Current Opportunities

As a Communications Officer for our French Language Services Unit, you’ll be part of a versatile, dynamic team that specializes in public complaints about the offer of Ontario government services in French. Your communications expertise and knowledge of the Franco-Ontarian community will support the work of the French Language Services Commissioner, through reports, speeches and other communications products, as well as outreach and engagement with news media, stakeholders and the public. If you’re a fully bilingual, media-savvy communicator who’s passionate about public service, French language rights and services, and Ontario’s Francophonie, this position is for you.
 

YOU:

• Have excellent writing and editing skills in French and English, whether you’re drafting a two-page press release, editing a 50-page report, writing a speech, or crafting a series of social media posts

• Have knowledge of and are connected with Francophone communities in Ontario, and have an understanding of linguistic and cultural issues

• Are an experienced event planner, adept at co-ordinating logistics and liaising with outside organizations, and skilled at on-site event management and troubleshooting

• 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 French Language Services Act

• Have a background in communications, journalism and/or government

WE:

• Are always looking for new ways to inform Ontarians about how the Ombudsman and the French Language Services Commissioner can help

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

• Keep our followers, stakeholders and staff informed and connected

• Network with language commissioners and ombudsmen around the world

• Work in a progressive, fast-paced environment     

THE DETAILS:

The position reports to the Manager, Communications – French Language Services and Children and Youth Units.   

In this position, you will produce communications materials, web content (print, digital, video) and social media content, and monitor news and social media – all with a focus on the work of the French Language Services Commissioner and Unit. You will also play a role in engaging with the Francophone and Francophile community of Ontario, supporting the Commissioner and the Unit in building relationships, co-ordinating events and liaising with stakeholders and the public to raise awareness of the roles of the Commissioner and Ombudsman.

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 writing and editing skills in French and English (must be fluent in speaking, reading and writing in both languages)

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

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

• Experience with social media, traditional communications and media relations, in French and English

• An understanding of the Francophone and Francophile communities of Ontario

• Superior research skills

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

As part of the Early Resolutions team Children and Youth Unit, you’ll be the first contact for people coming to the Ontario Ombudsman’s office with complaints about children and youth and services provided by children’s aid societies (CAS) services, residential licensees, and secure treatment programs.

Early Resolution Officers (EROs), Children and Youth, 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.

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

• An understanding of issues that children and youth experience related to children’s aid societies, residential licensees, and secure treatment

• 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 children or youth and those specifically 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 working with provincial government or broader public sector organizations responsible for the delivery of services to children and youth including relevant boards, tribunals, and agencies

• Familiarity with social media and new technology an asset

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.

Consider joining our team if you have a special interest in public sector oversight, investigations, administrative law, protecting children and youth in care, and enabling French Language service rights.

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

• Superior written and oral communications skills in English is required

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

• Knowledge of the Ombudsman Act, the French Language Services Act, and/or Child, Youth and Family Services Act would be considered an asset

• Experience conducting administrative investigations would be considered an asset

Duration: May to August 2021
Team: Legal
Reports To: Senior Counsel
Salary Range: $18.40/hour

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