Senior Workplace Investigator - Conduct and WHD

Metrolinx•Toronto, ON

About The Position

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario. At Metrolinx, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to living our values of serving with passion, thinking forward and playing as a team. Under the direction of the Manager, Workplace Investigations, the Senior Workplace Investigator – Conduct and Workplace Harassment and Discrimination (WHD) receives, assesses and investigates incidents and/or complaints by Metrolinx employees of misconduct, conflict of interest, disclosure of wrongdoing, workplace harassment and discrimination received by Metrolinx’s WHD Prevention Team under Employee & Labour Relations. This role will provide investigative expertise in the areas of human rights, harassment, discrimination, and workplace conduct. This role will be the liaison to key partners and business groups on highly sensitive, complex employee relations and human rights matters, including leveraging a solid understanding of the Public Service of Ontario Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related legislation, together with experience applying those laws to workplace issues, and conducting related investigations. The Senior Workplace Investigator will also be expected to support workplace restoration efforts.

Requirements

Completion of a degree/diploma in Law, Human Rights, Labour Relations or Human Resources, or related field. Advanced degree preferred – or a combination of education, investigation and ADR training and experience deemed equivalent.
Demonstrated progressive experience in relevant positions such as Workplace Investigator in Human Rights, Harassment and Discrimination, and/or Ethics and Conductor other related investigative positions, with experience in conducting workplace investigations under the Ontario Human Rights Code; the Occupational Health and Safety Act; and the Public Service of Ontario Act and experience in alternative dispute resolution (i.e. mediation, conciliation) techniques.
Extensive workplace investigation skills, training, and experience, into complex workplace misconduct and human rights complaints of workplace harassment, discrimination, violence, conflict of interest, etc.
In-depth knowledge and demonstrated ability to interpret and apply human rights, employment and safety related legislation (i.e. Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act), combined with strong knowledge of equity and diversity principles and jurisprudence related to human rights and inclusion issues.
Experienced in conducting complex human rights and workplace misconduct investigations, including in a unionized environment and with a public sector employer governed by the Public Service of Ontario Act.
Demonstrates behaviours and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Knowledge, involvement, and familiarity with the history of barriers faced by racialized, Indigenous, and Black communities due to racism and anti-Black racism issues of equity and systemic change.
Extensive interviewing, investigative and research skills, report writing and presentation skills.
Excellent judgement and objectivity supported by strong analytical, problem-solving skills and case management skills.
Active listening skills to understand the full extent of issues to analyze and resolve issues.
Experience in developing and delivering employee training programs on workplace harassment and discrimination prevention, and human rights.
Experience in alternative dispute resolution (conciliation/mediation/negotiation) techniques.
Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Agile and demonstrated flexibility to multi-task.
Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Experience working with unionized employees as well as collective agreement interpretation and application.
Strong understanding and experience in the application of best practices in workplace and human rights investigatory methods and techniques, and the application of procedural fairness.

Nice To Haves

LL.B./JD and/or CHRP certification are assets.

Responsibilities

Intake, triage, investigate and resolve complex and diverse workplace issues and complaints relating to harassment, discrimination, unprofessional conduct, wrongdoing and other related misconduct violations under Metrolinx’s Code of Conduct and Ethical Employee Behaviour Policy, Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, and related corporate policies and legislation.
Conduct complex, multifaceted workplace investigations, including investigations into allegations of workplace harassment, discrimination, human rights, misconduct. Manage the full investigation process from the receipt of a complaint to resolution by managing intake, triage, complainant, respondent and witness interviews, report writing and delivery of findings and conclusions.
Exercise a variety of skills, including critical thinking, data analysis, rigorous research methods, advanced investigative techniques, and time management processes to ensure investigations are thorough, impartial, well-supported and timely.
Engage with internal key stakeholders, including senior leadership, within the business regarding investigation outcomes and recommended outcomes and resolutions to prevent reoccurrences and restore the workplace.
Conduct workplace assessments, including cultural assessments and systemic reviews, as required.
Tracks and monitors workplace complaints by Metrolinx employees and, conducts trend analysis and data reporting for strategic program planning to address areas of concern and implement workplace preventative and restorative measures.
Reviews Metrolinx’s business ethics and human rights policies including the Respectful Workplace and Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy and Procedures, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Behaviour Policy, for continuous improvement and to ensure legislative and regulatory compliance.
Develops and delivers workplace harassment and discrimination prevention training and presentations to various stakeholders to help build awareness and promote respectful, ethical, and safe work environments.
Provide subject matter expertise and consultation to senior leadership and employees on their rights and responsibilities with respect to ethics and human rights corporate policies and related legislative requirements.
Work with cross functional teams, advisory committees, and stakeholders to advance related corporate projects and initiatives as needed.
Maintain current knowledge of best practices, common law, and legal/regulatory requirements to assist in the strategic development, implementation, and administration of business ethics, workplace conduct and human rights policies and programs.
Interacts with internal or external counsel on litigation matters relating to internal workplace investigations.
Assesses and mitigates potential risks by implementing reasonable solutions that fit within the framework of a particular case.
Identifies gaps in policy and process and can recommend enterprise-wide solutions.
Finds opportunities to improve workplace investigations and provides expertise that helps build and implement innovative and remedial solutions, programs, and policies.
Uses statistical information and metrics (i.e. indicators, trends, reports and/or data) to identify quality improvement initiatives in policies, processes and program, including process streamlining, Lean continuous improvements and leveraging technological options.
Develops and maintains an environment of positive collaboration through strong working relationships and linkages between business units and departments, and between Metrolinx and others.