Human Rights Officer 1(A)-(B)-2(A)-(B)-3 (Designated)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous Person, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons.

See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

About Us

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) is an independent government agency mandated with administering the Human Rights Act. The Commission focuses on two key areas: providing a human rights dispute resolution process to resolve allegations of discrimination both on an individual and systemic level; and working to eliminate barriers and prevent discrimination through education, training, public engagement, and policy development. Through this work, the Commission is helping to build inclusive communities and protect human rights in Nova Scotia.
 

The Dispute Resolution Division is an active unit within the Commission, employing close to 60% of the Commission’s workforce. The division’s work is highly sensitive and focuses on the resolution of inquiries and complaints related to allegations of discrimination through various methods, such as resolution conferences and investigations.
 

For more information about the Commission, visit our website here: https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/

About Our Opportunity

Human Rights Officers (“HROs”) play a key role in protecting and advancing human rights in Nova Scotia. HROs are responsible for resolving inquiries as well as complaints accepted by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Using restorative principles, HROs assess each matter assigned to them to determine the most appropriate and respectful way of resolving the matter. If you are people-focused and seeking an opportunity to play an important role in promoting fairness and justice in a diverse and inclusive province, this position may be for you!

Primary Accountabilities

Reporting to the Manager, Dispute Resolution, and with functional leadership from the Senior Human Rights Officer, the HRO carries out the impartial review and resolution of inquiries brought to the attention of the Human Rights Commission. You are often the first contact at the Commission and will interact with individuals to gather an understanding of their circumstances and apply the provisions of the Human Rights Act. You will assess the provided information to determine if it meets legislative criteria. You will often be faced with a wide array of information and will need to be organized and analytical in your approach to complex issues. When an assessment is completed, you will work with the individual to draft a formal written complaint following Commission standards.

In a team environment, you will work collaboratively with colleagues to provide excellence in service delivery, while maintaining neutrality and carrying out the functions of the Commission’s dispute resolution process. You will direct the public to other community resources in appropriate circumstances.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this position, you hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as social work, sociology, law or other social science disciplines; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, you possess:

• experience with and/or sound knowledge of restorative and trauma-informed approaches;
• knowledge of the Human Rights Act and related legislation, the principles of human rights, and the dynamics of systemic discrimination;
• experience working with equity-seeking communities;
• sound interpersonal and communication skills with a strong focus on client-centered and culturally responsive service delivery;
• experience with investigations or mediation and/or human services case management;
• an ability to remain objective and impartial with a sound understanding and adherence to the principles of confidentiality;
• strong judgment and analytical skills, as well as an ability to work independently; and
• demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume caseload to meet deadlines.

The following would be viewed as assets: a law degree, experience working with legislation, policies & procedures; a certificate in conflict resolution/conflict management; or designation as certified/qualified/chartered mediator.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

With departmental approval, this position has the opportunity to work out of the following offices: Halifax, Sydney and Digby.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules