Senior Respectful Workplace Advisor

at  Region of Waterloo

ABOUT US!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. 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 focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core values emphasize 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.
Dish with One Spoon Wampum:

Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Recognizing our shared humanity and land
• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through a university degree plus progressively responsible related experience.
• Knowledge of workplace 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.
  The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. The Region of Waterloo invites applications from all qualified individuals. We are strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourage applications from Black, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
  The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400, TTY number (519-575-4608) to request an alternate format.
  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

Leads the development, implementation and coordination of the Region’s respectful workplace program, including processes, education, and training designed to resolve conflict early and proactively, build organizational capacity and skill, and ensure processes are equitable and transparent.
Administers processes for the prevention, review, investigation, and resolution of workplace harassment, discrimination, and bullying, including informal and formal complaints. Advises on alternate approaches to dispute resolution, facilitates mediation, and coordinates/reports on resolutions.
Provides expertise, advice, guidance, and education to employees, management, and HR colleagues on related policies, issues, and trends.

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.