Sr Consultant Human Rights Edhr

City of Toronto•Union, NJ

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Consultant, Human Rights (EDHR) advances human rights practices at the City of Toronto. Reporting to the Manager, Human Rights, this highly independent role provides expert advice and resolves complex employee and resident harassment and discrimination complaints. The position also supports the development of policies, programs, education, and communications that promote positive systemic change and advance human rights, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation. The role advises City staff, elected officials, job applicants, residents, and facility users on City human rights policies and relevant legislation. It conducts complex and systemic investigations, supports complaint resolution, advises on accommodation issues, and contributes to corporate human rights programs. The Senior Consultant also mentors and coordinates consultants and administrative staff, maintains confidential records, and may testify before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal or at arbitrations.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in a professional discipline pertinent to the job function, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive human rights experience in a major unionized public- or private-sector organization.
Extensive experience conducting complex investigations and major human rights interventions, including investigation planning, evidence gathering, interviewing, addressing individual and systemic issues, report writing, determining findings, applying legislation and case law, and making recommendations.
Considerable experience leading, developing, implementing, and evaluating corporate human rights and equity programs, policies, and projects to advance strategic directions and organizational change.
Considerable experience facilitating complaint resolution through alternative dispute resolution, such as negotiations, facilitated conversations, mediation, Minutes of Settlement, or restorative processes such as healing circles.
Knowledge and application of relevant provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, contractual obligations including collective agreement administration, and current human rights case law.
Highly developed communication, presentation, and human relations skills, including the ability to communicate persuasively and effectively at all organizational levels.
Strong analytical skills to assess evidence and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to identify needs and initiate, coordinate, and manage solutions in response to client issues.
Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment, remain impartial, and work independently.
Political acumen to address sensitive issues and work with employees, management, senior leadership, and Council.

Nice To Haves

A law degree (LLB or JD).

Responsibilities

Provide consultation, interpretation, and direction on City human rights policies and relevant legislation to City staff, elected officials, job applicants, residents, and facility users.
Provide confidential, impartial expert advice, coaching, and conflict resolution approaches to parties in dispute.
Conduct complex or systemic employee and resident harassment and discrimination investigations, including interviewing parties, gathering evidence, conducting research, analyzing information, preparing reports, determining findings, and recommending remedies through a trauma-informed lens.
Mentor, coach, develop, and guide Consultants on issues and projects, and coordinate the work of Consultants and administrative staff.
Testify before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and at arbitrations where required.
Assess equity impacts of complaint outcomes and develop resources to address gaps and build human rights understanding and capacity within the City.
Support management on human rights issues, including accommodation requests and complaints, and provide direction on investigations conducted by internal divisions, human resource professionals, or external investigators.
Promote a positive human rights culture through research and analysis, identifying trends and systemic barriers, and recommending or implementing solutions.
Assess and report on emerging human rights case law and legislative changes.
Develop and implement corporate human rights programs that embed access, equity, and diversity into policy, procedures, education, and communications.
Review and advise on human rights programs, policies, procedures, and education to ensure alignment with City equity and inclusion principles and legislative obligations.
Build and maintain relationships with internal partners to develop, facilitate, and promote human rights, access, equity, and diversity policies and programs.
Maintain detailed reports of investigations, inquiries, statistics, and confidential records.