Ombudsperson Officer

The Ombudsperson Officer exercises significant investigative powers delegated under the Ombudsperson Act and the Public Interest Disclosure Act and may be assigned to any one of six teams within the office. This posting is for an Ombudsperson Officer position on the Public Authority Consultation and Training team. Officers work collaboratively to support the work of their team members, supervisor and the other operational teams. The Officer collects and evaluates information and evidence, draws conclusions, identifies opportunities for improvement and persuades authorities to take remedial measures. Officers also represent the office as a collaborative partner to assist public sector organizations and Indigenous Governments to anticipate and avoid problems and make positive change. The Officer is responsible for independently and effectively managing a diverse caseload of complex, multifaceted and sometimes high-profile files requiring superior assessment and investigation. Officers must demonstrate excellent communication skills and abilities as well as sensitivity, integrity and professionalism at all times.

As BC’s independent voice for fairness and accountability, our office’s work is challenging, meaningful, and rewarding. Join us and become part of a team that is proud of the work we do. Find out more information about what we offer.

In keeping with the principles of merit, and recognizing the value of lived experience, applications will be restricted to those self-identifying as Indigenous per Special Program approval by the Human Rights Commissioner.

Qualifications:

This position will be of interest to applicants who can demonstrate the required qualifications, including the following:

Education and Experience:

• University degree in a related field (e.g., Law, joint Juris Doctor/Indigenous Law degree, Social Work, Indigenous Social Work, Public Administration, Indigenous Business and Public Administration and other related disciplines).
• Minimum of 2 years of investigative experience applying at least 5 of the following skillsets:
  • Analyze fact patterns
  • Gather information and evidence using a variety of techniques and sources
  • Test or corroborate information and evidence
  • Evaluate information and evidence in the context of applicable law and policy
  • Generate principled and practical solutions to complex problems
  • Persuade parties to adopt a course of action
  • Make formal decisions and communicate written reasons for decisions
  • Manage a high-volume caseload of complex cases
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal records check (completed if an offer of employment is made).

Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• Applicants with experience providing client service to members of the public who may be living with mental health challenges, physical or cognitive disabilities and/or experiencing personal crisis.
• Applicants with experience or training in trauma-informed and/or cultural safety practices.
• Applicants with experience liaising and engaging with First Nations, Indigenous communities and Indigenous community-serving organizations in British Columbia
• Applicants with experience building relationships and/or providing client service to people with diverse lived experiences including but not limited to people who are First Nations, Métis, Inuit and/or from urban Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (2SLGBTQIA+).
• Applicants with experience or training in adult education, education design, or facilitation/delivery of online or in-person training.
• Applicants with experience responding to or assisting with complaints about government services or programs.

Complete qualifications are outlined in the job profile, which is linked at the bottom of the posting on our website: https://bcombudsperson.ca/about-us/careers/