Human Rights and Equity Advisor

YORK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Human Rights and Equity Advisor

Salary as per Ministry TPA - $170,430 per annum

Under the direction of the Director of Education and/or Associate Director, the Human Rights and Equity Advisor will work proactively among various stakeholders to develop, implement and address human rights matters as well as employment and educational equity risks. The Human Rights and Equity Advisor will make a significant contribution to human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion in our schools and workplaces with a commitment to increasing the Board’s capacity to meet and exceed its legal obligations in support of the Mission, Vision, Core Values and Strategic Commitments as outlined in the York Catholic District School Board Multi-Year Strategic Plan.

• Lead and conduct formal and fair investigations, effectively managing complex issues and mediated resolutions of human rights and workplace harassment complaints under the Board’s Human Rights Policy and Workplace Harassment Policy.
• Develop, direct and implement system-wide policies, procedures and guidelines related to human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion and workplace harassment.
• Provide strategic consultation, advice and interpretation to senior management and external legal counsel on all matters related to human rights, equity, and workplace harassment.
• Provide instruction to Board staff to ensure compliance with the Board’s policies, procedures and guidelines related to human rights, equity, diversity, inclusion and workplace harassment.
• Actively build and promote effective system networks to promote an equitable and inclusive culture respecting human rights in our schools and board community.
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive board wide human rights, equity and inclusion awareness strategy.
• Research, analyze and identify trend data to improve access to human rights and equity program information for all staff as well as develop effective solutions to address and eliminate systemic barriers.
• Develop professional learning and training activities to improve human rights knowledge and awareness that lead to more equitable and inclusive schools and workplaces.
• Develop and implement information campaigns to promote public awareness and deepen understanding of the Board’s human rights and equity programs, policies and procedures.
• Manage correspondence, media requests, conference presentations/speaking engagements and similar requests on behalf of the Director and/or Board, related to human rights and equity initiatives.

• University degree with a focus on Human Rights, Public Administration, Law, Human Resources or related discipline.
• A proven human rights professional with 5-7 years investigating and resolving human rights complaints, complex equity issues and promoting equitable and inclusionary practices in a unionized environment.
• In-depth knowledge of Human Rights Case Law, Policy and Procedures, Workplace Harassment Policy and Procedures, as well as collective agreements provisions.
• Superior understanding of progressive human resources practices, labour relations and employment equity issues within Ontario’s school boards and public education sectors.
• Extensive experience applying human rights legislation and related case law and emerging trends/issues in human rights.
• Experience in designing and delivering human rights learning and training programs.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to build consensus and solve problems with a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to build human rights related policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal, written, dispute resolution, facilitation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Skills in judgement, sensitivity and an inclusive approach to building consensus and solving problems.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the preservation and strengthening of publicly-funded Catholic education.
• Strong cultural competence and…