Job Detail

The Peel District School Board (PDSB) is establishing a learning and workplace culture rooted in respect and dignity through the Human Rights Office and is looking for a Human Rights Officer to join our team as we expand and build out our strategic vision in alignment with the March 2020 Ministry Review of PDSB, which identified concerns of systemic discrimination, racism, namely anti-Black racism, and other forms of oppression. If you are the type of individual who can affirm, inspire and communicate a strong community-oriented vision of human rights through a legal and equity-driven framework, you will welcome this professionally and personally rewarding career opportunity.

Reporting to the Executive Lead - Human Rights, you will contribute to creating and executing the Human Rights Office’s strategic goals and objectives aimed at dismantling all forms of discrimination at PDSB. This includes receiving, analyzing and triaging complaints of harassment or discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code to identify direct and systemic issues, facilitate early and collaborative resolutions where possible and appropriate, and conceptualize immediate and long-term organizational solutions.

As a Human Rights Officer, you will manage all aspects of formal investigation, including interviewing parties, making findings of facts and allegations, assessing, recommending and implementing informal resolutions where appropriate, and preparing investigation reports. You will also perform legal research and case law analysis, identify gaps and engage in ongoing PDSB policy/procedure review aimed at promoting and safeguarding human rights, and engage in data collection and trend analysis to identify patterns and potential systemic issues. A savvy, persuasive communicator, you will contribute to staff and community outreach, education and training to promote awareness, confidence and understanding of human rights, and liaise with other offices and departments, including employee resource groups, parent and community committees, third-party investigators, unions, federations, associations and other stakeholders.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

With your knowledge of progressive human rights and workplace harassment prevention practices, backed by a degree in a related field (Law, Human Rights/Equity, Humanities, Social Sciences, or Public Administration), you have a solid foundation for success in this pivotal role. As a Human Rights Officer, you will also leverage the following experience, knowledge and skill set:

• At least three (3) years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, in human rights, preferably in a unionized public sector or educational setting, with experience in complaints resolution related to workplace harassment issues, conducting intake, mediations, investigations, documentation and reporting.
• In-depth understanding of case-management, mediation and conflict resolution/ADR processes.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting and overseeing harassment/discrimination investigations.
• Knowledge of human rights law and administrative law and principles, employment and labour law, and laws relating to education, equity, child youth justice and child welfare.
• In-depth knowledge of the March 2020 Ministry Review, including the historical context which led to the Review and Ministry Directives.
• Experience with, and knowledge of, techniques for designing and delivering training and education programs for staff, students and the broader school community related to human rights and equity.
• Demonstrated effectiveness and success in case management, analyzing and identifying issues, providing mediation and conflict resolution services, achieving early resolution and determining appropriate recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication, problem-solving and data analytical skills.
• Sound judgment, sensitivity and empathy, broad understanding and an inclusive approach to building consensus and solving problems.
• Ability to take initiative and be proactive to identify gaps and potential requirements for education and training programs to promote a healthy learning and working environment.
• A valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression, and to working in a diverse school community and/or work environment.

NOTE:

• Must not have any conflicts of interest that would impact the independence and impartiality of the Human Rights Office.
• Lived experience as a member of a Code-protected, equity-deserving group will be considered.

ASSET:

• Licence to practise law.

Salary range: $97,504 to $121,883 per annum

To apply for the position of Human Rights Officer, please complete an online application through Apply To Education. Your completed application package on Apply to Education must include your cover letter, resume and supporting educational credentials. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The Peel District School Board (PDSB) is a racially, culturally and linguistically diverse board that serves 155,000+ students and approximately 17,000 employees. In PDSB, 87% of students are racialized, non-white, representing 162 different ethnic backgrounds. Students in Peel have 121 different first languages. Student diversity also exists in terms of gender and gender expression, sexuality and in terms of ability and faith. A responsive and empathetic understanding of the lived experiences of the students and communities we serve is vital to those who will take on leadership roles within the PDSB. The workforce consists of teachers, office staff, custodial staff, education assistants and professional staff. The workforce is largely unionized through PDSB’s numerous affiliated bargaining agents.

Commitment to Equity, Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism

The Peel District School Board is committed to equity in employment. We are committed to equitable hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the full diversity of the Region of Peel. We will provide reasonable accommodation (e.g., an accessible location, rescheduling of interviews that fall on Days of Significance, etc.) based on any of the human rights protected grounds, during the hiring process if advised in advance.

We are also committed to inclusion, anti-oppression and anti-racist practices while also supporting the continuous growth and development of an equitable and empowered education system at the PDSB.

​Criminal Background Check

Successful candidates must provide a satisfactory Criminal Background Check prior to commencing employment. Please review the requirements at the CRC link.

​Recruitment Process

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but will only be contacting candidates whose skills, experience and qualifications best meet the requirements of the position. When contacted, candidates will be provided with an overview of the various elements of the selection process; such as, test and skill demonstrations. All communication to applicants regarding this job posting, including an invitation to complete skills assessments and/or a job interview if applicable, will be made through email. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check their email as listed on their applytoeducation.com account.

Discover why you should consider a career with us!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $97,504.00-$121,883.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift