Advisor, Health And Safety

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 landsof the xʷməθkʷəyəm(Musqueam) Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Nation and səlilwətaɬ (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 Canadas most diverse school systems and equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education.

Throughout the District more than 7700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students needs applying evidence-informed practices and building relationships. The VSBs 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 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 OPPORTUNITY: ADVISOR HEALTH AND SAFETY (Temporary 1-year contract with full benefits)

Please note this position is 100% in-person at the VSB Office (1580 West Broadway Vancouver) and requires related health and safety support at all VSB sites.

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 Districts 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 510 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 districts 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 organizations 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 organizations 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 $92727 to $109090. Additionally a comprehensive benefits package includingMunicipal 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 and include a cover letter and resume along with your application to this competition. The closing date for this competition isMonday January 12th 2026at 12:00 p.m.

1. Create a profile on Make a Future
2. Click Apply Now underManagementpositions
3. Upload all supporting application must include a cover letter resume and your last 3 direct supervisors/managers as references.
4. Answer the job posting questions
5. Once your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation email.

Additional Information:

As a public body the personal information provided in this application is collected and used by the Vancouver School Board (VSB) in accordance with section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) RSBC 1996 c.165 as amended. This information will be used by VSB staff for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications experience and suitability for this position. It may also be used to verify the information provided conduct reference checks and/or contact you about next steps in the job competition. Pursuant to section 30 of FIPPA the VSB takes reasonable security measures to protect the personal information within its custody and control including what has been provided in this application. Should you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information please 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.