System Navigator & Early Resolutions Officer

SYSTEM NAVIGATOR & EARLY RESOLUTIONS OFFICER 1.0 FTE - Permanent position Salary Range: $83,347 to $104,178 per year The Simcoe County District School Board is seeking qualified applicants for the position of System Navigator & Early Resolutions Officer. This role will act as the primary point of contact for a broad diversity of stakeholders, including employees, students and parents/families, and external partners, and anyone who is accessing the Human Rights & Equity Office. This role will include intake, early resolution and system navigation for individuals utilizing the Human Rights & Equity Office. This role will work to bridge the gap between equity-deserving students, families and communities and the school system using culturally responsive strategies, acting as a system navigator. This role will be overseeing the stakeholder’s journey though phases of service including the coordination of appropriate support and facilitating relationships with the appropriate internal departments. This position will provide intake/triaging services, threshold assessments, various investigative functions, facilitating early resolutions of human rights complaints and concerns, including various forms of mediation, and will provide support for HREO projects, outreach, and research initiatives. Responsibilities include but not limited to: As a member of the human rights and equity office (HREO) team and reporting to the Human Rights and Equity Manager, this position requires a high level of integrity, professionalism, diplomacy, confidentiality, and the ability to work both independently and as a team member. The primary responsibilities include: · Screening, reviewing, assessing, and triaging incoming complaints, concerns and requests related to potential human rights violations; · Conducting initial assessments of inquiries, concerns and complaints and determining the severity and urgency of reported cases, assessing the impact on stakeholder’s safety, mental health, well-being and school experience, and preventing and/or addressing racial trauma, human rights violations and/or incidents of hate and bias; · Providing ongoing case management, support, and follow-up for stakeholders; · Providing culturally responsive and identity- affirming services to students and families from equity-deserving communities to be able to navigate the school system and other systems (e.g. Child Welfare, Policing), and provide guidance with regards to policies, procedures, processes, and practices. · Engage with students and families regarding their human rights, roles and responsibilities to increase understanding of the Board’s Human Rights & Equity Policy, the Equity and Inclusion Policy and how to access support from the Human Rights Office, and other system departments such as the Equity and Well-being Department, the Special Education department. · Support students and families as they interact with SCDSB schools and/or the school board by attending meetings, to empower them through system navigation and facilitation to reduce barriers for the family. · Facilitating the early resolution of human rights complaints made by employees, students and/or parents by conducting various forms of mediations; · Researching and preparing restorative options for implementation in complaints resolution or mediation; · Coordinating and navigating systems at the SCDSB regarding the services and supports available to support stakeholders including referrals to community programs, other professionals, agencies, internal services or community resources; · Providing impartial information about human rights and options for issue/complaint resolution to stakeholders; · Participating in, facilitating and/or coordinating working groups, focus groups and committees for HREO projects and initiatives; · Conducting research and providing support for special projects and systemic initiatives within the Human Rights framework; · Coordinating and supporting the development and implementation of pilot programs or initiatives on alternate dispute resolution and mediation practices; · Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project implementation; · Participating in developing and implementing outreach and engagement initiatives and strategies to increase awareness and understanding of the programs and services provided by the HREO, SCDSB human rights policies, procedures and related rights and responsibilities, and legislation; · Conducting research on human rights case law, dispute resolution, remediation, and equity best practices for human rights training and education; · Tracking and reporting on proposed changes to applicable legislation, regulations and/or policies; · Keeping apprised of internal changes and maintaining working relationships with all internal departments and stakeholders; · Working with external stakeholders and partners as needed while abiding by human rights and equity values and principles; · Maintaining accurate records for the HREO, including reported cases, and manage electronic records effectively; · Preparing reports/information on HREO activities, and statistical data needed for reporting purposes; · Providing leadership in fostering equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services; and · Other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Skills Required: · University degree in a related field (e.g., human rights, law, social sciences) with five (5) years related experience with a focus on intake/triaging services and human rights complaint resolution in a large unionized public sector environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience); · Certification and/or formal training and experience in mediation; · Experienced in diverse forms of resolution such as restorative justice, talking circles, healing circles, etc; · Experience with administrative human rights complaints resolution processes; · Experience in facilitating early resolutions and leading restorative practices; · Familiarity with workplace investigation processes; · Sound knowledge of human rights principles, policies and processes; · Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting historically disadvantaged and equity-deserving groups and work experience with individuals in culturally safe and responsive manner; · Proven ability in promoting equitable practices which value inclusiveness and diversity; · Expert knowledge of relevant legislation including the Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and other relevant legislation; · Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information with good judgement, discretion, empathy, and utilizing a trauma-informed approach; · Awareness of racial trauma, how power and privilege impact relationships, moral injuries, oppression and associated mental health impacts, and challenges faced by individuals from diverse and equity-seeking communities; · Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; · Facilitation skills to lead projects and working groups; · Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities; · Research and report writing skills; · Proficiency in data management (including using a case management database) and records maintenance; · Excellent computer skills including experience with data management systems, Google Docs, Office 365, and MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, and OneDrive); · The nature of this position will require the successful candidate to travel to locations through Simcoe County. TESTING MAY BE REQUIRED DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS. This is a full-time permanent position. The regular work year for this position is twelve (12) months of the year. The compensation range for this twelve (12) month position is $83,347 to $104,178 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is based on a thirty-five (35) hour work week. Participation in the OMERS Pension Plan is mandatory for all full-time permanent employees, even if currently in receipt of an OMERS pension. Applicants are required to submit a resume detailing education, experience, and qualifications; documentation confirming certifications; and written permission to contact two professional references on or before 12:00 p.m. September 30 2024. Cover letters may be addressed to Tahmena Bokhari, Human Rights and Equity Manager. Applicants may apply via the Apply to Education (ATE) website at www.applytoeducation.com. Sign into your ApplyToEducation Support (ECE, EA/TA, Clerical, Custodian, etc.) applicant account. Select Search Jobs from the Job Postings section. Enter the ATE Job Code # in the Keywords field. Click the (SEARCH) button at the bottom of the page. Select the position of interest and click the (APPLY) button on the job description page. ** All fees for the application process are covered by the Simcoe County District School Board.** Applicants requiring assistance in registering for ATE, the ATE Help Desk may be contacted at 1-416-932-8866 or 1-877-900-5627. Guided by the principles of dignity, individualization and inclusion, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment that supports all human rights and accessibility needs for students and staff. The SCDSB recognizes the duty to accommodate, short of undue hardship as per the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We value and are committed to upholding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and equitable hiring practices for all applicants to be successful. In support of our strategic priorities, we are seeking members who reflect diverse identities, lived experiences and perspectives, especially Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women to assist the board in reflecting the community we serve. Our equitable hiring initiative is consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) to ensure that our hiring practices remain equitable to candidates from groups protected by the prohibited grounds under the Code. Applicants are to provide permission to contact two professional references, including their current and most recent supervisor. New hires to the Simcoe County District School Board will be required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) that is satisfactory to the Board prior to beginning employment. All new employees will be required to complete mandatory training modules with the Board prior to their first day of employment. All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position; however, only those who have been shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. September 11, 2024 OA-22 ATE #: 3830467