Discrimination, Harassment And Ombuds Support Specialist

Application Deadline: 06/09/2024  
Requisition ID: 7472 
Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenizationand commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier's thriving community has a place for everyone.
Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policyand employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Our locations are situated on the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishnawbe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. We recognize the unique heritages of Indigenous peoples and support their intentions to preserve and express their distinctive Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledge through academic programming and co-curricular activities. Laurier's Centre for Indigegogy is one example of how Laurier honours Indigenous knowledge.
Position Summary  The mandate for the Office of Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management is to promote amongst the University community, including staff, faculty and students, a culture that encourages the effective resolution of disputes to create an academic, learning, and working environment that is respectful of all members of the University community, free of harassment and discrimination, and maximizes the potential for academic achievement and promotes a positive, engaging work environment.
Reporting to the Manager Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Conflict Management, this role will be a resource to those seeking support for conflict resolution, and matters including but not limited to harassment & discrimination (including personal harassment) and human rights, employing the principles of impartiality and independence. The Discrimination, Harassment and Ombuds Support Specialist is accountable for triaging requests received by the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management and providing support and resolution for complaints, along with providing confidential and independent advice and support to faculty, staff, and students and others who may be affected in the course of resolving complaints. Additionally, this position will support the Ombuds Supports portfolio.
Working closely with other support departments/services including Student Services, the Diversity and Equity Office, The Wellness Centres, Safety, Health, Environmental and Risk Management and Human Resources, the Discrimination, Harassment and Ombuds Support Specialist will develop and maintain strong and constructive working relationships with all constituent groups thereby fostering a supportive and positive environment for the entire University community. This is achieved through the fostering of positive working relationships with all employee and student groups, staff and senior administration to raise awareness and gain support for the mandate of the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management
In an effort to promote a working and learning environment free of harassment, discrimination, bullying and violence this position is responsible for creating,
maintaining and delivering materials to proactively educate the University community on harassment, human rights and conflict management best practices.
Additionally, this position requires an ability to resolve issues related to interpersonal conflicts, identify systemic barriers that contribute to conflict in a learning and working environment, liaison and collaborate with partners to understand and resolve institutional issues and promote a culture of emotional health and inclusion. This position has a university-wide mandate and the successful incumbent provides support and services in a multi-campus environment, requiring regular interaction, communication and collaboration with staff and stakeholders at all university campuses.
AccountabilitiesOmbuds Support
Receive and investigate complaints, engaging in EDI framework, of the mishandling of policies or procedures.Deliver complaint findings to complainant(s) and respondents(s). Conflict Resolution and Complaint Handling
Hear and address human rights and conflict complaints, with a focus of early resolution and support, including case management and follow up as required.Point of contact for marginalized students, staff and faculty who have experienced oppression- based harm and are in need of supports, coaching, resources and/or accountability processes.Provide conflict coaching and mentorship to staff, students and faculty to help address specific conflicts or build on conflict management skills.Receive and support the investigate of formal complaints of harassment and discrimination and present the complaint to the Manager and/or Senior Advisor for consideration and decision making.Provide confidential and independent advice and support to faculty, staff, and students and others who may be affected in the course of resolvingProvide mediation and restorative justice services to staff, students andConsider safety risks when meeting with individuals experiencing harm; provide safety planning.Direct people to appropriate internal resources and facilitate interactions with those resources where necessary.Provide guidance and procedural support regarding policy and procedures specific to 6.1 The Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination. Education and Programming
Address policy and procedural questions specific to policy 6.1 The Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct.Create, coordinate and deliver educational opportunities with a particular focus on the prevention of harassment and discrimination, transformation and resolution of conflict, de-escalation, restoration after conflict and harm, understanding of human rights and responsibilities and responding to lateral violence.Work collaboratively with stakeholder groups to raise awareness, encourage trust and support for the office mandate.Participates in committee work where it relates to conflict resolution, harassment or discrimination. System Navigation and Administrative Duties
Responding to individuals looking for support for harassment, discrimination, human rights, ombuds support or conflict issues.Advise and council students on various judicial processes available to students, including but not limited to student appeals process, academic misconduct and non-academic code of conduct.Identify gaps in existing University policies and processes related to reporting and responding to experiences of oppression and harm.Collaborate with equity portfolios in the University to coordinate efforts to achieve goals of the portfolio.Assist in raising awareness of supports, services available, including rights and responsibilities available to students, staff, and faculty.Assists with data compilation and trending, and preparation of reports QualificationsUniversity degree in a relevant fieldExtensive experience supporting and advocating for people from marginalized backgroundsDemonstrated highly effective conflict resolution skillsStrong communication, decision making skills and sound judgementProcess analysis and documentation experienceMediation and facilitation experienceExcellent organization and administrative skillsDemonstrated high level of initiativeExcellent self-care practicesHuman rights and related legislation knowledgeAppreciation of the University environment, its diversity and an ability to relate well to staff, students and facultyExperience in the design and delivery of educational programsExcellent presentation, facilitation and public speaking skillsExperience handling contentious matters with sensitivity, confidentiality and balancePossession of good interpersonal skills, tact and discretionPreferably identifies as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) Hours of Work:The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday 35 hours a week.  
Compensation Position Grade: EX -G  Salary: $ 68,924 - $ 78,323
Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors. Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier's core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/ Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careersfor additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.