ERIN THOMAS
Newmarket,ON
Summary
Versatile Community Engagement Manager experienced in wide range of organizational needs, including strategic planning, leadership and human resources management. Accustomed to stepping into different roles every day to enable regional operations to evolve and meet changing demands.
Insightful Human Resources Coordinator assists HR team with payroll, record-keeping, compliance, employee benefits and other HR-related duties. Plans and organizes work to achieve goals and targeted results with minimal supervision. Continually develops knowledge and gains subject matter expertise in assigned HR discipline related to work activities and projects assigned.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Coordinator
DeafBlind Ontario Services
12.2021 - Current
- Serves as the primary point of contact for payroll, leaves of absences, pension & benefits and HRIS/learning system, preparing formal communication to employees, and consulting with legal when appropriate
- Responsible for payroll processing for the organization, including ROEs, T4s, year-end reconciliations, and communicating with the HRIS service provider ensuring compliance with established financial and legislative requirements
- Responsible for coordinating leave of absences and accommodation requests, overseeing the LTD claims management, providing assistance with return-to-work processes and communicating with external parties and internal managers or supervisors
- Administers the group benefits plan and the group registered retirement savings plan, communicating with employees in regards to program details or changes, as well as responding to employee questions
- Ensures employee HR records meet legislative and organization standards
- Ensures employee information is up-to-date in the HR file and HRIS
- Promotes the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with other agency staff, families, volunteers, advocates, and employers
- Reports all unsafe conditions, hazards or practices, accidents and incidents in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within DeafBlind Ontario Services’ policies and procedures and provincial legislation
- Completed employee employment verifications and unemployment paperwork prior to hire or termination.
- Maintained human resources information system and kept employee files up to date and accurate.
- Conducted new employee onboarding and provided ongoing orientation training.
Maternity Leave
10.2020 - 12.2021
Community Engagement Manager (Contract)
DeafBlind Ontario Services
03.2020 - 12.2021
- Responsible for planning, organizing and coordinating of all programs, services and budgets within regional structures. Included 5 group home locations (22 clients), 3 Team Leader Supervisors, and 60 employees.
- The Community Engagement Manager embraces mission, vision and values of the Organization and acts as an ambassador of DeafBlind Ontario Services while building relationships within communities
- Ensures that regional programs, services and supports (i.e Facilities and equipment) operated within policies, procedures and guidelines, reflecting the stated values of the organization as well as within relevant legislation, standards, and guidelines
- Acted as the key contact for contractors, municipal contacts (i.e Fire, building, etc.) and MCSS compliance review within the region, while ensuring the region is MCSS compliance ready at all times.
- Monitored expenditures to ensure they conform to budget
- Responsible for the preparation of the annual regional operating budget and the ongoing upkeep of the wish list
- Supported the Team Leaders to provide leadership, guidance and motivation to employees
- In collaboration with the Employee Relations and Culture Advocate, determines staffing requirements and oversees the proactive hiring process
- Monitored regional performance against goals to ensure that progress is being made and that corrective action is taken by utilizing organizational statistics
- Monitored the morale in the regions by setting and demonstrating positive employee or family relations
- Supported the Team Leaders to provide effective management of human resources, including the orientation, training, supervision, scheduling, and performance management
- Ensured maintenance inspections/services are completed on capital items as well as maintaining records of such, while following the standards of the organization
- Reviewed and approved house books reconciliations on a monthly basis
- Ensured adequate service during employee shortages, trips, outings or when health or behaviour of people supported requires
- Performed Serious Occurrence On-Call duties
- Demonstrated positive and professional relationships with employees, families, volunteers, advocates and community partners.
- Ensured seamless integration of new programs by collaborating with various stakeholders to address logistical, infrastructural and cultural considerations.
- Built strong community relationships by actively participating in local events and developing strategic partnerships.
Employee Relations Culture Advocate (York)
DeafBlind Ontario Services
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Provide and encourage communication at all times with clients; provide visual and auditory information necessary to enable client to interact with others and environment appropriately
- Communicate using various forms of communication; (TCC, AITSL) Implement and supervise staff completion of all daily programming with clients; implement calendar systems, prepare for daily activities, provide clients with information about the environment, and encourage participation & communication in activities
- Assist clients with personal needs, hygiene, and other individual needs Note reports of daily programming for clients, resident reports, food intake forms, and service tracking Manage house and comfort books Facilitate team meetings; promote positive environment & team growth Supervise & mentor team in any areas required; staff conflict, independence & motivation, communication (with team & clients), growth as Intervenors, advocating for clients & team members, etc.
Maternity Leave
08.2018 - 08.2019
Facilitator of Community Services
DeafBlind Ontario Services
04.2017 - 08.2018
- Responsible for overseeing community services programs and Intervenors across the province
- Providing support, training, resources to the IVs /teams
- Bi-monthly in person visits across the province
- Assisting with booking training locations, conducting training sessions for exterior organizations
- Promoting upcoming training sessions via phone, e-mail, social media
- Attending information fairs to promote our community services program.
Scheduler
DeafBlind Ontario Services
12.2016 - 03.2017
- Responsible for all scheduling for all regions across the province, setting up training schedules/locations, assisting with HR compliance and HR files, assisting with prescreening and references as needed, submission for annual Summer Students program
Manager of Regional Operations (Ottawa)
DeafBlind Ontario Services
12.2013 - 12.2016
- Responsible for anything and everything that occurred in the region to do with the locations, the staffing and the clients supported
- Annual regional budget -Facilities and Health & Safety -Responsible for health and safety of all clients and staff -Responsible for Regional Operating Plan and ensuring its completion every fiscal year
- Responsible for building work / community relationships & partnerships with Ottawa and surrounding areas
Team Leader
DeafBlind Ontario Services
07.2011 - 12.2013
- Provide and encourage communication at all times with clients; provide visual and auditory information necessary to enable client to interact with others and environment appropriately
- Communicate using various forms of communication; (TCC, AITSL) Implement and supervise staff completion of all daily programming with clients; implement calendar systems, prepare for daily activities, provide clients with information about the environment, and encourage participation & communication in activities
- Assist clients with personal needs, hygiene, and other individual needs Note reports of daily programming for clients, resident reports, food intake forms, and service tracking Manage house and comfort books Facilitate team meetings; promote positive environment & team growth Supervise & mentor team in any areas required; staff conflict, independence & motivation, communication (with team & clients), growth as Intervenors, advocating for clients & team members, etc.
Intervenor
DeafBlind Ontario Services
05.2010 - 06.2011
- Provide and encourage communication at all times with clients; provide visual and auditory information necessary to enable client to interact with others and environment appropriately
- Communicate using various forms of communication; (TCC, AITSL) Implement all daily programming with clients; implement calendar systems, prepare for daily activities, provide clients with information about the environment, and encourage participation & communication in activities
- Assist clients with personal needs, hygiene, and other individual needs Note reports of daily programming for clients, resident reports, food intake forms, and service tracking
Education
Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) -
McMaster University
12.2025
Payroll Compliance Practitioner -
National Payroll Institute
04.2025
Diploma - Developmental Services Worker
Humber College
Toronto, ON06.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Contemporary Studies
Wilfred Laurier University
Waterloo, ON06.2009
Skills
- Maintains confidentiality
- Payroll Administration
- Human Resources Management
- Compliance
- Employee Relations
- Operations
- Staff Training and Development
- Staff Management
- Operational management
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary
Timeline
Human Resources Coordinator
DeafBlind Ontario Services
12.2021 - Current
Maternity Leave
10.2020 - 12.2021
Community Engagement Manager (Contract)
DeafBlind Ontario Services
03.2020 - 12.2021
Employee Relations Culture Advocate (York)
DeafBlind Ontario Services
08.2019 - 02.2020
Maternity Leave
08.2018 - 08.2019
Facilitator of Community Services
DeafBlind Ontario Services
04.2017 - 08.2018
Scheduler
DeafBlind Ontario Services
12.2016 - 03.2017
Manager of Regional Operations (Ottawa)
DeafBlind Ontario Services
12.2013 - 12.2016
Team Leader
DeafBlind Ontario Services
07.2011 - 12.2013
Intervenor
DeafBlind Ontario Services
05.2010 - 06.2011
Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) -
McMaster University
Payroll Compliance Practitioner -
National Payroll Institute
Diploma - Developmental Services Worker
Humber College
Bachelor of Arts - Contemporary Studies
Wilfred Laurier University
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