ABOUT US!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.
Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051.
Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through a university degree plus progressively responsible related experience.
• Knowledge of workplace restorative principles, identity-based harm, human rights frameworks, discrimination and harassment prevention theories, principles, policies, directives, guidelines, legislation (e.g., health and safety, accessibility, employment standards, privacy, human rights), and regulations to provide consulting services and expertise in managing case files.
• Knowledge of human resources theory, practices, principles, policies, and collective agreements to provide guidance and advice in resolving complaints and grievances involving workplace discrimination and harassment matters. Understanding of workplace organizational theory and dynamics to assess and evaluate complaints and manage case files.
• Understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, to incorporate principles in program design and processes.
• Knowledge and skill in mediation, investigations, and project management to organize and manage case files, identify and resolve issues, and monitor services provided by external consultants.
• Knowledge of due process, confidentiality, privacy, and industry trends with demonstrated ability to assess emerging issues and make recommendations for strategy, procedure, and process development.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate services and priorities within operational and legislative deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop training, education, and processes that are fair, transparent, consistent, and build organizational capacity for a healthy workplace culture that values inclusion, respect, and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to determine appropriate course of action (e.g., mediation, investigation) after analysing complaints and all available information, recommend resolution options, and ensure the organization’s due diligence.
• Leadership skills with demonstrated ability to act as a trusted and impartial advisor to the organization and gain commitment for processes and approaches to achieve program goals.
• Advanced facilitation, mediation, group dynamics, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills, with ability to build strong relationships, demonstrate professional judgment, and act as a trusted and impartial advisor to the organization.
• Human relations, communication, mediation, and facilitation skills to address contentious, high-profile, sensitive issues and emotionally charged situations.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace.
For an accommodation request, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400 to request an alternate format, or email talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).

THE ROLE

Provides leadership, develops, and oversees the Region’s respectful workplace program that allows for a safe space for employees to raise workplace issues, and to minimize and resolve conflict early and proactively, build organizational capacity and skill, and contribute to an organizational culture of greater inclusivity and respectful behaviour.
Serves as an expert, speaks to, and incorporates knowledge related to principles, best practices, and approaches regarding workplace restoration, mediation, and other alternate approaches to dispute resolution, identity-based harm, and related legislation. Manages complex cases, and facilitates mediation as required.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops respectful workplace program policies, processes, education and training, including managing formal and informal complaints. Ensures processes, tools, and frameworks are clear, equitable and applied consistently.
• Develops, delivers, and coordinates educational training and awareness programs, with a focus on prevention of harassment and discrimination, conflict resolution, de-escalation, restoration after conflict, and understanding of human rights and legislative responsibilities.
• Provides confidential guidance and support to employees, HR colleagues, and management regarding program processes, policies, and in response to complaints.
• Administers the intake, response, and resolution of informal and formal complaints referred from client departments. Conducts case reviews considering relevant policies and legislation. Consults with employees, program managers, HR colleagues, external legal counsel, and bargaining agents (as appropriate) to gather and analyze additional information to determine appropriate course of action and identify potential issues to be managed.
• Provides expertise and advice regarding complaints to program managers and senior leaders, and recommends resolution options, including direct action that can be taken by management, alternate dispute resolution, and the use of external consultants for complex cases and formal investigations. Provides advice, guidance, and support during the complaint resolution process.
• Conducts mediation with parties as an alternate approach to dispute resolution. Acts as a trusted and impartial advisor, creates a safe space for collaboration, and facilitates respectful dialogue, understanding, and negotiation in resolving issues.
• Prepares materials and documentation for internal investigations and fact-finding including meeting frameworks, questions, and lines of questioning. Coordinates the external investigation process, including providing relevant information, putting parties on notice, arranging logistics, involving other stakeholders, and facilitating liaison with client departments. Evaluates external investigator reports.
• Administers contracts for investigative services, external mediation, dispute resolution, legal, and program resources.
• Collaborates with management, external legal counsel, and HR colleagues as required to develop recommendations to senior leaders following an external investigation, and conducts in-person briefings as required.
• Provides guidance in developing and implementing appropriate workplace restoration strategies in collaboration with HR colleagues and management.
• Provides expertise, advice, consultation, and coordination services to the CAO, Commissioners, Directors, HR colleagues, and managers in response to harassment and discrimination complaints, issues, and matters.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides interpretations, explanations, and facilitates leader training on legislation, policies, programs, initiatives, and collective agreements.
• Identifies systemic trends, knowledge/skills gaps, and barriers that contribute to conflict, and collaborates to understand and resolve institutional issues and promote a culture of inclusion.
• Reports on and recommends solutions that support organizational and program objectives. Provides best practice input into operating policies, procedures, guidelines, processes, benchmarks, performance indicators, and other tools to enhance services and delivery objectives.
• Analyzes legislative and regulatory changes and requirements, and incorporates and adapts advice and guidance to help clients meet their legal requirements.
• Responds to compliance issues, and clarifies, gathers, and provides information on technical, administrative and legal aspects of programs.
• Performs related duties as required.