Legal Counsel/director of Representation Services - Ottawa, Canada - Association of Justice Counsel

Description

WE ARE HIRING

April 19, 2024

LEGAL COUNSEL/DIRECTOR OF REPRESENTATION SERVICES

The AJC is currently seeking a Legal Counsel/Director of Representation Services who is interested in working in a dynamic, small team setting that promotes the value and worth of federal public service lawyers and seeks to improve their working conditions.

ABOUT THE AJC
Our people form the foundation of the services we provide to our members.

If you are interested in working with a dynamic, innovative small-team that seeks to improve the working conditions of our members, with the objective of focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), this may be the opportunity for you.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Legal Counsel/Director of Representation Services leads a team of Labour Relations dedicated to supporting the maintenance, interpretation, and enforcement of the collective agreement for the AJC membership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Leads and manages files related to representation, exclusions, grievances, policy grievances, legal and complex labour relations matters.

In this capacity, the incumbent works as lead, in consultation with the Representation and Exclusions Committees, the President, the Vice-President Labour Relations, the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary, and/or the Executive Director, as appropriate in the circumstances.

II. Assists the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary with law reform work.

III.

Represents members both informally and in formal redress procedures before employer officials, including grievances, complaints, mediations, adjudication, and/or matters before various administrative tribunals.

IV.

Provides summary reports on the labour relations portfolio, including the status of representation files to the Governing Council, the Executive Committee, including the President, the Vice-President Labour Relations, General Counsel/Corporate Secretary and Executive Director, as appropriate in the circumstances.

V. Oversees and contributes to legal research, drafts notices, and pleadings, delivers oral and/or written submissions. Maintains quality control and on-time delivery of all assigned projects and commitments.

VI. Coordinates and reports on representation work carried out by external agents and/or counsel as the need arises.

VII.

Represents the AJC at certain labour-management meetings such as public service wide labour management committees, national working groups and other national committees and, participates in such other activities that tie into AJC's representation services generally, including reporting activities.

VIII. Provide mentoring, training, guidance, and coaching to staff under their direction. Participate in staffing and ensure orientation of new Labour Relation Officers. Implement disciplinary and/or corrective measures for all staff under their direction in accordance with the collective agreement.

IX.

Manages and participates in coaching, and development of Governing Council representatives, such as union stewards, and staff under their direction.

X. Responsible for the provision of orientation training and the drafting of Governing Council training materials.

XI. Provides back up support to the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary for legal matters when required.

XII.

Provides advice to the organization and develops positions on AJC issues relating to representation and exclusions, in consultation with the Representation and Exclusions Committees.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

I.

Membership in good standing of the bar of Ontario or of another Canadian province or territory and a minimum 8 years' experience in Ontario and federal labour and employment law, human rights and/or labour relations.

II. Proven experience in leading and managing staff in a unionized environment.

III. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, members, staff, internal and external clients.

IV. Demonstrated understanding of the union legal framework and commitment to union principles.

V.

Knowledge of legislation and case authorities governing labour relations in the federal public service including Treasury Board and other government policies, directives and processes.

VI.

Knowledge and demonstrated expertise in implementing EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), Anti-Oppression, and Anti-Racism principles, practices, programs and policies, including knowledge of those of the Employer and federal public service.

VII. Proven experience with alternative dispute resolution.

VIII. Strong advocacy and relationship building skills.

IX. Demonstrated self-directed approach with an ability to organize, plan, prioritize, and execute at high-level.

X. Ability to plan, lead and facilitate meetings with the use technology such as MS teams and/or Zoom is essential.

XI. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in both official languages.

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