DEPUTY OMBUDSMAN (Housing)

2023-05-03

City of Toronto

Toronto, ON

Full Time

Description

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Ombudsman Toronto operates independently of City Council and the City administration. Staff of Ombudsman Toronto report directly or indirectly to the Ombudsman, an independent Officer of City Council.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team within Ombudsman Toronto and advance the City of Toronto’s commitment to establishing a right to adequate housing in the city. If you are passionate about fairness, equity and overcoming systemic discrimination hurdles in the City’s treatment of people who are living in housing precarity, this may be the job for you.
In this role you will conduct systemic investigations, systems reviews, monitor progress, advise and collaborate with key stakeholders, advocate for improvements, and engage with communities and other orders of government.

Position Purpose
Reporting to the Ombudsman, the Deputy Ombudsman (Housing) will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of systemic investigations and systems reviews about discrimination and structural hurdles in the City of Toronto’s planning and delivery of housing services and programs.
The role will monitor the implementation of the City’s housing policy, which envisions housing as a human right, conduct research, engage with affected groups, and assess systemic and structural housing issues to analyze the City’s progress against human rights outcomes.
The position will oversee a small unit dedicated to housing issues within Ombudsman Toronto with the following responsibilities: investigations, systems reviews, budget, human resources, legal issues, policy, research and data, engagement, and dialogue.
Major Responsibilities

Identify and oversee systemic investigations into the City’s housing programs, ensuring the City is following its commitment to implement housing as a human right.
Identify and oversee systems reviews in areas such as shelter access and supportive housing.
Support the delivery of the City’s housing policy from a human rights and fairness perspective.
Develop community engagement strategies about housing to ensure a human rights and fairness focus.
Recommend improvements to legislation, regulations, policies and procedures that are grounded in principles of human rights and administrative fairness.
Serve as a resource for City officials formulating housing policies or procedures.
Ensure principles of human rights and fairness are embedded in advice and programming.
Manage goals and performance of staff within the unit.
Foster and maintain cooperative working relationships with elected officials, public servants, and broader community stakeholders, including governments.

Key Qualifications:

Completion of post-secondary/university education and/or equivalent experience.

Demonstrated experience in senior roles in the fields of Ombudsman, human rights, and/or administrative law.

Considerable experience and knowledge of housing issues with an emphasis on an economic and social human rights framework.

Proven experience in conducting and managing administrative investigations and systems reviews.

Experienced manager who knows how to lead, motivate, and coach with compassion, drive, and deliver results.

Proven political acuity and demonstrated ability to be a trusted advisor.

Exceptional communication skills with demonstrable experience in investigative report writing and crafting recommendations.

Highly developed conflict resolution skills, problem solving and analytical skills.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity. Accommodation The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.