BC Public Service situated in Victoria, BC V9B 6X2 CA is currently looking for applications for the role of Ombudsperson Officer who is a self-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills. The selected candidate must start work promptly. The available position is for a regular or full time job.

Employer Name: BC Public Service
Position: Ombudsperson Officer
No. of vacancies: 2 permanent, full-time opportunities and 2 one-year temporary opportunities
Salary: $78,400.17 to $110,800.21 annually
Employment type: Regular, Full-time
Location: Victoria, BC V9B 6X2 CA (Primary)

Also hiring: Dental laboratory assistant

Job Description

The candidate will be responsible for receiving and evaluating administrative fairness complaints and wrongdoing disclosures to determine appropriate investigative actions.
The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing terms of reference and investigative plans for assigned matters.
The candidate will be responsible for communicating and engaging with public authorities and members of the public throughout the investigative process.
The candidate will be responsible for conducting research to identify applicable legal requirements and relevant principles, standards, and tests related to assigned investigations.
The candidate will be responsible for conducting formal interviews, including interviews under oath when required, and requiring jurisdictional authorities to produce relevant records.
The candidate will be responsible for managing and reviewing large volumes of written evidentiary material to determine relevance to investigative matters.
The candidate will be responsible for evaluating and weighing evidence and making reasoned findings of fact based on a balance of probabilities standard.
The candidate must apply independent judgment when deciding whether to begin, discontinue, or complete investigations involving administrative unfairness by public authorities.
The candidate will be responsible for engaging and consulting with authorities to develop administratively fair, reasonable, principled, and practical resolutions and remedies that support systemic change and long-term impact.
The candidate will be responsible for providing clear, concise, detailed, informative, and persuasive reasons for investigative conclusions to both complainants and authorities.
The candidate will be responsible for monitoring trends and identifying systemic issues that require further investigation.
The candidate will be responsible for preparing clear and concise memos, reports, and correspondence for management regarding complex matters and investigative findings.
The candidate will be responsible for determining whether complaints are not substantiated under Section 22 of the Ombudsperson Act.
The candidate will be responsible for preparing written analysis, potential formal findings, and recommendations regarding investigative courses of action, outcomes, and remedies for management consideration and the Ombudsperson’s approval.
The candidate will be responsible for drafting or contributing to formal and, when required, public reports issued by the Ombudsperson to public authorities, the Lieutenant Governor in Council, and the Legislative Assembly.
The candidate will be responsible for maintaining and managing an active caseload of investigative files using an electronic case tracking system.
The candidate will be responsible for providing advice and guidance to public sector employees who are considering making a disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA).
The candidate will be responsible for informing and advising public bodies on the implementation and operation of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA), including the management of internal disclosures.
The candidate will be responsible for assessing and investigating disclosures of wrongdoing and reprisal complaints from public sector employees under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
The candidate will be responsible for preparing and delivering workshops and presentations to inform stakeholder groups about the Ombudsperson’s role, administrative fairness, PIDA, and other topics related to the office’s mandate.
The candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative, professional relationships with authorities, colleagues, other Ombuds offices, and independent offices of the legislature.
The candidate will be responsible for participating in Ombudsperson tours and community outreach activities.

Job Requirements

The candidate must have a university degree in a related field, such as Social Sciences, Public Administration, Indigenous Social Work, Indigenous Business and Public Administration Law, a joint Juris Doctor/Indigenous Law degree, Journalism, or another related discipline.
The candidate must have recent experience within the last five years applying dispute resolution skills and effectively communicating with people in crisis situations.
The candidate must have a minimum of two (2) years of investigative experience applying at least five (5) of the following skills: analyzing fact patterns, gathering information and evidence using various techniques and sources, testing and corroborating information and evidence, evaluating information and evidence within the context of applicable laws and policies, developing practical and principled solutions to complex problems, persuading parties to adopt a course of action, making formal decisions with written reasons, and managing a high volume of complex cases.
The candidate will be considered if they possess an equivalent combination of relevant investigation, dispute resolution, writing, and complaint resolution experience, along with formal training and post-secondary education in a related field.
Preference may be given to applicants who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuit and/or Indigenous, Black or racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, people with diverse gender identities or expressions, and/or people living with disabilities.
Preference may be given to applicants with experience providing client service to members of the public who may be experiencing mental health challenges, physical or cognitive disabilities, and/or personal crisis.
Preference may be given to applicants with experience or training in trauma-informed practices and/or cultural safety practices.
Preference may be given to applicants with experience building relationships and providing client service to people with diverse lived experiences, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit and/or urban Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression (2SLGBTQIA+).
Preference may be given to applicants with experience responding to or assisting with complaints related to government services or programs.

Additional information

Security and safety

The candidate must successfully complete the security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal records check.

Work conditions

The candidate will be required to travel occasionally as part of the position responsibilities.
The candidate will interact with members of the public in person, by phone, and in writing while managing challenging behaviours and exposure to sensitive and potentially traumatic content.
The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism and apply inclusive practices when working with members of the public and colleagues.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying, please submit your application through the provided channels or options.

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