision making. Technical expertise or training in industrial hygiene, risk assessments, exposure control, health and safety management systems, fire safety, emergency preparedness and claims management.

Program Development & Training

Ability to contribute to the development and implementation of health and safety programs. Skilled in developing and delivering workshops and seminars on safety and emergency preparedness. Demonstrated ability to create engaging training materials and lead training sessions.

Organizational & Administrative Skills

Strong organizational skills for managing time, prioritizing demands, and handling administrative tasks. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Power Automate, Copilot).

Commitment to Equity & Positive Work Environment

Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and fostering a positive workplace.

Continuous Learning

Willingness and ability to independently learn new information, technologies, and skills relevant to the role.

Level of Responsibility:

The Safety Advisor is responsible and accountable for the implementation and ongoing administration of the organization's comprehensive occupational health and safety program as directed by the Manager, Health and Safety. This includes creating, establishing, implementing and maintaining internal processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Decision-Making Authority:

The Safety Advisor holds significant decision-making authority within the organization's health and safety framework. They are empowered to independently review and object to workplace injury claims submitted to WorkSafeBC, and to conduct thorough hazard assessments and investigations. Based on their findings, they prepare detailed reports and make recommendations for corrective actions to ensure a safe working environment which they provide for their manager for review. The Advisor, Health and Safety makes decisions in alignment with existing policy, administrative procedures and internal safety system procedures. Where changes are needed the Advisor Health and Safety inquires to ensure changes are aligned with VSB vision.

Physical and Sensory Demands:

The physical and sensory demands described below reflect the essential functions of this position. These may include, but are not limited to, sitting, standing, walking, preparing documents for distribution, traveling to other sites in the district, using a phone, listening to others, taking notes, using a computer and related office equipment, and filing documents according to a system. To fulfill the subject matter expertise required for this role, there may be fieldwork involving inspections, investigations, and industrial hygiene monitoring. This could require lifting or carrying equipment, operating monitoring devices, climbing access ladders, using stairs, and stepping over or under objects. Personal protective equipment may be required during some fieldwork. The role requires effective communication with large groups of people, both virtually and in person. Periods of high workload and competing tasks may occur, requiring effective time management and adaptability. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Environment:

The Advisor, Health and Safety, works in an open office environment where background noise can be expected from conversations. Due to the nature of claims management, injury prevention program tasks, or investigations, the manager could potentially be exposed to emotionally charged experiences and/or interactions with employees or others who can be upset, frustrated, unstable, or unpredictable due to a variety of conditions or the context. The role has potential for exposure to psychosocial hazards and distress resulting from unavoidable exposure to difficult conversations and work-related decisions. The Advisor, Health and Safety, can expect and have the ability to have workplace interpersonal relationships in line with our respectful workplace administrative procedure.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for the Advisor, Health and Safety is $92,727 to $109,090. Additionally, a comprehensive benefits package, including, Municipal Pension Plan, Vancouver Employee Savings Plan, Extended Health, Dental, Group Life, Long Term Disability, Vacation, Gratuity, and potential Compensatory time.

TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please apply via makeafuture.ca and include a cover letter and resume along with your application to this competition. The closing date for this competition is

Monday, September 8th, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

Create a profile on Click "Apply Now" under Management positions Upload all supporting documents. Your application must include a cover letter, resume and your last 3 direct supervisors/managers as references. Answer the job posting questions
Once your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation email.






The VSB has been given approval from the Human Rights Tribunal for a Special Program under s. 42(3) of the Human Rights Code. Under this special program, the VSB seeks to preferentially hire Aboriginal persons to a variety of teaching positions. Therefore, each applicant may wish to provide, on a voluntary basis, information whether they self-identify as an Aboriginal person.