Employment Standards Officer

Role Responsibilities

Are you interested in a position that is challenging, rewarding, and focused on ensuring a fair and equitable workplace for Albertans? Look no further as we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Reporting to a Team Lead within the Complaint Resolution or Special Investigations and Inspections Unit, Employment Standards Officers (ESOs) are tasked with resolving disputes where alleged contraventions of the Employment Standards Code (Code) have occurred, e.g., unpaid earnings, terminations of employment, protective leave matters. 

This is achieved by providing education to employees and employers, facilitating mediation and negotiation discussions, and conducting investigations and advanced enforcement activities including worksite inspections, audits and prosecutions. ESOs exercise the authorities delegated under the Code in a fair and unbiased manner and make determinations where mediation or voluntary resolution may not be possible based on the evidence gathered through an investigation. These determinations can become enforceable as a judgment in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies: 
 

• Following the principles of natural justice and administrative fairness, the ESO uses creative problem-solving skills to achieve voluntary resolution as well as critical thinking skills to formulate determinations based on evidence. While considering client perspectives, dynamics and emotions, the ESO assesses each situation to determine appropriate resolution avenues, taking into consideration the goal to provide timely service to Albertans as well as the needs of all involved parties.  At times, the ESO researches, analyzes, and reconciles relevant data and payroll information from a variety of sources to determine an appropriate course of action.  When handling a difficult situation or individual, the ESO uses strong conflict resolution skills to find an effective solution.
   
• The ESO is required to communicate effectively, by educating both employers and employees on legislative requirements, as well as providing and obtaining information of a complex, technical, or sensitive nature, both verbally and in writing. Communication must be clear, logical, concise, and complete, while maintaining confidentiality.
   
• The ESO must demonstrate a drive for results and approach the investigation of complaints in a timely manner utilizing their superior decision-making skills within legislative requirements. The ESO must also acknowledge organizational expectations and goals focused on client service excellence. 
   
• The ESO exerts agility by adapting to an ever-changing workplace, labour environment and technology solutions. Success in this position is supported by adopting the practice of continuous learning and reflection to develop self.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field, supplemented with at least two years of related experience in resolving disputes and complaints through mediation, negotiation and/or investigation. Past involvement with interpreting legislation, policy, and/or procedures is also required. A Class 5 Driver’s License and proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) are also required.

Preference will be given to those candidates who have enforcement experience (with an understanding of the principles of natural justice and administrative fairness), and experience composing analytical legal correspondence and/or reports.

Equivalencies may be considered and will be based on the following:

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
 

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards. 

The ideal candidate will:
 

• Have oral and written proficiency in English, including demonstrated skills to take notes, prepare correspondence and write decisions.
• Have interpersonal, mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Have demonstrated ability to collect, analyze and verify facts, comprehend the context and dynamics of relationships to develop options and solutions.
• Have knowledge of accounting principles as well as computer skills (especially in Microsoft Excel, etc.) to perform complex monetary assessments.
• Have organizational, planning, and time management skills to independently complete work within the appropriate time frames and deliver on performance objectives.
• Be client-focused, agile, thorough, conscientious, and attentive to detail to ensure quality work.
• Be reliable, professional, respectful, and supportive as a contributing member of a team to achieve common goals.

Notes

There are two full-time permanent positions working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 

A cover letter describing how your education, career history and/or professional development to date make you suitable for the position is required. Please include examples of how you demonstrated the following competencies: agility, creative problem solving and drive for results.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a three-stage recruitment process: a written assessment, a panel interview and virtual scenario exercise. Only those candidates who pass a stage will be invited to the next.

-    Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.  
-    Travel is required.
-    The successful candidate will be required to write and pass an Employment Standards Legislation examination for continued employment.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

The Alberta Public Service is a great place to work! 
What we offer:

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
•    Leadership and mentorship programs