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 is 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

As a Communications Officer, you’ll be part of a versatile, dynamic team that handles all types of media, organizes events and outreach with the public and stakeholders, and curates the Ombudsman’s print and digital communications – in English and French. If you’re a bilingual, media-savvy communicator who’s passionate about public service and government accountability, this position is for you.
 

ABOUT YOU:

• Have excellent writing and editing skills, whether you’re drafting a two-page press release, editing a 50-page report, or preparing a speech

• Have experience planning events, including co-ordinating logistics, liaising with outside organizations, and on-site event management

• 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

• Understand the value of independent oversight of the public sector

• Can read and write fluently in both English and French

• Have a background in communications or journalism

WE:

• Are always looking for new ways to reach the public

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

• Keep our staff, followers, stakeholders and staff informed and connected

• Network with and train ombudsmen and other watchdogs across the globe

• Work in a progressive, fast-paced environment

THE DETAILS:

This is a permanent full-time position. The position reports to the Manager, Communications.

In this position, you will work with the Communications team to monitor the news and social media, maintain the Ombudsman’s social media presence, and produce communications materials and web content (print, digital, video). You will also play a role in co-ordinating events and liaising with stakeholders to seek out, develop, implement, and manage engagement opportunities for stakeholders and the public.

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 presentation writing skills

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

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

• Experience with social media, traditional communications and media relations

• Fluent English and French speaking and writing skills

• Superior research skills

HOW TO APPLY:

Please include a cover letter with your résumé, describing:

• What makes you a great communications specialist

• Your competency in French

• Your specific experience/achievements in communications

• Why you’d like to work in the public sector and specifically for the Ombudsman’s Office

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

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.

As part of the French Language Service Unit team, your work will play a crucial role in the development of the Commissioner’s recommendations to improve policies and programs on French Language services. You will lead and work as a team on various investigative files on the delivery of governmental services in French as described in the French Language Services Act of Ontario.

This opportunity will appeal to people who are keen to develop innovative solutions supporting individual rights identified in the French Language Services Act while respecting existing processes and procedures.

 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

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

• Ability to manage complex complaints, including: the identification and analysis of legal issues, the conduct of research and liaising and negotiating with affected and involved parties.

• Proficiency in oral and written communication in both English and French languages at the superior level.

• Working knowledge of the French Language Services Act, its interpretation and application.

• Excellent knowledge of Francophone communities in Ontario, other Francophone key stakeholders as well as linguistic and cultural issues, to develop and manage relationships, partnerships and liaison initiatives with Francophone communities and support the Ombudsman and Commissioner’s interest in the enhancement and development of the Francophone population of Ontario.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations and developing and executing investigation plans.

• Recent experience reviewing policy and making recommendations

• Well-developed research and analytical skills.

• Experience preparing well-written, detailed reports based on research and analysis.

• Proven ability to interview individuals at all organizational levels, as well as strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to exercises good judgement and common sense, and be 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.