Posting 25-04
Decision Editor, Tribunals Unit

Policy, Governance and Tribunals Department

Limited Term appointment – up to 12 months
Category 5 - Hiring Range $99,761– $118,944

Reporting to the Manager, Tribunals, the successful candidate will provide legal writing support to members of the Discipline and Fitness to Practise Committees, who generally hold more than 10 hearing days per month, primarily via Zoom. The Decision Editor will attend disciplinary hearings and work closely with panel members to articulate their reasons in legal decisions that are clearly written, accessible to a wide audience and legally sound. The Decision Editor will also support the work of the Tribunals Unit by analyzing legal issues as they arise and by regularly revising hearings-related templates and materials to align with the current state of the law, among other things.

Responsibilities:

• Attend hearings, in full or in part, and take detailed notes
• Review all hearings-related material (e.g. exhibits, jurisprudence, applicable legislation)
• Work closely with panels and draft decisions, in a timely manner, that clearly articulate the panel’s reasoning, including a summary of evidence considered, witness testimony and reference to applicable legislation and cases presented by counsel
• Proofread and edit decisions and other hearings-related documents for grammar, spelling, clarity and legal and factual accuracy
• Use legal transcripts to complete outstanding decisions, as required
• Prepare presentations, as required
• Conduct legal research, as required
• Assist with various aspects of the hearings process, as required
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, Tribunals, or the Director, Policy, Governance and Tribunals

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario required
• At least three years of litigation or similar demonstrable experience in Regulatory or Administrative law is required
• Demonstrable experience supporting the work of adjudicators in a legal writing capacity is an asset
• Legal research experience, including interpretation and application of legislation
• Superior legal writing and editing skills and ability to synthesize and summarize large volumes of information
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with Committee members and staff in an objective and professional manner
• Sensitivity in dealing with subject matter that may involve allegations related to the abuse of children
• Proven organizational skills to manage high volumes of work in a timely manner
• Computer skills: Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; videoconferencing technology (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams)
• Knowledge and understanding of the education sector, the Ontario College of Teachers Act, related legislation, regulations and bylaws
• Bilingualism (English and French oral, written and comprehension) is an asset

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume through our application portal no later than January 31, 2025.

Posting 25-03
Bilingual Manager of Accreditation

Accreditation Unit, Standards of Practice and Accreditation Department

Permanent position, Category 4a – Hiring Range $142,404 – $160,276

The Ontario College of Teachers is seeking a Bilingual Manager of Accreditation for programs of professional education. This position will support the Director of Standards of Practice and Accreditation, the Accreditation Unit and the Accreditation Committee in fulfilling the College’s mandate.In this role, the successful candidate will:

• manage the Accreditation Unit to establish, maintain and improve procedures and policies relevant to the accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Ontario.
• engage actively in program reviews including those involving substantial changes in, and additions to, pre-service programs.
• ensure that teacher education programs are adhering to the Accreditation of Teacher Education Regulation 347/02 and the Teachers’ Qualification Regulation 176/10 in order to meet the needs of the provincial education sector demands.
• report regularly to the Department Director and the Accreditation Committee on all reviews and activities. .

French language proficiency testing will be administered as part of the recruitment process for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Report to the Director of Standards of Practice and Accreditation, primarily responsible for coordinating and managing the activities of the Accreditation staff, with additional project leadership opportunities as assigned.
• Support the Accreditation Staff, Accreditation Roster and the Accreditation Committee in its planning for and deliberations with respect to the reviews of programs of professional education in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with the Manager of Standards of Practice and Education to facilitate the integration of accreditation best practices and the professional standards in the work of the Accreditation Unit, the Accreditation Roster and Committee as needed.
• Work in collaboration with all staff in the Department and the College in support of a positive work environment for all.
• Provide Accreditation Unit leadership when dealing with the accreditation reviews of programs across all providers.
• Co-ordinate the review schedule and monitor workflow for the Program Officers and administrative support assigned to accreditation panels with a focus on optimizing professionalism, accuracy and timely completion of work.
• Participate actively in the accreditation reviews of teacher education programs as a lead or in a supporting role in the language of instruction of the respective program.
• Foster and promote a positive relational approach with all education providers including Deans and Directors of Education in both publicly-funded and independent institutions across the province.
• Participate in Department planning, program and priority setting.
• Establish Unit budget, goals and objectives, while respecting the College’s Mission and Vision and aligning with the College’s Strategic Priorities.
• Communicate administration policies and human resources policies to Unit staff.
• Establish and maintain efficient and effective Unit procedures; onboard and train  new staff, support staff development, communicate performance standards for the Unit and regularly evaluate performance of staff.
• Plan and facilitate training sessions for new Accreditation Committee and Roster members as well as offering ongoing professional learning opportunities for existing Committee members and panelists.
• Communicate with the Department Director with respect to any significant observations or information such as changes in teacher education policies and practices by providers of teacher education programs.
• Interpret College regulation, policies and procedures for teacher education providers in Ontario and for information requests from other jurisdictions and other Departments.
• Keep abreast of current issues, trends and research in teacher education in Ontario and other jurisdictions and changes in policy, legislation, technology and innovations that may affect teacher education standards and practices in both official languages in the province, and
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Director.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Membership in Ontario College of Teachers in good standing
• Proven educational leadership and supervisory experience
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in both French and English
• Extensive knowledge of initial and continuing teacher education
• Experience with:
  • Teaching, professionalism and mentoring
  • Program review or curriculum development
  • Facilitation of professional learning and reflective inquiry
  • Project management
• Practical experience in any of the following areas is considered an asset:
  • Pre-service course development and/or instruction
  • First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit education
  • Technological education
  • French language sector experience

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume through our application portal no later than January 30, 2025.

Posting 25-02
Senior Investigator

Investigations Unit, Investigations and Professional Conduct Department

Limited term appointment – up to one-year with possibility of extension
Category 5 - Hiring Range $99,761 - $118,944

To assist the Manager, Investigations in supporting the Investigation Committee and in providing direction to and supervision of Investigators. Responsibilities include providing Investigators with initial and ongoing training, supervision of investigation progress, and review of relevant documents including investigation plans and investigation reports for the Investigation Committee. Responsibilities also include providing support to the Investigation Committee and its panels.

A proven investigator in the regulatory field with experience in sensitive and complex cases, you will have a good knowledge of the applicable legislation regarding the regulation of the teaching profession in Ontario. You will interact professionally with members of the public, members of the profession, employers, College counsel and defence counsel. You are able to review a high volume of information in a timely fashion, are attentive to detail, bring excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. You produce exceptional written work and adhere to timelines. Additionally, you have demonstrated a high level of productivity in your current or former roles and posess the ability to be self-disciplined when working remotely.

Complaint investigations at the Ontario College of Teachers are generally document-based given that concerns have already been investigated by another organization, such as the member’s employer or local police services. College investigations consist of obtaining relevant documents, analyzing the information received, identifying evidentiary gaps in files and conducting additional investigation as required, such as following up with employers and child and family services, and interviewing witnesses. After an investigation is complete, Investigators also prepare investigation reports for panels of the Investigation Committee. Investigations generally do not require off-site attendance, although this may be necessary when interviewing public complainants and witnesses.

Responsibilities

Assistance to the Manager, Investigations

Training and development

• Assist with preparation and updating of the resource manual for Investigation Committee and Roster members.
• Support initial and ongoing training of Investigation Committee panel members.
• Provide initial and ongoing training of Investigators.

Allocation of Cases

• Assign cases to Investigators and balance Investigator caseloads.

Supervision of Investigators

• Provide direction on the conduct of investigations, including analyzing initial information to detect evidentiary gaps in files, identifying persons to be interviewed, others (for example, child and family services) to be contacted for relevant information, substantiating documentation, determining if legal advice is required, and setting time frames for investigations.
• Review investigation plans and proposed allegations of professional misconduct, competence or fitness to practise.
• Conduct one-on-one weekly meetings with Investigators as necessary.
• Conduct quarterly file reviews of investigation files to monitor file progress.
• Review investigation reports with Investigators in advance of Investigation Committee panel meetings.
• Conduct annual Performance Appraisals.

Investigation Committee

• Attend Investigation Committee panel meetings providing procedural advice to members as required.
• Provide background, legislative and policy information at Investigation Committee panel meetings as required.

Project management

• Co-ordinate assigned Investigation unit projects such as the implementation of changes to the College’s governing legislation and the development and ongoing review of Investigation Unit policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, Investigations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, Investigation Committee and Roster members, external counsel, employers and members of the public.
• Good working knowledge of the Ontario College of Teachers Act and its relevant Regulations, the Education Act and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.
• Experience in any of the following areas is considered an asset for this role:
  • Expertise in EDI with an emphasis on barriers and marginalization experience within institutions and legal settings.
  • Professional regulatory organization.
  • A legal background with a sound knowledge of administrative law and its application in a regulatory setting.
  • Supervisory experience of a team.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume through our application portal no later than January 24, 2025.

Posting 25-01
Bilingual Senior Intake Officer

Intake Unit, Investigations & Professional Conduct Department

Permanent Position, Category 5 - Hiring Range $99,761 - $114,149

The College’s Intake Unit receives and assesses complaints from members of the public and reports from employers of Ontario Certified Teachers. It also provides guidance to the public when concerns arise around the conduct of a teacher, administrator, or other member of the profession and administers the College’s Therapy and Counselling Funding Program. The Intake Unit is a fast-paced work environment that addresses a high volume of matters.

A proven professional, with excellent communication skills and problem-solving experience, you will interact with members of the public and the teaching profession, senior staff from school boards and legal counsel regarding concerns and complaints related to members of the Ontario College of Teachers. Reporting to the Manager, Intake and Analytics, you will work collaboratively with the Department’s leadership team and Intake staff to ensure overall operations of the Intake Unit and you will participate in the development and implementation of Unit policies, procedures, and projects.

The ideal candidate will be self-directed, motivated and able to anticipate needs and initiate appropriate actions under the direction of the Manager, Intake and Analytics. Familiarity with the Ontario education system, its Acts and Regulations and the field of special education is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Interact with members of the public and the teaching profession, senior staff from school boards, independent schools, First Nations schools and legal counsel;
• Counsel senior personnel from employers of College members on statutory reporting requirements;
• Interpret relevant sections of the Ontario College of Teachers Act, Education Act, and other relevant legislation;
• Respond to requests for information including College jurisdiction, legislation, public register entries, etc.;
• Provide guidance and training to Intake staff, reviewing work and providing feedback where appropriate;
• Prepare correspondence in response to complex queries including regarding relevant legislation, publication bans, and the College mandate;
• Provide in-person and online presentations to members of the profession, community organizations, and teacher candidates on matters relating to the College’s complaints, investigation, and discipline processes;
• Assist with the ongoing development and administration of the College’s Therapy and Counselling Funding Program, including driving process improvements as well as assisting applicants and claimants;
• Prioritize serious or sensitive complaints for the Department’s leadership team;
• Participate in the collection and analysis of Unit and Department data, Preparing reports and analysis of trends and emerging issues;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Unit Manager and Department Director.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the education sector, regulatory fields, or a related area;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French;
• Self-motivated and self-directed with superior organizational skills and ability to multi-task;
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Sound judgment, professionalism, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Strong analytical and data analysis skills and the ability to effectively interpret and translate raw data into meaningful results and understanding;
• In depth knowledge of the Ontario College of Teachers Act, the Education Act, related legislation, and the professional and ethical standards of the teaching profession;
• Knowledge of EDI principles and ability to use this understanding in analyzing and addressing concerns from the public and reports from employers;
• Membership in the College and/or broad knowledge of the teaching profession, teacher professionalism, and the teaching environment with experience in the public education sector is considered an asset.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume through our application portal no later than January 24, 2025.