Human Resources Business Partner- Absence Management - Term Certain

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) invites applicants for a full-time term certain Human Resources Business Partner - Absence Management. The start date for the role will commence at a time to be determined, as early as mid June, and end on August 28, 2026 at EIPS Central Administration building in Sherwood Park, at 683 Wye Road.

The Division

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, serving the educational needs of approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. Every day, the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. The Division prides itself on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming, up-to-date resources and practical professional learning opportunities.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, the Human Resources Business Partner – Absence Management oversees the absence management and wellness program for all employees. They are responsible for developing, implementing and ensuring employee adherence to the parameters of the various leaves of absence offered by EIPS. The Human Resources Business Partner– Absence Management focuses on ensuring that efficient and effective communication with employees occurs when there are areas of concern. Additional Human Resources responsibilities also fall to this role from time to time including investigations, employee discipline and labour relations related matters.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Develops and implements strategies to improve absence management processes and ensure they align with EIPS policies and procedures.
• Manages, coaches and provides support to Division administrators, supervisors and employees regarding policies, procedures and programs related to employee wellness, attendance and disability management.
• Liaises with EIPS principals and supervisors to ensure absenteeism is being addressed across the division
• Supports supervisors, administrators, and managers in conducting attendance discussions with employees in alignment with the Attendance Support Program.
• Oversees the tracking and recording of employee absences, including sick leave, vacation and other types of leave.
• Assists leadership in reviewing employee attendance records to determine eligibility and suitability for the Attendance Support Program.
• Monitors absence trends and works to develop and implement proactive measures to reduce absenteeism
• Acts as the subject matter expert on all aspects of leave within EIPS.
• Analyzes absence data to identify patterns, potential issues, and areas of improvement.
• Presents findings and recommendations to the Associate Superintendent of HR and the Director of HR pertaining to absence management.
• Meets with employees upon request or when previous attendance conversations with their supervisor, administrator, or manager have been unproductive or require additional support.
• Serves as a point of contact for employees regarding absence-related inquiries and issues.
• Support individual staff members in exploring opportunities to improve attendance.
• Proactively develops and executes comprehensive and realistic cost-effective measures to manage and reduce absenteeism costs.
• Remains current with best practices in absence management and human resources.
• Implements new technologies and systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of absence management processes.
• Assists the department in other Human Resources related tasks, including investigations, employee discipline and labour relations matters as required
• Develops responsive and proactive wellness initiatives, based on available data and analysis of metrics (e.g. attendance data, EFAP usage, etc.) that provide insight to the health and wellness of the employee population and promote the use of available programs.
• Works with outside stakeholders such as provincial health authorities, EFAP providers, ASEBP etc. and mental health organizations to organize, deliver or schedule external training on wellbeing topics.
• Works closely with the ATA for coordinated commitment to wellness and addresses all related ATA related concerns.
• Chairs the Division Wellness Committee providing regular communication to the Executive Team and across the division in relation to the Committee work.
• Takes a continual improvement and leading-edge approach using novel and innovative ways to improve employee wellness.

The Candidate

EIPS seeks candidates who posses the following:

• Degree in Human Resources or equivalent.
• Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation or working towards designation preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Three to five years of progressive experience in the Human Resources focusing on employee wellness.
• Experience implementing HR-related projects would be considered an asset.
• HR experience in an education setting is considered an asset.
• Extensive knowledge of absence management and attendance support.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of employment and disability legislation including the Duty to Accommodate, Workers’ Compensation Act, Human Rights Legislation in disability management planning and Employment Standards.
Passion for improving health and wellness for staff to ensure they can meet the needs of the District, supporting and managing return to work programs in a fair balanced and consistent manner
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• Strong analytical, organization, prioritization and time management.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to work well as a team player.
• Ability to remain current with contemporary and emerging technologies used by the division.
• Ability to apply rational and creative responses for problem-solving.

Elk Island Public Schools Benefits

• 3 weeks accrued vacation
• Comprehensive Benefits ( Extended Health Care, Dental, etc)

For more information, please contact Ragan Johnson, Associate Superintendent, Human Resources, at 780-417-8211 or email .

Only online applications will be accepted.

Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.

If you require assistance with the application system, please call Apply to Education at 1-877-900-5627 or email .