Human Rights Officer 1(a) - Halifax, Canada - Province of Nova Scotia

Province of Nova Scotia

Verified Company

Halifax, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Department:
Human Rights Commission

Location:

HALIFAX

Type of Employment:
Temporary

Union Status:
NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date:22-Aug-23 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us:

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission ("the Commission") is an independent government agency tasked with administering the Human Rights Act.

The Commission focuses on two key areas:

providing a human rights dispute resolution process to resolve allegations of discrimination both on an individual and systemic level and working to eliminate barriers and prevent discrimination through education, training, public engagement, and policy development.

Through this work, the Commission is helping to build inclusive communities and protect human rights in Nova Scotia.

The Dispute Resolution Division is an active unit within the Commission, employing close to 60% of the Commission's workforce.

The division's work is highly sensitive and focuses on the resolution of complaints related to allegations of discrimination through various methods, such as resolution conferences and investigations.

About Our Opportunity:

Human Rights Officers (HROs) play a key role in protecting and advancing human rights in Nova Scotia.

HROs are responsible for resolving complaints accepted by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Nova Scotia _Human Rights Act_.

Using restorative principles, HROs assess each complaint assigned to them to determine the most appropriate and respectful way of resolving the complaint.

If you are people-focussed and seeking an opportunity to play an important role in promoting fairness and justice in a diverse and inclusive province, this position is for you

Primary Accountabilities:

Investigation of allegations: Employing culturally responsive and traumainformed practices to inquire into and investigate allegations of violations of the Nova Scotia _Human Rights Act_. The HRO will complete fair and impartial investigation of accepted complaints. This is achieved through assessing the complaint information to determine the relevant information required in the investigation, assessing the information (i.e., medical reports, policies, personnel files, data), contacting and interviewing witnesses. This information must be analysed in accordance with relevant human rights principles and a working knowledge of discrimination including systemic discrimination and its impacts.
Endeavour to facilitate settlement of complaint: In keeping with restorative principles and when deemed to be appropriate, HROs will assist the parties in resolving their complaints through collaboration and clarification of issues and mutual agreement on settlement terms.
Documentation: HROs carry a large caseload of complex files and must develop strategies for collecting information, consolidating, reviewing and prioritizing competing tasks in a timely and responsive manner while ensuring high quality documentation is maintained.
Report Writing: HROs are required to prepare high quality reports on complex investigations and materials. These reports contain a succinct description of the facts and evidence gathered, as well as the HRO's analysis of the evidence and relevant legal/human rights principles. The recommendation made by the HRO must be comprehensive and clear in the report.

Qualifications and Experience:

To be considered for this position, you hold a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Law or the Social Sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience with investigation, interviewing, and mediation is required and/or human services case management experience.

In addition, you possess:

Experience with or sound knowledge of restorative and traumainformed approaches;
Knowledge of the content and intent of the _Human Rights Act_ and related legislation, the theories and principles of human rights, and the dynamics of systemic discrimination;
Experience working with equityseeking communities;
Sound interpersonal and communication skills with a strong focus on clientcentered and culturally responsive service delivery;
Sound report writing skills to prepare formal case analysis;
The ability to manage a highvolume caseload while respecting deadlines;
An ability to remain objective and impartial and a sound understanding and adherence to the principles of confidentiality; and
Strong judgment and analytical skills, as well as an ability to work independently.

The following would be viewed as assets: experience interpreting legislation and policies & procedures, and cultural competency training.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency:

Benefits:

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scot