Current Opportunities

As a Communications Officer for our Children & Youth Unit Unit, you’ll be part of a versatile, dynamic team that specializes in issues related to children and youth who are receiving services from Ontario children's aid societies, foster homes, group homes, secure treatment facilities and youth justice facilities. Your communications expertise will support the work of the Ombudsman and the Children & Youth Unit through reports, speeches and other communications products, as well as outreach and engagement with news media, child welfare system stakeholders and the public. If you’re a fully bilingual, media-savvy communicator who’s passionate about helping young people in care and promoting and protecting their rights, this position is for you.

 

YOU:

• Have excellent writing and editing skills in English and French, whether you’re drafting a two-page press release, editing a 50-page report, writing a speech, or crafting a series of social media posts

• Have knowledge of matters related to child protection services, the rights of youth in care, and groups and professionals who help young people

• Are an experienced event planner, adept at co-ordinating logistics and liaising with outside organizations, and skilled at on-site event management and troubleshooting

• Can produce PowerPoint presentations for a range of presenters and audiences

• Have demonstrated success in public outreach and fostering relationships with stakeholders

• Have experience monitoring traditional and social media

• Are able to distil complicated and nuanced ideas into plain language

• Can nimbly manage competing priorities in a busy environment

• Are a self-starter, capable of working independently and in a small team

• Have a background in communications, journalism and/or government

WE:

• Are always looking for new ways to inform youth in care and concerned adults about how the Ombudsman can help

• Produce print products, web content, videos, photos, speeches and slide presentations – all in English and French, and mostly in-house

• Keep our followers, stakeholders and staff informed and connected

• Network with ombudsmen and child advocate organizations in Canada and around the world

• Work in a progressive, fast-paced environment     

THE DETAILS:

The position reports to the Manager, Communications – French Language Services and Children and Youth Units.   

In this position, you will produce communications materials, web content (print, digital, video) and social media content, and monitor news and social media – all with a focus on the work of the Children & Youth Unit. You will also play a role in engaging with child welfare service providers across Ontario, supporting the Unit’s director and the Ombudsman in building relationships, co-ordinating events and liaising with stakeholders and the public to raise awareness of the role of the Ombudsman.

 

Applicants must have:

• A post-secondary degree in communications, journalism or a related field

• At least three years’ work experience that includes event co-ordination and stakeholder engagement

• Solid writing and editing skills in English and French (must be fluent in speaking, reading and writing in both languages)

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities

• Knowledge of major social media platforms, video editing, website management, and analytics tools

• Experience with social media, traditional communications and media relations, in English and French

• An understanding of the child protection system in Ontario

• Superior research skills

As part of the Early Resolutions team Children and Youth Unit, you’ll be the first contact for people coming to the Ontario Ombudsman’s office with complaints about children and youth and services provided by children’s aid societies (CAS) services, residential licensees, and secure treatment programs. Early Resolution Officers (EROs), Children and Youth, triage and analyze complaints to clearly identify issues and determine how to resolve them or when to escalate them. EROs must be able to capably frame issues for escalation and for regular reporting to senior management. Each ERO manages a caseload of files, as well as assists with trend analysis to identify complaint patterns and potential systemic issues. In addition to receiving complaints by email and letter, EROs use their active listening and interviewing skills to take complaints over the phone and in person, at times dealing with complainants who may require special accommodation, or who may be frustrated and distressed by their experience.

This opportunity will appeal to people who are keen to develop innovative solutions within a structured framework and while respecting existing processes and procedures. Successful candidates are both analytical and empathetic, and enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively. Opportunities to work on complaints in French for bilingual candidates.

 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• A minimum of two years’ experience providing intake and complaint handling services in a similar organization

• Post-secondary education in social sciences or law

• An understanding of issues that children and youth experience related to children’s aid societies, residential licensees, and secure treatment

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing and identifying issues without injecting opinion or acting as an advocate

• Ability to bring innovative thinking to an issue, while working within a prescribed framework

• Capable of multitasking, balancing the need to resolve issues quickly with an effective and thorough analysis

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with children or youth and those specifically who are distressed, emotionally distraught or who may require special accommodation

• Excellent verbal and written skills, and ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with individuals at all levels

• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently and with a team

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with provincial government or broader public sector organizations responsible for the delivery of services to children and youth including relevant boards, tribunals, and agencies

• Familiarity with social media and new technology an asset

As part of the Early Resolutions team, you’ll be the first contact for people coming to the Ontario Ombudsman’s office with complaints about the Ontario government. Early Resolution Officers (EROs) triage and analyze complaints to clearly identify issues and determine how to resolve them or when to escalate them. EROs must be able to capably frame issues for escalation and for regular reporting to senior management.

Each ERO manages a caseload of files, as well as assists with trend analysis to identify complaint patterns and potential systemic issues. In addition to receiving complaints by email and letter, EROs use their active listening and interviewing skills to take complaints over the phone and in person, at times dealing with complainants who may require special accommodation, or who may be frustrated and distressed by their experience with different government organizations.

This opportunity will appeal to people who are keen to develop innovative solutions within a structured framework and while respecting existing processes and procedures. Successful candidates are both analytical and empathetic, and enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively. Opportunities to work on complaints in French for bilingual candidates.
 

About you

Successful candidates will have the following:

• A minimum of two years' experience providing intake and complaint handling services in a similar organization

• Post-secondary education in social sciences or law

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing and identifying issues without injecting opinion or acting as an advocate

• Ability to bring innovative thinking to an issue, while working within a prescribed framework

• Capable of multitasking, balancing the need to resolve issues quickly with an effective and thorough analysis

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with individuals who are distressed, emotionally distraught or who may require special accommodation

• Excellent verbal and written skills, and ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with individuals at all levels

• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently and with a team

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience related to provincial government organizations including boards, tribunals and agencies

• Familiarity with social media and new technology is an asset

As part of the Early Resolutions team Children and Youth Unit, you’ll be the first contact for people coming to the Ontario Ombudsman’s office with complaints about children and youth and services provided by children’s aid societies (CAS) services, residential licensees, and secure treatment programs. Early Resolution Officers (EROs), Children and Youth, triage and analyze complaints to clearly identify issues and determine how to resolve them or when to escalate them. EROs must be able to capably frame issues for escalation and for regular reporting to senior management. Each ERO manages a caseload of files, as well as assists with trend analysis to identify complaint patterns and potential systemic issues. In addition to receiving complaints by email and letter, EROs use their active listening and interviewing skills to take complaints over the phone and in person, at times dealing with complainants who may require special accommodation, or who may be frustrated and distressed by their experience.

This opportunity will appeal to people who are keen to develop innovative solutions within a structured framework and while respecting existing processes and procedures. Successful candidates are both analytical and empathetic, and enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively. Opportunities to work on complaints in French for bilingual candidates.

 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• A minimum of two years’ experience providing intake and complaint handling services in a similar organization

• Post-secondary education in social sciences or law

• Proven ability to work in both English and French, with French language skills (oral and written) at advanced level or above.

• An understanding of issues that children and youth experience related to children’s aid societies, residential licensees, and secure treatment

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing and identifying issues without injecting opinion or acting as an advocate

• Ability to bring innovative thinking to an issue, while working within a prescribed framework

• Capable of multitasking, balancing the need to resolve issues quickly with an effective and thorough analysis

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with children or youth and those specifically who are distressed, emotionally distraught or who may require special accommodation

• Excellent verbal and written skills, and ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with individuals at all levels

• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently and with a team

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with provincial government or broader public sector organizations responsible for the delivery of services to children and youth including relevant boards, tribunals, and agencies

• Familiarity with social media and new technology an asset

As part of the Early Resolutions team, you will be the first contact for people coming to the Ontario Ombudsman’s office with complaints about the Ontario government. Early Resolution Officers (EROs) triage and analyze complaints to clearly identify issues and determine how to resolve them or when to escalate them. EROs must be able to capably frame issues for escalation and for regular reporting to senior management.

Each ERO manages a caseload of files, as well as assists with trend analysis to identify complaint patterns and potential systemic issues. In addition to receiving complaints by email and letter, EROs use their active listening and interviewing skills to take complaints over the phone and in person, at times dealing with complainants who may require special accommodation, or who may be frustrated and distressed by their experience with different government organizations.

This opportunity will appeal to people who are keen to develop innovative solutions within a structured framework and while respecting existing processes and procedures. Successful candidates are both analytical and empathetic, and enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively. Opportunities to work on complaints in French for bilingual candidates.

 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• A minimum of two years' experience providing intake and complaint handling services in a similar organization

• Post-secondary education in social sciences or law

• Proven ability to work in both English and French, with French language skills (oral and written) at advanced level or above.

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing and identifying issues without injecting opinion or acting as an advocate

• Ability to bring innovative thinking to an issue, while working within a prescribed framework

• Capable of multitasking, balancing the need to resolve issues quickly with an effective and thorough analysis

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with individuals who are distressed, emotionally distraught or who may require special accommodation

• Excellent verbal and written skills, and ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with individuals at all levels

• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently and with a team

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience related to provincial government organizations including boards, tribunals and agencies

• Familiarity with social media and new technology is an asset

Investigators in the Children and Youth Unit at the Ontario Ombudsman are responsible for both leading and working as a team on various investigative files relating to services provided by children’s aid societies (CAS) and residential licensees. As an investigator, you will be accountable for investigations from inception to completion, which includes identifying issues, interviewing witnesses, and gathering and analyzing information, as well as writing clear and comprehensive reports. Your work will play a crucial role in the development of the Ombudsman’s recommendations to promote respect for the rights of children and youth and improve services in the child protection system.

This opportunity will appeal to investigators who are keen to be part of a world-class investigations team that deals with administrative fairness and maladministration issues affecting the rights of children and youth. Opportunities to work on complaints in French for bilingual candidates.

 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• University degree in a field such as law, psychology, social work, public administration or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

• Preference given to those with 2 or more years experience in conducting investigations in an administrative oversight or similar field

• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing investigation plans

• Well-developed research and analytical skills

• Experience preparing well-written, detailed reports

• Working knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Ombudsman Act, Ombudsman Ontario jurisdiction, government and its structures

• Working knowledge of the child protection system in Ontario, as well as provincial government organizations, boards and agencies relevant to children and youth in Ontario

• Proven ability to interview children and youth, as well as individuals at all organizational levels, as well as strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage and defuse emotionally-charged situations

• Ability to exercise good judgement and common sense, and is accountable for decisions

• Capacity to work effectively in a team-based environment, and be open to consultation and collaboration in determining appropriate solutions for complaints and inquiries

• Demonstrated commitment to quality in service delivery and application of administrative fairness

Investigators at the Ontario Ombudsman are responsible for both leading and working as a team on various investigative files. As an investigator, you will be accountable for investigations from inception to completion, which includes identifying issues, interviewing witnesses, and gathering and analyzing information, as well as writing clear and comprehensive reports. Much of the work also includes using alternate dispute resolution mechanisms. Your work will play a crucial role in the development of the Ombudsman’s recommendations to improve governance.

This opportunity will appeal to investigators who are keen to be part of a world-class investigations team that deals with a diverse range of administrative fairness and maladministration issues.

 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• University degree (in a field such as law, psychology, political science, public administration) with a minimum of 2 years of experience in investigations and/or administrative oversight

• Recent experience (within last 3 years) working in an oversight function

• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing investigation plans

• Well-developed research and analytical skills

• Experience preparing well-written, detailed reports

• Working knowledge of provincial government organizations, boards and agencies, as well as knowledge of the Ombudsman Act

• Proven ability to interview individuals at all organizational levels, as well as strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage and defuse emotionally-charged situations

• Ability to exercise good judgement and common sense, and is accountable for decisions

• Capacity to work effectively in a team-based environment, and be open to consultation and collaboration in determining appropriate solutions for complaints and inquiries

• Demonstrated commitment to quality in service delivery and application of administrative fairness

• Competency in written and oral French at the advanced level is an asset

Investigators in the Children and Youth Unit at the Ontario Ombudsman are responsible for both leading and working as a team on various investigative files relating to services provided by children’s aid societies (CAS) and residential licensees. As an investigator, you will be accountable for investigations from inception to completion, which includes identifying issues, interviewing witnesses, and gathering and analyzing information, as well as writing clear and comprehensive reports. Your work will play a crucial role in the development of the Ombudsman’s recommendations to promote respect for the rights of children and youth and improve services in the child protection system.

This opportunity will appeal to investigators who are keen to be part of a world-class investigations team that deals with administrative fairness and maladministration issues affecting the rights of children and youth.  

 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• University degree in a field such as law, psychology, social work, public administration or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

• Preference given to those with 2 or more years' experience in conducting investigations involving vulnerable people or in an administrative oversight or similar field

• Proven capability to work in both English and French, with French language skills (oral and written) at the advanced level or above.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing investigation plans

• Well-developed research and analytical skills

• Experience preparing well-written, detailed reports

• Working knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Ombudsman Act, Ombudsman Ontario jurisdiction, government and its structures

• Working knowledge of the child protection system in Ontario, as well as provincial government organizations, boards and agencies relevant to children and youth in Ontario

• Proven ability to interview children and youth, as well as individuals at all organizational levels, as well as strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage and defuse emotionally-charged situations

• Ability to exercise good judgement and common sense, and is accountable for decisions

• Capacity to work effectively in a team-based environment, and be open to consultation and collaboration in determining appropriate solutions for complaints and inquiries

• Demonstrated commitment to quality in service delivery and application of administrative fairness

Legal Counsel actively work across all units of the Ombudsman Office. They positively impact Ontarians by negotiating changes to practices, policies and legislation within the public sector. Counsel investigate serious and complex cases, prepare investigative reports, and provide legal advice and support to the Ombudsman and his staff. Working within a collaborative team, Counsel carry their own caseload. They may also work on internal policy development and contract preparation, as well as conduct staff training.  Acting as representatives of the Office, Counsel participate in outreach activities such as conferences, symposia and other events that connect stakeholders to the important work we do.

Consider joining our team if you have a special interest in public sector oversight, investigations, administrative law, protecting children and youth in care, and enabling French Language service rights.

About You

Successful candidate will have the following:

• A minimum of two years’ experience as legal counsel, and be licensed by the Law Society of Ontario

• Significant experience researching, analyzing and applying administrative, education or municipal law, or in other relevant areas of practice

• Demonstrated ability to research complex issues, use sound judgment, and provide legal advice and support

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

• Strong interpersonal skills with the capacity to coach others through complex issues

• Superior written and oral communications skills in English is required

• Competency in written and oral French at the advanced level is preferred

• Knowledge of the Ombudsman Act, the French Language Services Act, and/or Child, Youth and Family Services Act would be considered an asset

• Experience conducting administrative investigations would be considered an asset

Legal Counsel actively work across all units of the Ombudsman Office. They positively impact Ontarians by negotiating changes to practices, policies and legislation within the public sector. Counsel investigate serious and complex cases, prepare investigative reports, and provide legal advice and support to the Ombudsman and his staff. Working within a collaborative team, Counsel carry their own caseload. They may also work on internal policy development and contract preparation, as well as conduct staff training.  Acting as representatives of the Office, Counsel participate in outreach activities such as conferences, symposia and other events that connect stakeholders to the important work we do.

This position is within the legal services team. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing services to the Commissioner, French Language Services and the French Language Services Unit, which reviews complaints about the offering of services in French pursuant to the French Language Services Act by government agencies, institutions, ministries, boards, and corporations as well as designated agencies. The position may also be assigned work on legal issues arising in other areas of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction, including issues involving municipalities, school boards and universities.

 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidate will have the following:

• A minimum of two years’ experience as legal counsel, and be licensed by the Law Society of Ontario

• Significant experience researching, analyzing and applying administrative, education or municipal law, or in other relevant areas of practice

• Demonstrated ability to research complex issues, use sound judgment, and provide legal advice and support

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

• Strong interpersonal skills with the capacity to coach others through complex issues

• Proficient in communicating in writing and orally in the French language with an ability to work at the superior level

• Ability to communicate and receive instructions in English

• Knowledge of the Ombudsman Act and the French Language Services Act would be considered an asset

• Knowledge of the Francophone community in Ontario and a demonstrated interest in promoting the language rights of Francophones would be considered an asset

• Experience conducting administrative investigations would be considered an asset