Senior Human Rights Officer - Toronto District School Board

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Manager, Human Rights, the Senior Human Rights Officer will be responsible for resolution of complex harassment/discrimination complaints and building appropriate and standardized processes in support of this, as well as increasing understanding of the nature and effects of harassment and discrimination and promoting a culture of human rights, equity and inclusion for employees, students, parents and other stakeholders

The Senior Human Rights Officer will:

• Conduct and oversee investigations related to harassment or discrimination incidents/complaints and develop related guidelines and protocols to support standardization of such processes;
• Facilitate the resolution of complaints through alternative dispute resolution processes such as formal mediations;
• Design and implement early intervention strategies to resolve human rights and workplace harassment conflicts before they escalate;
• Support human rights and workplace harassment complaint intake and conduct preliminary complaint fact finding, triaging, and threshold assessment;
• Develop and provide education, training, and capacity building tools relating to conflict resolution, investigation, and mediation for senior administrators and staff; and
• Provide interpretation, advice and guidance to TDSB staff on matters related to Human Rights Code, Human Rights and Workplace Harassment Prevention Policies and associated Procedures, as well as other equity-related issues.

Summary of Duties

• Investigate harassment/discrimination complaints in accordance with TDSB policies, procedures and legislative requirements;
• Conduct and promote mediation for early resolution;
• Prepare settlement agreements;
• Provide interpretation, advice and guidance to staff, students, parents and other stakeholders to assist with resolution of harassment/discrimination complaints;
• Conduct preliminary fact finding, complaint threshold assessment and triaging;
• Provide neutral/unbiased and confidential assistance/support to those involved in the process;
• Promote conflict transformation both at the formal and informal level;
• Liaise with unions, federations and associations in the resolution of complaints;
• Prepare reports and make recommendations on findings through collaboration with Human Rights System Lead, Manager and senior officials;
• Write and/or assist in organizing the preparation of complex investigation reports including findings, analysis and recommendations;
• Provide direction to and oversight of third-party external investigators on investigation related matters as required;
• Act as a liaison between the Board and third party legal/consulting firms as required;
• Liaise with Employee Services and TDSB Legal Counsel to address complaints, grievances and other proceedings;
• Contribute to the development and design of educational programs and provide system-wide and customized training workshops and presentation on TDSB’s Workplace Harassment Prevention and Human Rights Policies and Procedures;
• Educate TDSB staff about the Workplace Harassment Prevention and Human Rights Policies and Procedures, as well as other policies/legislation aimed at addressing human rights and equity issues;
• Promote a positive human rights culture and educational programs designed to eliminate disadvantage caused by discrimination/harassment resulting in positive systemic changes;
• Provide leadership in fostering human rights, equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services;
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of related Policies, Procedures and Protocols to ensure compliance;
• Contribute to the development and provision of effective communication strategies to assist with implementation of the Workplace Harassment Prevention and Human Rights Policies and Procedures;
• Conduct research, analysis and investigations to ensure that incidents/complaints are resolved in a consistent, impartial, timely and fair manner;
• Monitor the resolution of incidents/complaints to ensure that appropriate recommendations are implemented;
• Collect and maintain data and other information regarding incidents/complaints, identify systemic trends and strategies to address and remove these; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• University degree in a related field (e.g. Human Rights/Equity, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Law) with four years of progressively responsible related human rights experience within a large unionized public sector environment or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Human rights and workplace harassment experience including complaint management, fact finding, assessment and triaging, case management, conducting complex investigations, and leading conflict resolution, mediation and alternative dispute resolution;
• Training and successful experience in conducting harassment/discrimination investigations;
• Training and experience conducting mediations;
• Skills in, informal and alternative dispute resolution practices and conflict resolution skills;
• Knowledge of progressive human rights and workplace harassment prevention practices including related legislation, case law (e.g. Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Freedom of Information) and human resources practices;
• Proven ability in promoting equitable practices which value inclusiveness and diversity;
• Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting marginalized groups and working with diverse communities in an anti-oppressive/anti-racist, culturally relevant and responsive manner;
• Demonstrated experience dealing with sensitive and confidential information and handling contentious issues with sensitivity, good judgement and discretion;
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport with various stakeholders;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in order to prepare concise, settlement agreements, comprehensive reports, present investigation findings, lead mediations, facilitate training sessions and to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders;
• Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills;
• Proven ability to work under pressure in order to meet frequent deadlines; and
• Proficient computer skills including word processing, databases, presentation packages, case management software, email, internet.

Special Requirements

Requires regular travel across TDSB.