Human Rights Early Resolution Specialist

Durham District School Board; Whitby; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional school board in Durham Region is seeking a Human Rights Early Resolution Specialist to apply legal principles in addressing human rights issues. The role involves advising senior leadership, resolving conflicts, and fostering an inclusive environment. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience in managing complex human rights cases and strong advocacy skills. Join us to make a significant impact on our diverse community.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience resolving complex human rights issues.
• Strong communication skills to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

• Apply legal principles to resolve human rights issues.
• Advise senior leadership on human rights processes.
• Conduct and recommend alternative dispute resolutions.

Skills

Legal human rights principles

Anti-discrimination principles

Collaboration across organizational levels

Strong analytical skills

Crisis management

Education

Post-secondary program in Law

Tools

Case management software

Presentation software

Word processing software

Job description

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

The Human Rights Early Resolution Specialist will be responsible for applying legal principles and analyses to address human rights issues and incidents (including allegations of all forms of discrimination, harassment and racism) involving students, parents/families, employees and community members.

Using legal knowledge, trauma informed approaches, sensitivity to unique considerations involved in working with children, youth, and their families, and systemic discrimination and racism analyses, the Human Rights Early Resolution Specialist will identify and assess human rights issues and incidents and provide recommendations to help resolve them, including through formal and informal alternative dispute resolution (e.g., mediation).

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, analyze, and assess allegations of human rights violations against legal, legislative, and policy requirements and responsibilities, and determine the most appropriate course of action to successfully resolve issues and incidents (early review, analysis, intervention and resolution of human rights issues) and to minimize legal, financial, and reputational risks.
• Provide specialist advice, subject matter expertise, recommendations, and guidance and act as a resource to the senior leadership team, corporate senior managers, and front-line leaders (principals and vice principals in schools) on student/family human rights issue resolution processes.
• Provide advice and guidance to leaders in conducting restorative practices, mediations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and directly conduct ADR where appropriate/required.
• Collect and maintain issue/incident-related data, analyze trends, conduct research, review case law/legal decisions and best practices, identify potential systemic human rights and equity issues and barriers, and recommend strategies to inform and enhance responsive human rights issue/incident resolution procedures and practices.
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Demonstrated experience managing and addressing issues using legal human rights principles and approaches including anti-discrimination and anti-racism principles and approaches, and knowledge of related systemic human rights issues in education.
• Experience managing a high volume and unpredictable case load and prioritizing complex/contentious issues, often with competing priorities and demands.
• Experience working and communicating with or interviewing children/youth, with knowledge and understanding of how children/youth may express themselves and share sensitive information
• Proven ability to strategically collaborate across all organizational levels to build positive relationships and support leaders in resolving complex human rights issues, exercising sound judgment, discretion, and strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in conducting and providing advice to guide others on appropriate early resolution options (including restorative practices, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution)
• Experience designing and delivering training/professional learning on human rights issues to a variety of audiences.
• Strong oral and written communication and collaborative problem-solving skills to communicate and work effectively and sensitively with diverse audiences.
• Proficient computer skills, including word processing, databases, presentation packages, case management software, email, and internet.
  
  

Education

• Completion of a post-secondary program in Law (emphasis on human rights and/or education law preferred) or comparable education in human rights-related disciplines, humanities or social sciences or a combination of education, training and experience deemed to be equivalent.
  
  

Experience

• At least seven (7) years of demonstrated experience with increased responsibilities and accountability advising on, investigating, and/or resolving complex human rights issues, incidents, or complaints using legal analyses and trauma informed and anti-discrimination principles and practices, with a focus on early resolution.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Provide a current Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening upon hire.
  
  

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.

#DDSBISHIRING