Intake Investigator, Access and Privacy and/or Ombudsman Act

at  Manitoba Government

INTAKE INVESTIGATOR, ACCESS AND PRIVACY AND/OR OMBUDSMAN ACT

OF5 Investigator
Regular/full-time
2 Positions
Office of the Ombudsman
Access and Privacy/Ombudsman Divisions
Winnipeg MB
Advertisement Number: 43436
Salary(s): OF5 $74,650.00 - $92,731.00 per year
Closing Date: October 29, 2024
The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).
Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.
Candidates who do not meet all essential criteria may be considered on an underfill basis at a commensurate rate of pay.

The Ombudsman is an independent Officer of the Legislative Assembly with oversight responsibilities under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). The Ombudsman investigates complaints from the public, or on her own initiative, and reviews administrative decision-makings in support of principles of fairness, openness, and accountability; investigates complaints or, on her own initiative, investigates any decision, act or omission relating to a matter of administration by provincial government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, municipalities and other public bodies; makes public reports when deemed in the public interest; and provides informational and educational services to the public, public bodies, personal health information trustees, and the Legislative Assembly.
As part of the Intake team and reporting to the Intake Manager, the Intake Investigator plays a key role in supporting the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman. The successful incumbents will be assigned to work under one of the mandates - Access and Privacy and/or the Ombudsman Division and perform intake of complaints for consideration under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). Depending on the assigned division, duties may include, but are not limited to: conducting intake and undertaking preliminary investigations, reviewing, auditing, and monitoring compliance of provincial governments and agencies, municipal authorities, educational institutions, and/or health care sector as directed.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Checks.
• A valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and the ability to travel within Manitoba.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• A post-secondary degree (eg. public administration, law, social sciences or a relevant specialized discipline) and experience in case management and dispute resolution. A combination of suitable education and experience may be considered.
• Experience providing services to the public and responding to inquiries and/or complaints in-person, by phone, and/or in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and courteously and the ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the public, public bodies and/or trustees.
• Exceptional problem solving, resolution and facilitation skills.
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation and policy.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality requirements with experience supporting highly sensitive and complex investigative or audit work.
• Strong conflict resolution skills to communicate effectively on matters which are sensitive and complex in nature with parties of differing backgrounds and interests.
• Excellent written communications skills.
• Ability to work both independently and co-operatively in a team environment.
• Ability to represent the Office with integrity, demonstrate and promote ethical behavior, sound judgment, fairness, accountability, and transparency.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to work independently while managing a workload with competing priorities, expectations and deadlines.

Desired:

• Knowledge and understanding of the role of the Ombudsman and its mandates under The Ombudsman Act, FIPPA, PHIA, and PIDA.
• Understanding of the Principles of Procedural Fairness and Natural Justice and the Principles of Fair Information Practices and the ability to demonstrate the applicability of these principles to decisions and programs of public bodies or trustees.
• Experience in the public sector, health care sector, municipal governments, non-profit sector and experience working with Indigenous communities.
• The ability to communicate in French is considered an asset.

The Manitoba Ombudsman is seeking candidates who are willing to meet office demands by working on a flexible schedule and/or travel throughout Manitoba as needed.
Duties:
The incumbent is responsible for identifying the specific nature of complaints, explaining the role and function of the office, assessing jurisdiction, explaining avenues of review or appeal, making appropriate referrals for non-jurisdictional concerns, reviewing documentation, conducting research and in consultation with the Intake Manager, determining whether complaints should be elevated to a formal investigation. The incumbent will also be responsible for identifying systemic issues arising out of complaints and participating in outreach activities and developing training materials under the office’s mandate.