Senior Advisor, Workplace Human Rights & Equity

City of Brampton•Union, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, People & Equity, the Senior Advisor, Workplace Human Rights & Equity provides specialized advice and expertise on workplace human rights, workplace equity and compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). The role partners with the leaders and functional teams across the corporation to support legally compliant, equitable and respectful employment practices while mitigating organizational risk. The Senior Advisor acts as the corporate subject matter expert on workplace human rights and provides strategic consultation across all People & Equity functions. The position leads complex human rights matters, workplace investigations and Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) proceedings, develops corporate policies, standards and educational resources, supports accommodation and workplace human rights practices, identifies systemic issues and recommends organizational improvement and legislative compliance.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in human resources management, human rights law, employment law, industrial relations, or related discipline.
5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in workplace human rights, employee relations, workplace investigations or a related field, preferably within a complex, unionized organization.
Demonstrated experience providing specialized advance and consultation on complex workplace human rights matters, including discrimination, harassment, accommodation and other Human Rights code-related issues.
Experience developing, reviewing and implementing workplace human rights policies, standards, procedures, programs and practical guidance.
Experience identifying and addressing systemic human rights and workplace equity issues through policy, program or employment-practice improvements.
Experience working collaboratively with legal counsel, Human Resources professionals, leaders and other stakeholders on complex and sensitive workplace matters.
Experience supporting human rights complaints, mediation and/or Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario proceedings
Expert knowledge of relevant legislation including Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and other relevant employment and human rights legislation, regulations and related jurisprudence.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sounds judgement, discretion and sensitivity in managing complex, confidential and highly sensitive workplace matters.
Strong consultation, relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to provide credible advice and navigate differing perspectives on complex and sensitive issues.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills including the ability to assess complex information, evidence and competing considerations and develop practical recommendations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as influencing skills and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

Acts as the corporate subject matter expert and principal advisor on workplace human rights, workplace equity, workplace harassment, discrimination and accommodation and related legislative requirements within the City
Provides specialized advice, guidance, and interpretation of the OHRC and related legislation to People & Equity colleagues and all levels of management.
Leads complex workplace human rights, harassment and discrimination investigations, including complaint intake, investigation planning, fact-finding, interviews, evidence analysis, report preparation and recommendations, in accordance with applicable legislation, policies and procedures.
Supports the City’s response to Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) applications and proceedings in collaboration with City’s legal counsel and internal stakeholders, including preparing documentation, providing subject matter expertise, participating in mediations and hearings as required.
Provides consultation and specialized human rights advice to People & Equity functional teams on complex employee matters, policies, programs and employment practices.
Identifies emerging human rights risks, systemic issues and trends and recommends practical solutions support legislative compliance and consistent organizational practices.
Develops and recommends Corporate policies, standards, guidance and programs related to workplace human rights, workplace equity, harassment, discrimination and accommodation, in accordance with applicable legislation , organizational requirements and best practices.
Reviews People & Equity policies, programs and employment practices and provides specialized advice to support human rights compliance and equitable application.
Research legislative developments, case law, emerging practices and trends and recommends updates to policies, programs and practices.
Develop and implement practical tools, resources and guidance to support leaders and People & Equity teams in applying human rights requirements.
Supports the implementation of and ongoing review of human-rights related policies and procedures and recommends improvements based on identified issues, trend and organizational experience.
Keeps informed of legislative developments, emerging human rights issues, case law and leading practices relevant to workplace human rights and equity and potential impacts to the City.
Review trends, organizational data and recurring issues to identify potential systemic barriers, risks and opportunities for improvement.
Analyze internal and external factors that may impact workplace human rights and equity practices and recommend appropriate responses.
Provides a human rights and workplace equity lens to corporate and People & Equity initiatives, programs and organizational changes.
Supports continuous improvement by evaluating the effectiveness of and consistent application of human-rights related policies, processes and practices and recommending enhancements.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with departmental and divisional leaders, union partners, and all relevant internal and external stakeholders to advise, guide, and inform partners of human rights, workplace harassment/discrimination requirements and changes.
Provides customer service excellence and ensures seamless information sharing.
Partners and collaborates across departments and divisions to provide strategic advice and contribute key insights based on subject matter expertise for projects, processes, and guidelines.
Provides daily advice, guidance, feedback and on-the-job training to peers and leaders.
Prepares briefings, updates and recommendations to leadership regarding strategic change, new policy, programs, and processes.
Enhances transparency and awareness of human rights and workplace harassment/discrimination programs and processes by maintaining continuous communication channels at all levels of the organization.
Facilitates open information sharing and timely delivery of information to ensure awareness and critical/sensitive information.
Contributes to the development and delivery of communication plans for Corporate initiatives, with consideration for all key stakeholders including but not limited to employees, leaders, Human Resources union partners, and Joint Health and Safety Committees.