Hearing Officer

at  BC Financial Services Authority

Posting Title Hearing Officer
Department: Legal
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Vancouver
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $187,000.00
Close Date: September 3, 2024

JOB SUMMARY

BC Financial Services Authority (“BCFSA”) helps to protect British Columbians during the biggest financial decisions in their lives. We regulate B.C. ’s financial services sector, including credit unions, real estate licensees, registered pension plans, insurance and trust companies and mortgage brokers. Through modern, effective and efficient oversight, BCFSA protects consumers by impartially setting and enforcing standards across the entire sector ensuring the prosperity of the province.
BCFSA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all groups. This includes Indigenous Peoples, women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who may contribute to diversity at BCFSA.

We recognize unique styles, perspectives, beliefs, and creativity that support a diverse, respectful, inclusive and collaborative work environment. To achieve this, we are committed to:

• Hiring team members who represent the population we serve;
• Removing barriers that may prevent equitable employment; and
• Supporting respectful work environments where everyone feels included and able to produce excellent results.

BCFSA is proud to be Great Place to Work Certified™. This is based on direct feedback from our Team Members. Our organization has also been selected as one of BC’s Top Employers (2024) in recognition of our competitive compensation, work-life balance, and progressive programs.

SUMMARY

Hearing Officers are quasi-judicial decision makers who adjudicate regulatory disciplinary and other matters, including administrative penalty reconsiderations, special compensation fund determinations, qualification hearings and other orders.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Adjudicates matters pursuant to delegated authority under the Real Estate Services Act, the Mortgage Brokers Act, Credit Union Incorporation Act, the Financial Institutions Act, the Insurance Act, the Insurance (Captive Company) Act, the Pension Benefits Standards Act, and other legislation that may come within the mandate of the BCFSA.
• Conducts hearings, reconsiderations, administrative penalties related processes, in a fair, impartial and respectful manner, and interprets legislation, jurisprudence, administrative law, and precedent appropriately.
• Writes decisions and issues orders within delegated statutory decision-making powers.
• Acts within a framework of protocols and procedures for the conduct of hearings that are consistent with Administrative Tribunal practices.
• Reviews previously adjudicated issues and, researches laws, regulations, policies, and precedents to prepare for hearings.
• Conducts hearings to obtain information and evidence relevant to the disposition of the appeal.
• Questions witnesses and rules on exceptions, motions and admissibility of evidence.
• Analyzes evidence and applicable law, regulations, policies and precedent decisions to make decisions.
• Provides case-by-case direction to the Hearing Coordinator with respect to individual hearing-related matters.
• Contributes to the team’s development of internal work practices (e.g., policies, procedures, and tools).
• Provides orientation and training to internal and/or external stakeholders within area of responsibility.
• Contributes to, participates in, and supports organizational business transformation initiatives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Strong familiarity with hearing procedures and rules of evidence, natural justice and administrative law.
• At least 10 years of legal practice, principally in litigation, arbitration and/or other hearing contexts such as criminal law.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the relevant Provincial acts and regulations.
• Knowledge of provincial real estate sector and other sectors regulated by the BCFSA.
• Ability to exercise judgement, initiative, and discretion.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated mediation and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and legal research skills.
• Ability to develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and influence industry compliance with regulatory expectations.

EDUCATION

Law Degree, a member of the Law Society of BC, and significant experience with litigation and administrative law processes, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Please refer the Job description for details