Human Rights Officer, Early Resolution (Human Rights Officer 1(A)-(B)-2(A)-(B)-3)

Competition # : 45150

Department: Human Rights Commission

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 26-Feb-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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 team. 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. The HRO, Early Resolution is a new role that will focus specifically on the early resolution of inquiries and complaints. 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, Early Resolution carries out the impartial review and resolution of inquiries and complaints brought to the attention of the Human Rights Commission. You may be 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 collaboratively assess the appropriateness of early resolution for specific inquiries and complaints. You will facilitate resolution conferences using a variety of restorative and conflict resolution approaches. You will also use your expertise in conflict resolution and restorative practice to support colleagues in the resolution of complaints and to help build conflict-competence within the Commission. You will often be faced with a wide array of information and will need to be organized, analytical, and restorative in your approach to complex issues.

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: experience working with legislation, policies and 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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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 a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

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

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of October 4, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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
  
  

Pay Grade: PR 04 - PR 14

Salary Range: $1,773.75 - $3,231.58 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This Is a Bargaining Unit Position Initially Restricted To Current Civil Service Employees Represented By The Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If Applying From Outside a Government Office, Employees Must Apply Correctly Via This Link

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to [email protected].