Current Opportunities

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