HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER

Human Rights Commission
Location: HALIFAX
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is an independent government agency mandated with administering the Human Rights Act. The Commission focuses on two key areas: providing a human rights dispute resolution process to resolve allegations of discrimination both on an individual and systemic level; and working to eliminate barriers and prevent discrimination through education training public engagement and policy development. Through this work the Commission is helping to build inclusive communities and protect human rights in Nova Scotia.
The Dispute Resolution Division is an active unit within the Commission employing close to 60% of the Commission team. The divisions work is highly sensitive and focuses on the resolution of inquiries and complaints related to allegations of discrimination through various methods such as resolution conferences and investigations.
For more information about the Commission visit our website here: Human Rights Officers (HROs) play a key role in protecting and advancing human rights in Nova Scotia. HROs are responsible for resolving complaints accepted by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Using restorative principles HROs assess each complaint assigned to them to determine the most appropriate and respectful way of resolving the complaint. Working at the Human Rights Commission will mean encountering difficult subject matter and engaging with individuals who are experiencing challenging the course of your work you may serve individuals who are experiencing mental health concerns and various manifestations of trauma. While the Commission is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace team members must also take personal accountability for their own wellness.
Employing culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices to inquire into and investigate allegations of violations of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act .The HRO will complete fair and impartial investigation of accepted complaints. This is achieved through assessing the complaint information to determine the relevant information required in the investigation assessing the information (i.e. medical reports policies personnel files data) contacting and interviewing witnesses. This information must be analysed in accordance with relevant human rights principles and a working knowledge of discrimination including systemic discrimination and its impacts.
Endeavour to facilitate settlement of complaints: In keeping with restorative principles and when deemed to be appropriate HROs will assist the parties in resolving their complaints through collaboration and clarification of issues and mutual agreement on settlement terms.
Documentation: HROs carry a large caseload of complex files and must develop strategies for collecting information consolidating reviewing and prioritizing competing tasks in a timely and responsive manner while ensuring high quality documentation is maintained.
Report Writing: HROs are required to prepare high quality reports on complex investigations and materials. These reports contain a succinct description of the facts and evidence gathered as well as the HROs analysis of the evidence and relevant legal/human rights principles. To be considered for this position youhold a bachelors degree in a related field such as Law or the Social Sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of the content and intent of the Human Rights Act and related legislation the theories and principles of human rights and the dynamics of systemic discrimination;
Experience working with equity-seeking communities;
Sound report writing skills to prepare formal case analysis;
The following would be viewed as assets:a law degree experience interpreting and applying legislation and human services case management experience.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination standardized tests oral presentations interview(s) and reference checks.
Based on the employment status and union agreement the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan Health Dental Life Insurance General illness Short and Long Term Disability Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. The appointment status (term temporary or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
Career development where you have access to career guidance tools resources and ongoing training for every stage of your career
Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued respected connected and tuned in we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
Department specific flexible working schedules

Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from Indigenous People African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons Persons with Disabilities and Womenin occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process please contact us at

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.