Centre Description

The Student Rights Centre is a service offered by the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU). It offers help and guidance to students at the University of Ottawa facing problems with the University’s administration and/or services. These problems can be related to a breach of a student’s human rights or academic rights The Centre offers individual consultation and advocacy to hundreds of students per year. The Centre’s work is supported and promoted by research, events, educational initiatives, special projects and administrative duties that tie in with case work.

Job Description

The Student Rights Advocate offers guidance and support to students who require information on University of Ottawa regulations and practices or who wish to appeal decisions made by the university administration. Advocates also help students who wish to receive more information regarding their human rights on campus or who want to file a formal or informal complaint in that regard. They are tasked with providing exceptional case management services to students.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management and advocacy, including but not limited to: intake assessment and facilitating meetings with students, information sharing (rights & responsibilities), referrals, guidance regarding internal/external and informal/formal procedures and appeal options, goal setting, research, long-term case plan development, progress monitoring, advocacy, accompaniment to meetings with the administration, review of all submissions, and ensuring up-to-date and accurate paperwork for each client;
• Report systemic barriers identified through case work to the director;
• Consult with the director regarding individual cases, as needed;
• Attend meetings and/or participate in initiatives aimed at redressing systemic barriers, as needed;
• Provide periodic recommendations on policies and procedures related to the SRC’s mandate;
• Provide periodic recommendations regarding internal SRC policies and procedures;
• Advocate for the development of relevant U of O policies and procedures to advance human rights for students;
• Maintain and promote a positive public image of the SRC and the UOSU;
• Inform the UOSU Commissioners and Management on necessary changes to University policies; and
• Other related tasks.

Qualifications

• Experience in case management in the not-for-profit sector;
• Bilingualism essential (English and French); highly developed verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to communicate with a broad range of people;
• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree;
• Ability to work independently with strong sense of focus, to manage competing priorities, task-oriented, nonjudgmental, and with a clear sense of boundaries;
• Good understanding of the functioning of post-secondary institutions;
• Understanding of Ontario Human Rights Commission espoused best practices; working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code and related legislation, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, University of Ottawa policies, procedures, hierarchy, and functioning;
• A strong sense of respect for confidentiality involving both clients and fellow employees;
• Professionalism, diplomacy, strong interpersonal skills, good judgment and experience in handling confidential information and working with persons in crisis;
• Knowledge of social work practices, and campus and community resources;
• Proven ability to develop strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders;
• Demonstrated research capabilities and ability to evaluate information objectively;
• Ability to work in a team environment, to network, and establish fruitful collaborations and partnerships;
• Good documentation skills;
• Strong commitment to student rights and a clear understanding of the asymmetry of power facing students;
• Capable of working under pressure;
• Attention to detail;
• Knowledge of the UOSU, its services, clubs, associations, and activities is an asset; and
• Additional training including Active Listening, safeTALK, ASIST is an asset.

Bilingualism in French and English is a mandatory criteria. Please note that the interview will be held in both official languages.

Preference will be given to candidates of equity-seeking groups.

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