Current Opportunities

Our Counsel 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, symposiums 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, and administrative law.  
 

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

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

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

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

• Experience conducting administrative investigations would be considered an asset

 
This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, exciting work environment and be part of a world-renowned office with a team of top public sector professionals. You will have the opportunity to directly resolve individual problems, as well as participate in broader investigations which contribute to systemic change and improved public policy and administration.

There are three (3) full-time permanent counsel positions available.

The Records and Archives Technician is responsible for the integrity of the Office’s records and archives by ensuring they are appropriately catalogued, stored and accessible. This role is accountable for implementing the Office’s records and archives policy, including digitizing records, reviewing on-site records, and transferring records to off-site storage while updating tracking systems accordingly. The Technician will assist with the development of strategies and tools for accessible information and knowledge management.
 

About you

Successful candidates will have the following:

• A minimum of two years’ experience maintaining records and filing systems, as well as performing administrative tasks in a similar organization

• Post-secondary education in records management or library sciences

• Knowledge of, and proven ability to apply, records management best practices

• Experience using a computerized database for maintaining and tracking records

• Ability to prioritize your own work while responding to requests from others

• Experience building professional and productive relationships with internal and external individuals utilizing strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Experience implementing records and archives processes within the public sector is an asset

The Executive Administrative Assistant will report to the Deputy Ombudsman, providing administrative assistance on a wide variety of complex and sensitive issues and tasks.  He or she will also support the Director of Investigations and the Director of Early Resolutions as required, and serve as back-up support to the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Ombudsman.  Responsibilities will include supporting the Deputy Ombudsman with administrative tasks including scheduling and coordinating meetings, reviewing and managing incoming and outgoing communications, coordinating travel and accommodations, drafting and finalizing correspondence, organizing events and handling calendar management.
 

About you

Successful candidates will have the following:

• University degree in a discipline related to the work of the office (social sciences, public administration, business, law) or equivalent experience

• A minimum of three to five years’ experience providing administrative support at the executive level in a similar organization

• Experience working with senior public sector and/or government officials and exposure to the workings of provincial government

• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize work and multitask

• A high level of discretion and judgement

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Collaborative, team approach to work

• Knowledge of government organizations and their administrative processes

• Proficiency in French would be an asset

 
This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, exciting work environment and be part of a world-renowned office with a team of top public sector professionals. Your executive level support will assist in enhancing the organizational mandate which contributes to systemic change as well as improved public policy and administration for Ontarians.

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. 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’ 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

• 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

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