Human Rights Investigator - Whitby, Canada - Durham District School Board

Durham District School Board

Verified Company

Whitby, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Full-time, permanent opportunity

Through its "Ignite Learning" campaign, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) has outlined its strategic priorities, which include Success, Well-Being, Leadership, Equity, Engagement and Innovation. This is an exciting opportunity for a Human Rights Investigator to contribute meaningfully to these priorities.

This newly created position is a key role in supporting the Durham District School Board's commitment to Indigenous rights and human rights.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Corporate Services, you will be responsible for addressing discrimination and harassment complaints and conducting related legal assessments, mediations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, as well as investigations involving students, parents/guardians, employees and community members.

This will include interviewing parties, gathering and analyzing evidence, making findings and writing investigation reports based on legal and human rights principles, analyses and tests.

Collaborative in approach, you will consult with the Indigenous Education department on issues/complaints that concern the Indigenous Education Policy and procedures or involve allegations of violations of Indigenous rights, collaborate with human rights investigators and advisors in other districts and sectors, and participate actively in communities of practice.

Collecting and maintaining complaints-related data, reviewing best practices and case law, identifying potential legal risks, systemic issues and barriers, and recommending strategies to inform and enhance responsive complaints resolution procedures and practices will be an integral part of this role.

This position is an "arm's length" role to support impartial, independent and fair investigations, and reports to the Associate Director of Corporate Services for administrative purposes, only.

You may be required to attend occasional evening meetings.

Qualifications
Your profile as a qualified
Human Rights Investigator will include:

Post-secondary education in law (emphasis on human rights and/or education law preferred) and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
A minimum of five (5) years' relevant legal experience investigating and resolving human rights complaints, using traumainformed and antidiscrimination principles and practices, and conflict resolution skills (alternative dispute resolution/mediation). Experience working with children and youth and/or community legal work is an asset.
An equivalent combination of educational, professional and lived experiences will also be considered.
Knowledge and understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the distinct rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Education Act, and other legislation and related legal principles and case law regarding human rights investigations and the rights of children/youth, students, employees and families/communities in the Board's learning and working environments.
Experience assessing complex human rights issues or complaints based on all Human Rights Code grounds and using strong legal, analytical and problemsolving skills to determine appropriate courses of action.
Experience successfully resolving human rights issues and complaints, including through restorative practices, mediation and other forms of informal and formal alternative dispute resolution and conflict resolution practices.
Experience conducting complex and sensitive human rights investigations, with excellent knowledge of legal and administrative/procedural investigation requirements and best practices.
Experience in, knowledge of, and sensitivity to unique considerations involved in conducting human rights investigations involving children (for example, including interviewing or working and communicating with children and youth of various ages, developmental stages and lived experiences, realities and needs), including how children/youth may express themselves and share sensitive information.
Knowledge of discriminatory barriers and systemic issues in educational services/service delivery and employment.
Understanding of, and demonstrated ability to apply, traumainformed and antidiscriminatory, antiracist and antioppressive principles and approaches to all aspects of complaints resolution (including supporting cultural and other safety needs, minimizing harm and stress on children/youth involved in investigative processes, gathering and assessing information, interviewing parties and witnesses, analyzing evidence and making findings based on legal principles, and conveying the results of investigations).
Experience developing tools and resources to