Yukon Human Rights Commission Position Description Director of Human Rights. Name:

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1 Title Director of Human Rights Supervisor s Name : Title: Commissioners A. Duties and Responsibilities: Summary: Name: Date: Revised July 30, 2014 % The Director of the Human Rights Commission reports to the members of the Human Rights Commission. The Director is responsible for the administration of the Human Rights Act and for the overall management of the Human Rights Commission Office. Responsibilities include operational and financial planning and management, public relations, public education, screening complaints, mediating complaints, and directing the investigation of complaints. 1. Major Function single most important activity or responsibility required in this position 40% Administers the Human Rights Act and manages the Human Rights Office Develops annual operating and financial plans including a detailed budget for the next operating year Directs development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidelines for the work of the Commission Develops recommendations for the Commission concerning amendments to the Legislation and Regulations Hires, manages and supervises staff of 4-5 professional and support staff Directs the day to day operations of the Commission office within the operating budget Meets monthly with the Chair of the Commission to provide ongoing operational, personnel and financial information Participates with the Commissioners in long-term strategic planning Provides ongoing information to the Commissioners in the form of quarterly financial and operational reports 2. Other principal activities A. Directs investigation of complaints filed under the Human Rights Act, fulfilling legislated responsibilities Reviews complaints/inquiries to the Commission to identify those that are within the jurisdiction of the Act. 30% Page 1

2 The Director may refuse to accept, suspend or stop complaints under section 20 of the Act Ensures all parties to the complaint are advised of the status of the investigation and their rights and responsibilities under the Act Reviews and approves case analyses, legal opinions and reports prior to submission to the Commissioners for decision Conducts and directs negotiation, mediation and settlement of complaints Consults with legal counsel and provides advice on complaints, appeals, legal opinions and hearings Ensures timely completion of investigations B. Directs development and delivery of human rights public education programs and human rights training arising from settlements Ensures that public education programs and materials align with the strategic direction of the Commission Provides guidance to staff in developing, producing and delivering informational, promotional and educational materials including the annual report and human rights training materials Participates in public education events where appropriate C. Develops and implements a communications/public relations strategy for the Commission Develops and implements policies, procedures, plans and programs which will increase public awareness and understanding of human rights issues Cultivates and maintains ongoing relationships with special interest groups, media, government officials and other jurisdictions. Participates in joint projects where appropriate. Monitors public opinion (including media) relevant to human rights issues and makes recommendations to the Commission regarding public relations Develops and maintains a system for responding quickly and accurately to actions and events involving the Commission, to ensure the public and media are informed about issues and settlements Reviews press releases and packages, material for news conferences, advertising and informational materials and public announcements of the Commission Drafts speeches for the Commissioners as required D. Directs research and consultation activities of the Commission to maintain current knowledge of human rights issues, events and practices Develops, manages and evaluates research projects 10% 5% 5% Page 2

3 Maintains ongoing contact with other human rights agencies in Canada to monitor research activities and programs and learn about best practices E. Provides Secretariat Support to the Commissioners 10% Facilitates Commission meetings, including developing meeting agendas and minutes in consultation with the Chair, providing meeting materials and ensuring administrative support is in place Provides training to Commissioners Provides ongoing written reports to Commissioners regarding the nature, number, disposition and status of complaints 3. Examples of additional activities which may be performed from time to time Participates in Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA) activities related to Director s role B. Problem Solving and Decision-Making: 1. a) List any Acts, Regulations and/or Policies/Procedures with which the incumbent must be fully familiar in order to perform the position s functions Yukon Human Rights Act Canadian Human Rights Act Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Policies and Procedures of the Yukon Human Rights Commission b) Is the position responsible for interpreting, administering or implementing any of the above? If yes, explain Yes. The position is responsible for interpreting, administering and enforcing the Yukon Human Rights Act under the direction of the Members of the Human Rights Commission. 2. a) Describe the kinds of recommendations the incumbent is regularly required to make and to whom Develops and recommends acceptance of annual operating budget, financial plans and investments to Commissioners and prepares submissions to Government of Yukon for funding Develops and recommends policies for approval by the Commissioners Develops operating procedures Recommends settlement terms to complainants and respondents b) Who normally makes the final decisions with respect to those recommendations? Yukon Human Rights Commissioners approve operating budget, financial plans and policies. The individuals and organizations involved make final decisions as to Page 3

4 whether to accept settlement recommendations. 3. a) Describe the kinds of final decisions regularly made for which the incumbent is held accountable Day-to-day management of the Commission s staff and financial resources Decisions on program and performance administration matters, including specific program content, work approaches, schedules, projects, priorities Instructions to contractors, outside legal counsel Refusing to accept complaints under subsection 20 of the Human Rights Act Suspending or stopping complaints under subsection 20 of the Human Rights Act Decisions on day-to-day public affairs matters Hiring, disciplining and managing staff b) What is the direct impact of those decisions? These decisions directly impact the quality, budgets and timeliness of education programs, complaints management and public relations. They affect the fairness and effectiveness of the human rights complaints system in the Yukon, and the potential redress for victims of discrimination, They affect the reputation and public image of the Commission as well as staff morale and the level of service to the public. C. Freedom to Act 1. Describe the way in which this position receives direction Commissioners and Director of Human Rights agree annually on an operational and budget plan, including specific goals and objectives. Similar discussions and agreements apply to specific projects or broad programs. Under the Act, after staff have investigated and analyzed a complaint, the Commissioners may direct the Director to settle it or refer it to the Board of Adjudication. 2. What legislation, regulations, procedures or established practices guide, constrain, or limit the activities of this position? See B1 3. How is the work of the position normally checked or evaluated? The Chair of the Commission performs the job evaluation. The Chair also meets monthly to discuss priorities, updates and potential issues. The Commissioners monitor quarterly operating and financial reports to ensure goals and objectives are being met. Narrative reports on specific projects or programs may also provide ongoing evaluation of the work. 4. What types of decisions are normally referred to the supervisor? (Give examples) Page 4

5 Extremely sensitive human rights issues with wide public exposure (Chair of the Commission is informed and consulted) Some personnel issues (Chair of the Commission is consulted on hiring of lawyer or acting Director) Governance issues and organization s direction (Chair of the Commission) Strategic Planning (Chair of the Commission) Approval of policies (Commissioners) Decisions mandated by the Act (e.g. disposition of complaints and review of Director s decision to suspend or stop a complaint) D. Financial Accountability 1. Dimensions a. Annual budget $600,000 Prepared by Office Administrator with direction from Incumbent and approval of Commissioners This position is fully accountable for the budget once approved by the Commissioners. b. Ability to reallocate human/financial resources within the budget and in accordance with policies This position is responsible for sound financial management within the budget and has the authority to reallocate resources within the budget. c. Signing Authority. All cheques require two signatures (Commissioners and/or Director, Legal Counsel, Office Administrator) 2. Other expenditures or revenues influenced by this position N/A E. Management/Supervision Supervises 4 permanent directly (1 part time) 1 term occasional student/contract employee 0 indirectly Nature of Supervision a) Show colleagues how to do tasks b) Train other employees in work procedures c) Assign work and review for quality/quantity d) Establish work priorities and schedules e) Change duties and responsibilities f) Participate with supervisor in employees performance evaluation or Formally appraise employees work performance and discuss appraisal with employee with them, making a final recommendation to advance or withhold merit increments Page 5

6 g) Recommend appointment or rejection on completion of probationary period h) Address staff regarding attendance or performance issues i) Make final decision on selection of new employees for certain positions F. Key Personal Contacts Who Purpose Frequency Complainants and those seeking to make complaints Respondents and witnesses Senior Officials of government departments, crown corporations, private sector companies, employer organizations, unions, community groups, special interest groups Staff of other commissions, legal counsel Media G. Tools, Equipment, or Machinery Used Name Computer Clarifying Complaint, negotiating informal resolution Negotiating informal resolution and/or settlements Relationship Building, addressing sensitive and/or organizational issues relating to Human Rights, participation in joint projects Researching human rights issues, case precedents, policies, procedures, exchange of information Provide press releases, hold news conferences, contracting for advertising Purpose Correspondence, Record Keeping, Report Writing, ing Daily Several times weekly Weekly Weekly From time to time % of Time 25-30% H. Working Conditions Work is carried out in a normal office environment a. Weights Lifted Bankers boxes (archived files) from time to time b. Working conditions (sitting, standing, bending, reaching) or physical effort (hiking, walking, driving) required. Sitting for prolonged periods at computer and in meetings c. Physical Hazards Present Potential physical risks from dissatisfied clients d. Interpersonal Conditions High level of dissatisfied clients High level of emotional clients Potential physical abuse from clients Page 6

7 Regular critical deadlines High level of irregular critical deadlines Constant interruptions Instructions from more than one source Other e. Travel required Average number of trips annually 3 Average number of days per trip 2-5 Average distance per trip Km Most frequent mode of transportation Air/Car This assumes 1 2 trips to communities within Yukon for public relations, education and 1 2 trips elsewhere in Canada for training and CASHRA meetings I. Organizational Chart Commissioners (the Board) Legal Counsel (1.0) Signatures Supervisor: Director of Human Rights Investigator Occasional Public Education (1.0) Student Specialist(.6) Term Positions Incumbent: Office Administrator/ Intake Worker(1.0) Date: For the Commission: Date: Date: Page 7

8 Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required Sound knowledge and experience of general management principles and methods, techniques and activities including financial, human resource and office management Knowledge and experience of policy and procedure development methods Knowledge and experience of human rights law, administrative law and Human Rights Commission practices and policies in Canada Demonstrated interest in and sensitivity to human rights issues Demonstrated knowledge of the Yukon Human Rights Act. Must be able to interpret, administer and implement the Act Ability to communicate and clearly explain, orally and in writing, complex legislation, legal issues and human rights concepts Excellent conflict management, negotiation and mediation skills Proven analytical skills and ability Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy Team building and leadership skills Ability to relate to and communicate with a wide variety of individuals including senior government officials, the media and the public. Cross-cultural understanding and communication skills. Understanding of First Nation history, culture and self-government in the Yukon and the northern context. Ability to maintain neutrality, model principles of integrity and fairness, and maintain complete confidentiality of Commission information Legal training and education This is a position of trust requiring a criminal record check Licenses & Certificates Required LL.B. or J.D. Experience, Skills and Knowledge desirable, but not necessarily essential Media relations experience Knowledge of education theory and practices Approximately how long will it take for a fully qualified employee from outside to reach the full working level of the position? Six months to a year Page 8