Current Opportunities

Under the direction of the Articling Principal, the Articling Student will provide legal support across the Office and manage a caseload of files involving legal issues. During your employment at our office, you will be involved in all facets of our work and will provide a range of legal services, including legal advice and research, supporting the investigation of complaints, legal representation, policy development, and outreach under the supervision of the Articling Principal.
 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• Completion of the prerequisites required to participate in the Law Society of Ontario Articling Program

• Demonstrated interest and competency in administrative law

• Superior written and oral communication skills in English are required

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

• Balanced legal background including education and hands-on experience, paid or volunteer, which includes working with clients and researching legislation and issues

• Superior interpersonal, analytical, organizational and writing skills

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

Division & Section: General Unit
Work Location: 483 Bay St., Toronto (Hybrid work with 2 days in office and 3 days working from home - subject to change)
Job Type & Hours: Full-time - Contract with 36.25 hours per week
Salary: $71,792 - $89,740
Union Affiliation: COPE
Open positions: 2
Posting Period: May 1, 2023 to June 9, 2023

About the role

This opportunity will appeal to individuals who are keen to be part of a world-renowned office with a proven record of improving the fairness, accountability and transparency of government and public services. Successful candidates demonstrate excellent judgment, initiative, and discretion and thrive in a collaborative team environment.

As an Early Resolution Officer (ERO), you will be the first point of contact to receive and address complaints. Early Resolution Officers triage and analyze complex cases to clearly identify issues, determine how to resolve complaints, frame issues for escalation, and provide regular reports to senior management.

Each ERO manages a caseload of files, conducts research, makes inquiries, and assists with trend analysis to identify complaint patterns and potential systemic issues. In addition to receiving complaints by email and letter, EROs 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.

 

Responsibilities

• Receive and assess complaints for early resolution of cases; take appropriate steps to facilitate resolution and/or obtain relevant information/documentation for review

• Assess complaints to determine whether issues can be dealt with within the Ombudsman’s mandate; clearly and effectively communicate the rationale verbally and in writing

• Triage complaints, prioritize and identify next steps for resolution or investigation

• Draft interview plans and case assessments involving both individual and systemic issues with a focus on detailed fact-finding, fairness, timelines, and attention to detail

• Write and/or assist in the preparation of high-profile special investigation reports including findings, analysis and recommendations

• Other duties as required.

Knowledge and experience

• University or post-secondary degree in a field such as law, psychology, political science, public administration, social work, criminal justice

• Minimum two years' experience providing intake and complaint-handling services in provincial government organizations, including boards, tribunals and agencies, or in the municipal, university or school board sectors

• Experience providing service to members of the public, including underserved and marginalized populations

• Proven ability to interview members of the public and public sector officials at all organizational levels

• Working knowledge of provincial government organizations, municipalities, universities, or school boards, as well as knowledge of the Ombudsman Act, Ombudsman Ontario jurisdiction, the government and its structures

• Demonstrated experience preparing reports dealing with individual and systemic issues

• Experience generating evidence-based and practical solutions to address complaints and persuading parties to adopt a course of action

• Proficiency in oral and written communication in English and French are required.

Required skills and competencies

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to impartially and objectively assess relevant evidence

• Ability to research, review and apply relevant legislation, regulations and policy

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal with emotionally charged situations and vulnerable complainants

• Excellent organizational, caseload and time management skills to resolve issues quickly with an effective and thorough analysis

• Ability to work to work independently with minimal supervision

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

• Proactive and innovative, with an ability to find creative solutions to improve quality of service

• Capable of handling confidential, sensitive and personal information using good judgement and discretion.

Division & Section: Children & Youth unit
Work Location: 483 Bay St., Toronto (Hybrid work with 2 days in office and 3 days working from home - subject to change)
Job Type & Hours: Full-time - Contract with 36.25 hours per week
Salary: $81,363 - $105,480
Union Affiliation: AMAPCEO
Open positions: 1
Posting Period: May 10, 2023 to July 7, 2023
 

About the role

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

As an investigator in the Children and Youth Unit at Ombudsman Ontario, you will be 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. 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.
 

Responsibilities

• Reviewing complaint files and gathering necessary information to identify issues for resolution and/or investigation

• Drafting investigation plans involving both individual and systemic issues with a focus on detailed fact-finding, fairness, timelines and attention to detail

• Interviewing witnesses, gathering and analyzing information, and writing clear, concise and comprehensive reports

• Writing and/or assisting in the preparation of high-profile special investigation reports including findings, analysis and recommendations

• Assessing potential for early resolution of cases and taking appropriate steps to facilitate resolution.

• Other duties as required.

Knowledge and experience

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

• Minimum three years of experience in conducting and executing investigations in administrative oversight or a similar field

• 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

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

• Proven ability to interview children and youth, as well as individuals at all organizational levels

• Demonstrated experience preparing investigation reports dealing with individual and systemic issues

• Experience generating evidence-based and practical solutions to address complaints and systemic issues

• Experience persuading parties to adopt a course of action

• Proficiency in oral and written communication in English is required; proficiency in oral and written communication in French is an asset.

Required skills and competencies

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to impartially and objectively assess relevant evidence

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

• Exceptional writing skills and demonstrated commitment to quality in service delivery and application of administrative fairness

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

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal with emotionally charged situations and vulnerable complainants

• Excellent organizational, administrative and time management skills to manage caseloads

• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

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

Team: Legal
Reports To: Senior Counsel
Salary Range: $18.40/hour
Duration: May to August 2024

Under the direction of Senior Counsel, the Summer Law Student will have the opportunity to support initiatives that resolve systemic and individual issues for the citizens of Ontario. This work can include legal research and writing, and assisting our legal team with complex cases, including conducting complaint reviews and investigations.

This opportunity will appeal to individuals who are intrigued by working in the public service.

Successful candidates are those who enjoy collaborating with others while working independently to fulfill their responsibilities.

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• Successful completion of the second year of law school prior to the start date of the position

• Demonstrated interest and competency in public service, administrative, education, child welfare, and/or municipal law

• Legal experience in either a paid or volunteer capacity

• Demonstrated experience researching legal issues using a variety of sources

• Superb interpersonal and analytical skills

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

• Familiarity with social media and new technology is an asset

• Proficiency in French would be an asset.

All applications should include:

• Cover letter detailing your interest in our office and your related experience

• Detailed resume

• Writing sample

• Law school transcripts.