Human Rights Officer

Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Nova Scotia seeks Human Rights Officers to resolve discrimination complaints under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. You will employ trauma-informed practices and collaborate for settlements. The role requires strong analytical skills and sound interpersonal abilities, ensuring fair and responsive service to equity-seeking communities. This is a TERM position located in Halifax/Digby/Sydney, offering benefits and salary range from $1,773.75 to $3,231.58 bi-weekly.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health and Dental Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Experience with restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Knowledge of the Human Rights Act and related legislation.
• Experience working with equity-seeking communities.
• Sound report writing skills.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations with trauma-informed practices.
• Facilitate settlement of complaints collaboratively.
• Maintain high-quality documentation.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on investigations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Culturally responsive service delivery

Analytical skills

Education

Law degree

Human services experience

Job description

Competition #

47277

Department

Human Rights Commission

Location

Halifax/Digby/Sydney

Type of Employment

Term

Union Status

NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date

05-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) is an independent government agency mandated with administering the Human Rights Act. The Commission focuses on two key areas: providing a human rights dispute resolution process to resolve allegations of discrimination both on an individual and systemic level; and working to eliminate barriers and prevent discrimination through education, training, public engagement, and policy development. Through this work, the Commission is helping to build inclusive communities and protect human rights in Nova Scotia.

The Dispute Resolution Division is an active unit within the Commission, employing close to 60% of the Commission team. The division’s work is highly sensitive and focuses on the resolution of inquiries and complaints related to allegations of discrimination through various methods, such as resolution conferences and investigations.

For more information about the Commission, visit https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/

About Our Opportunity

Human Rights Officers (HROs) play a key role in protecting and advancing human rights in Nova Scotia. HROs are responsible for resolving complaints accepted by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Using restorative principles, HROs assess each complaint assigned to them to determine the most appropriate and respectful way of resolving the complaint. If you are people‑focused and seeking an opportunity to play an important role in promoting fairness and justice in a diverse and inclusive province, this position is for you!

Working at the Human Rights Commission will mean encountering difficult subject matter and engaging with individuals who are experiencing challenging situations. In the course of your work, you may serve individuals who are experiencing mental health concerns and various manifestations of trauma. While the Commission is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace, team members must also take personal accountability for their own wellness.

Primary Accountabilities

• Investigation of allegations: Employing culturally responsive and trauma‑informed practices to inquiry into and investigate allegations of violations of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. The HRO will complete fair and impartial investigation of accepted complaints. This is achieved through assessing the complaint information to determine the relevant information required in the investigation, assessing the information (i.e., medical reports, policies, personnel files, data), contacting and interviewing witnesses. This information must be analysed in accordance with relevant human rights principles and a working knowledge of discrimination including systemic discrimination and its impacts.
• Endeavour to facilitate settlement of complaints: In keeping with restorative principles and when deemed to be appropriate, HROs will assist the parties in resolving their complaints through collaboration and clarification of issues and mutual agreement on settlement terms.
• Documentation: HROs carry a large caseload of complex files and must develop strategies for collecting information, consolidating, reviewing and prioritizing competing tasks in a timely and responsive manner while ensuring high quality documentation is maintained.
• Report Writing: HROs are required to prepare high quality reports on complex investigations and materials. These reports contain a succinct description of the facts and evidence gathered, as well as the HRO’s analysis of the evidence and relevant legal/human rights principles. The recommendation made by the HRO must be comprehensive and clear in the report.

Qualifications And Experience

• Experience with or sound knowledge of restorative and trauma‑informed approaches;
• Knowledge of the content and intent of the Human Rights Act and related legislation, the theories and principles of human rights, and the dynamics of systemic discrimination;
• Experience working with equity‑seeking communities;
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills with a strong focus on client‑centered and culturally responsive service delivery;
• Sound report writing skills to prepare formal case analysis;
• The ability to manage a high‑volume caseload while respecting deadlines;
• An ability to remain objective and impartial and a sound understanding and adherence to the principles of confidentiality; and
• Strong judgment and analytical skills, as well as an ability to work independently.

The following would be viewed as assets: a law degree, experience interpreting and applying legislation, and human services case management experience.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Office Location: The successful candidate can be based out of one of the following offices: Halifax/Digby/Sydney

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of April 30, 2027. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward‑thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade

PR 04 - PR 14

Salary Range

$1,773.75 - $3,231.58 Bi‑Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under‑represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self‑identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

This Is a Bargaining Unit Position Initially Restricted To Current Civil Service Employees Represented By The Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If Applying From Outside a Government Office, Employees Must Apply Correctly Via This Link

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to [e-mail].