Human Rights Officer, Investigations; Human Rights Officer B B

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Competition # : 47277

Department: Human Rights Commission

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 05-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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 team. 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.

Human Rights Officers (HROs) play a key role in protecting and advancing human rights in Nova Scotia. HROs are responsible for resolving complaints accepted by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Using restorative principles, HROs assess each complaint assigned to them to determine the most appropriate and respectful way of resolving the complaint.

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 is for you!

Working at the Human Rights Commission will mean encountering difficult subject matter and engaging with individuals who are experiencing challenging situations. In the course of your work, you may serve individuals who are experiencing mental health concerns and various manifestations of trauma. While the Commission is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace, team members must also take personal accountability for their own wellness.

• Investigation of allegations:
  Employing culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices to inquire into and investigate allegations of violations of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. The HRO will complete fair and impartial investigation of accepted complaints. This is achieved through assessing the complaint information to determine the relevant information required in the investigation, assessing the information (i.e., medical reports, policies, personnel files, data), contacting and interviewing witnesses.
  
  This information must be analysed in accordance with relevant human rights principles and a working knowledge of discrimination including systemic discrimination and its impacts.
• Endeavor to facilitate settlement of complaints:
  In keeping with restorative principles and when deemed to be appropriate, HROs will assist the parties in resolving their complaints through collaboration and clarification of issues and mutual agreement on settlement terms.
• Documentation: HROs carry a large caseload of complex files and must develop strategies for collecting information, consolidating, reviewing and prioritizing competing tasks in a timely and responsive manner while ensuring high quality documentation is maintained.
• Report Writing: HROs are required to prepare high quality reports on complex investigations and materials. These reports contain a succinct description of the facts and evidence gathered, as well as the HRO’s analysis of the evidence and relevant legal/human rights principles. The recommendation made by the HRO must be comprehensive and clear in the report.

To be considered for this position, you hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Law or the Social Sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with investigation, interviewing, and/or mediation is required. In…