Job Number:
J0625-0111
Posting Date:
June 12, 2025
Closing Date:
July 6, 2025
Job Title:
Human Rights Officer
Branch/Department:
Toronto Reference Library
Division:
Human Resources
Employment Type:
Permanent Full Time

of Open Positions:

1

JOB SUMMARY:

As part of our ongoing growth, commitment to equity, and goal of advancing exemplary human rights practices at TPL, we are expanding our team and seeking an experienced Human Rights Officer to join the Human Resources Division.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Equity & Inclusion this position will investigate and resolve employee and customer harassment and/or discrimination complaints, and support the development of effective resources and communications for the organization, resulting in positive systemic change. This role will support the development and implementation of equity, inclusion, and human rights initiatives that align with TPL’s strategic priorities and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Provide consultation interpretation and direction on the TPL’s Human Rights and Anti Harassment/Discrimination Policy, the Ontario Human Rights Code, harassment provisions in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, other related policies and legislation, etc. (e.g., ESA, collective agreement etc.).
• Undertake and oversee harassment and discrimination investigations, consistent with TPL policy, collective agreements and legislated obligations; interview parties, gather evidence, conduct research, analyze and prepare investigation reports determining findings; make recommendations to resolve and remedy complaints. Conduct trauma-informed investigations.
• Assess equity impacts of complaint outcomes, developing appropriate resources to address gaps, including building equity and human rights understanding and capacity within TPL
• Support management in addressing human rights issues undertaking human rights, equity and diversity research and analysis, identifying trends, and/or systemic barriers, and recommending/implementing effective solutions to advance human rights
• Assess and report on emerging human rights case law and legislative changes
• Develop and implement effective human rights programs ensuring that access, equity and diversity are embedded into policy, procedures, education, and communications.
• Review, advise on and ensure alignment of human rights programs, policies, procedures, education with the TPL’s equity and inclusion principles and compliance with the TPL’s legislative obligations
• Mentor and guide consultants in the HR team on investigations, issues and projects
• Initiate, build and maintain relationships with internal partners in order to develop, facilitate and promote human rights, access, equity and diversity policies and programs
• Maintain detailed reports of all investigations, inquiries, statistics and confidential records

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Extensive human rights experience in a major unionized public or private sector organization.
• Post-secondary education in a professional discipline pertinent to the job function, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Trained and certified human rights investigator, with extensive experience conducting investigations and major human rights interventions (including drafting investigation plans, gathering evidence, interviewing parties, addressing individual and systemic issues, preparing high quality, detailed investigation reports, determining findings, applying relevant legislation and case law and making appropriate recommendations to resolve the complaint)
• Considerable experience leading, developing, implementing and evaluating corporate human rights and equity related programs, policies and projects to advance human rights strategic directions and organizational change.
• Knowledge and application of relevant provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, contractual obligations including administration of collective agreements, current human rights case law.
• Highly developed communication, presentation and human relations skills with the ability to communicate persuasively and effectively at all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical skills to assess the relevance of evidence and ability to exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to identify needs, initiate, coordinate and manage the implementation of solutions in response to client issues.
• Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills.
• Deep understanding of the disproportional impact of human rights violations on members of Indigenous and equity-deserving groups, ideally gained through lived experience.
• Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgement, remain impartial and work independently.
• Professional discretion and judgment with the ability to navigate sensitive issues and work with all levels of employees and management, along with union representatives and government bodies
  SALARY: $94,905 to $128,386 per annum (Grade 6.5)
  Upon request, accommodation will be provided through all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
  If you are invited to participate in the assessment process and require accommodations for the assessment, we ask that you provide your accommodation request as soon as reasonably possible.
  TPL invites applications from all qualified individuals. The Library is committed to equal opportunity, diversity in the workplace, equity and reconciliation, and welcomes applications from Indigenous people, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people and women.

Please refer the Job description for details