As a Supervisor - Workplace Well-Being, you will lead and support a team dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, and social health of Department of National Defence employees. You will develop and implement workplace well-being programs, policies, and initiatives that align with DND priorities and federal health standards. This role combines human resources expertise with a genuine commitment to employee wellness, creating a healthier and more productive work environment across the organization.
Your responsibilities will include supervising well-being staff, managing program budgets, conducting needs assessments, coordinating wellness initiatives such as mental health support and fitness programs, and measuring program effectiveness. You will also collaborate with other departments, external health providers, and employee representatives to ensure comprehensive coverage of well-being services. This is a strategic role that requires both people management skills and the ability to influence organizational culture.
You will work in a dynamic environment where you interact with employees at all levels, from frontline personnel to senior leadership. The role may involve occasional travel to different DND locations, and you may work flexible hours to accommodate program delivery and employee needs. You will find this position rewarding if you are passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives and well-being.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily workplace well-being operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this supervisor position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in workplace wellness, occupational health, or human resources. Many successful candidates have pursued certifications such as Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), Certified in Occupational Health and Safety (COHS), or similar credentials through professional associations like the International Employee Assistance Professionals Association (IEAPA).
Professional development is encouraged throughout your career. DND and the Treasury Board Secretariat offer training in leadership, project management, program evaluation, and mental health awareness. You may also pursue advanced certifications in workplace mental health, organizational development, or change management. Many supervisors complete the Federal Leadership Development Program or equivalent management training to enhance their supervisory capabilities. Ongoing professional development ensures you stay current with emerging wellness trends, best practices, and Government of Canada policies.
Entry Plans
Entry to this supervisor role typically occurs through open Public Service staffing competitions. The most common pathway is internal competition, where current DND and federal government employees apply. You may enter at the supervisor level directly if you have demonstrated supervisory or project leadership experience in a related field, or you may advance to this role after working as a Well-Being Advisor or similar position within DND.
The Federal Public Service also uses targeted recruitment campaigns and job pools to fill HR and well-being positions. If you are outside the federal government, you can apply through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's job portal (jobs.gc.ca). Some candidates transition laterally from other HR roles, employee services positions, or occupational health backgrounds. Student programs and co-op placements with DND can provide entry points for those building their career in workplace services. Preference may be given to bilingual candidates (English and French) depending on the position's language requirements.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor - Workplace Well-Being positions are typically full-time permanent or term positions. However, the federal public service does offer flexible work arrangements that may be negotiable with your manager and depend on operational requirements. Many employees in this role work hybrid schedules, combining office-based work with remote work days, particularly for administrative tasks, program planning, and virtual consultations.
Part-time opportunities exist but are less common at the supervisor level; however, some term positions or secondments may offer reduced hours. The nature of workplace well-being work—which often includes delivering programs and supporting employees across multiple locations and time zones—means some flexibility in scheduling is common. Supervisors may have flexibility in their daily schedule to accommodate program delivery, employee consultations, and cross-departmental meetings. Remote work capabilities have expanded for administrative and planning functions, though in-person presence is important for staff supervision and employee engagement. Specific flexibility arrangements should be discussed with the hiring manager during the recruitment process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
