Current Opportunities

We're always looking for resumes. Work with us!

We're proud to be an office of dedicated, hard-working professionals who are motivated by social justice and procedural fairness within the public sector.

About Us

The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial office of the Legislature that resolves and investigates complaints about Ontario government organizations, broader public sector bodies, including municipalities, universities and school boards, child protection services, and compliance with the French Language Services Act (FLSA). The Ombudsman recommends solutions to individual and systemic administrative problems, and promotes fairness, accountability and transparency in the public sector as well as respect for French language service rights and the rights of children and youth.

We look for people who:

Possess a strong foundation in their chosen field and are open to learning and employing new ways of working
Can think innovatively within a structured framework, respecting existing processes and procedures
Are capable of multitasking, working through the finer details while still seeing the big picture
Have excellent verbal and written skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with individuals at all levels
Have strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and enjoy working independently
Experience in the public sector, especially with school boards, municipalities and universities, is considered an asset
Ability to speak, read, and write in French is considered an asset

We would love to work with you! We offer:

Collaborative, exciting work with exceptional colleagues passionate about public service
Comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits
Generous paid maternity and parental leave
Hybrid working environment with an office centrally located on the subway line
A commitment to work-life balance
Defined-benefit pension plan through the Ontario Pension Board
Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Director, Investigations
Legal Counsel (French Language Services)

Director, Investigations

The Director, Investigations (Director) is a member of the Ontario Ombudsman’s Executive Management Team and a key contributor providing complaints handling and investigative expertise, leadership, high-level strategic advice and critical management support to the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman in the fulfillment of the Ombudsman’s mandate.

Reporting to the Deputy Ombudsman, the Director is responsible for the leadership and direction of the Ombudsman’s Investigations team, which reviews complex complaints, attempts resolutions, and conducts investigations in relation to provincial government departments, boards, agencies, commissions and tribunals, as well as municipalities, universities, and school boards. The Director ensures that all reviews and investigations conducted by the team follow a methodology adopted by the office and meet the Ombudsman’s standards for thoroughness, investigative integrity, and impartiality.

As the ideal candidate, you bring a minimum of 5 years’ experience directing investigations in an oversight or similar body and in leading and managing teams of investigators. Flexible and a strong communicator, you have a creative leadership style and seek solutions to problems and in developing ways to improve services. You bring experience in the delivery of services and programs to the public, and in planning, conducting, and evaluating investigations. Knowledge of provincial government departments, boards, agencies, commissions and tribunals, the machinery of government, and the Ombudsman Act and the role and function of the Ombudsman of Ontario is desirable. The ability to communicate and work in French is considered an asset.

Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online.

For more information, please contact Camille Petitti of Odgers Berndtson. We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Ombudsman Ontario is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and Ombudsman Ontario throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers Berndtson is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.

Legal Counsel (French Language Services)

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

Read full job description

Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending their application to:

The Counsel Network
Attn.: Meaghan Loughry, Recruitment Associate
mloughry@thecounselnetwork.com

Our recruitment practices reflect the Ontario Ombudsman’s continuing goal of encouraging a diverse and inclusive workplace. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Please Note: Only applicants selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted. Moving expenses will not be paid.