Provincial Specialist, Policy, Interpretation and Appeals

Be a part of Ontario's leading efforts to promote fair and harmonious workplace practices by using your experience and knowledge of the Employment Standards Act 2000 (ESA) to provide solid legislative interpretation for the ministry and clients across the province. As part of our busy and energetic team, you will use legislative knowledge, strategic communication, and planning and organizational skills to support greater knowledge, understanding and compliance with the ESA.

Note: These positions are located at 400 University Ave, Toronto, however alternate work arrangements may be available.

Don't meet every requirement?
If you're excited to work for the Ontario Public Service but don't think you meet all the criteria, please still consider applying. We recognize no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role you will:
• Provide interpretive advice to ministry staff and external clients on policy issues, regulatory practices and enforcement
• Develop interpretive guidelines and materials to support the administration of the ESA, Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, (EPFNA) and Protecting Child Performers Act, 2015.
• Increase employee and employer awareness of their rights and responsibilities
• Liaise with the Ontario Labour Relations Board and Legal Services Branch regarding applications for review under the ESA and EPFNA

How do I qualify?

Planning and Organizational Skills:

• You are organized and can lead complex studies
• You can manage a heavy workload effectively

Legislative and Employment Standards Knowledge:

• You can interpret and apply the ESA, regulations, precedents
and related legislation such as Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act and Protecting Child Performers Act, 2015
• You can interpret issues and recommend policy and legislative changes to the ESA
• You have knowledge of the common law of employment (i.e. wrongful dismissal, labour relations, workers' compensation, pensions, insolvency, collection enforcement)

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• You can provide advice on interpretive matters
• You can write briefing materials and House notes for senior management
• You can liaise with various branches on policy proposals
• You can promote consistent application of the ESA to internal and external stakeholders.
• You can reconcile differing viewpoints.
• You can liaise with stakeholders on legal and policy issues.

Problem Solving, Analytical and Mediation Skills:

• You have demonstrated research, analytical and quantitative skills
• You use your conceptual skills to identify issues and develop appropriate responses
• You can resolve interpretive issues and deal with complex case files