Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Advisor - Talent Pool

Please note: This competition will be used to create an eligibility list to fill current and upcoming opportunities.

Do you have a passion for advancing human rights and achieving equity for all?

Do you believe equity, diversity and inclusion create the ideal conditions for people and organizations to thrive? Do you believe that an organization needs to be proactive in addressing workplace culture issues? Do you have a strong commitment to client service excellence and partnership building ? Do you have an aptitude for thinking out of the box and recommending courageous actions?

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to fostering and sustaining a respectful workplace - a workplace that is inclusive, anti-racist, equitable, accessible and free from discrimination and harassment. The Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention (WDHP) Office, in the Treasury Board Secretariat, supports this commitment by providing workplace advisory and complaint handling services to Ontario ministries.

As a WDHP Advisor, you will provide critical case management services that help ministries across the OPS effectively respond to and resolve allegations of workplace discrimination and/or harassment . On any given day, you will provide confidential advisory services, conduct intake and response interviews, assess complaints, and recommend appropriate resolution strategies that promote human rights and equity. Additionally, you will provide strategic proactive advice for addressing issues that may relate to workplace discrimination and/or harassment and workplace restoration strategies following the completion of the resolution strategy. WDHP Program Delivery Services are divided into three portfolios that will service specific client ministries. As a WDHP Advisor you may be assigned to any of the three portfolios.

Note: These positions are located at the address listed on the job advertisement, however, there may be availability at the following locations:

• 159 Cedar St, Sudbury
• 435 James St S, Thunder Bay
• 661 Exeter Rd, London
• 200 First Ave W, North Bay
• 777 Memorial Ave, Orillia

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 the role of Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention (WDHP) Advisor, you will:

• be an impartial, human rights expert and trusted advisor, familiar with legal obligations under the Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Respectful Workplace Policy

• provide analysis and consulting services to clients (HR partners, complainants, senior executives, etc.), including recommendations for the timely management of discrimination and harassment complaints and issues

• assist in the development, delivery and coordination of educational, training and awareness programs to support the prevention of discrimination and harassment, creating a more diverse, inclusive and respectful Ontario Public Service

• foster collaboration between managers, employees and their representatives, and HR partners in addressing discrimination and harassment issues

• be supported to help you achieve your goals through continuous professional development and coaching

• join a team of passionate and enthusiastic human rights specialists that are viewed as trusted advisors and partners in addressing respectful workplace issues

How do I qualify?

Human Rights Knowledge and Consultative Skills:

• You have knowledge of and experience interpreting and applying legislation, policies and procedures related to human rights and workplace discrimination and harassment, such as the Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• You have knowledge of human resources theories, principles, techniques and the application of collective agreements.
• You have experience providing solutions-oriented, client-focused, strategic advice.
• You have knowledge of organizational theory related to equity issues in the workplace.
• You have knowledge of administrative and civil law, due process and confidentiality and privacy practices.
• You have experience providing advice and guidance to service partners, clients and senior management.

Decision-Making, Analytical and Organizational Skills:

• You have proven ability to exercise sound judgement and remain impartial and you possess political acuity, tact and discretion.
• You can identify and investigate legislative, policy and program issues and complaints and recommend resolution options.
• You have demonstrated analytical, research and problem-solving skills to assess issues, determine appropriate courses of action and when to take risks, review investigation reports, and recommend options to management, ensuring due diligence on behalf of the organization.
• You have strong organizational skills to plan and coordinate work priorities and meet competing deadlines in a demanding environment.
• You can provide input on the development of operating procedures, guidelines, best practices, pilot projects, processes, performance indicators and other tools to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
• You can assess and provide feedback on the performance of third-party service providers required for resolution of workplace matters, including the review of evidence supporting investigation findings to ensure that analyses can withstand third-party scrutiny.
• You can support the development of program data collection and statistical analysis through sound electronic records management and identification of complaint trends and insights.

Conflict Management, Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• You have knowledge and experience with conflict management theories, and practices including conflict resolution, change and transition management, and workplace restoration
• You have proven oral communication skills, active listening and empathy to effectively interact with a wide range of clients, partners and stakeholders including complainants, respondents, managers, external investigators and senior executives.
• You can regularly deliver clear presentations, training and briefings to various audiences, including senior management, front line managers and employees and effectively respond to related queries.
• You can work collaboratively with clients and partners, building effective working relationships, to establish trust and meet mutual goals.
• You have well developed written communication skills to prepare correspondence, reports, briefing notes, research materials and presentations, adapting to meet the needs of the intended audience and/or decision-maker (i.e., Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers).
• You can use human resources information systems and desktop software effectively.