Access and Privacy Officer — City of Vaughan, Ontario

CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE

We have an exciting Temporary Non-Unionized opportunity in the Office of the City Clerk for an experienced and motivated individual.

Access and Privacy Officer (Contract)

(FILE #J1124-0021)

As one of Southern Ontario’s fastest growing cities, with its mix of urban and rural areas, Vaughan is an in-demand place to live and work. Vaughan is considered one of Canada’s most family-friendly cities with a dynamic and diverse population of over 300,000. With one of the top-performing economies, a growing tourism industry, and an enviable portfolio of recreational and cultural venues, this is the place where you want to be.

Responsible for:

Reporting directly to the City Clerk, the Access and Privacy Officer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City’s Access and Privacy program, including preparing responses to access requests made under access to information legislation and issuing decisions on behalf of the City Clerk; provides guidance, training and direction and procedural advice to City staff; develops policies relating to the protection of personal privacy and other matters related to the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Serves as a change agent to promote the establishment of a culture of openness and privacy protection. Maintains a high level of confidentiality and use of discretion in handling highly sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the City’s designated liaison with the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) and responsible for representing the City’s interests at all stages of the appeal process, such as mediation and adjudication; implementing recommendations as per IPC orders where appropriate.
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the City’s Access and Privacy program; analyzes and prepares the City’s response to requests made under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and issues decisions on access on behalf of the City Clerk.
• Serves as an advisory role to Council support staff and City departments on access and privacy issues, participating in various City working groups, and developing training resources on routine disclosure and the collection and use of personal information in accordance with the Act.
• Manages the City’s response to privacy breaches and provides advice to staff to mitigate their impact, working with the IPC where appropriate.
• Researches, develops and implements various access and privacy-related policies, guidelines, forms, and procedures for the collection of information, disclosure to the public, and the processing of access requests.
• Tracks and maintains complex file management systems, compiling and submitting the annual statistical report to the IPC; overseeing regular review and updates to the City’s Personal Information Banks (PIBs).
• Supports the delivery of Municipal and School Board Elections, as required.
• Coordinates with staff from other local Municipalities, York Regional Police, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority as well as provincial ministries on access to information requests.
• Reviews and advises staff of potential threats to privacy during the development of new City programs; conducts Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) in consultation with staff to review new programs and provide direction on MFIPPA compliance as necessary.
• Manages assigned staff within the Access and Privacy team, including scheduling, managing performance, and identifying and providing training and development opportunities.
• Assesses staffing needs, participates in the recruitment process, and prepares recommendations concerning the selection of staff.
• Prepares, recommends, and administers the annual budget for the Access and Privacy unit, in accordance with corporate guidelines and procedures.

Qualifications and experience:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Information or related field or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.
• Minimum seven (7) years progressively responsible administrative experience at a senior level within a local municipal setting or other government agency.
• Regular participation in Ministry of Government Services annual Access and Privacy training.
• Extensive knowledge of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Personal Health Information Protection Act.
• Broad knowledge of legislation with specific knowledge of Provincial legislation (e.g. Municipal Act, Health legislation, Social Services legislation) and Procurement Policies.
• Knowledge of municipal organizations including political and organizational structure.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications, as well as proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to conduct training sessions for City staff on access and privacy issues.
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in, the City’s core competencies and relevant functional competencies.
• Possesses a valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license in good standing.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required.

Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.