Position: Human Rights Officer 1(A)-(B)-2(A)-(B)-3 (Intake) (Designated)
Competition # : 41591
Department: Human Rights Commission
Location: Halifax, Sydney and Digby
Type of Employment: Temporary Assignment [Regular]
Union Status: NSGEU – NSPG
Closing Date: 05-Feb-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Under the Government of Nova Scotia’s Employment Equity Policy, this position is designated and therefore, only applicants from the following group will be considered: 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.
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/
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!
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.
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:
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.
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
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.
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.
This is a Temporary employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of October 1, 2024. The appointment status (Temporary or Casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
Pay Grade: PR 04 – PR 14
Salary Range: $1,764.93 – $3,215.50 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: Internal applicants 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.
Interested external applicants, please apply in the following link: External applicants link
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 Competitions@novascotia.ca.