Senior Investigator, Workplace Violence and Harassment

JOB SUMMARY

You are responsible for leading the conduct of complex, high-profile, and high-risk investigations arising from serious allegations of workplace violence, harassment, discrimination, reprisal, and breaches of the City’s Code of Conduct. You exercise advanced professional judgment and autonomy in applying legislation, collective agreements, policy, and legal precedent to ensure investigations are procedurally fair, trauma-informed, consistent, and legally defensible.

You function as a senior subject-matter expert and escalation authority for the Workplace Violence and Harassment (WVH) program, providing authoritative interpretation at the intake stage, ensuring corporate consistency in investigative approaches, and mitigating organizational risk. You provide functional leadership to junior investigators by establishing investigative standards, conducting quality assurance reviews, mentoring and training investigators, and ensuring consistency and defensibility across investigations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

University degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Law, or a related field

Minimum six (6) years of experience conducting complex workplace investigations

Minimum three (3) years of experience addressing labour relations matters in a unionized environment

Experience conducting investigations in a municipal or broader public-sector setting considered an asset

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Expert knowledge of applicable legislation including the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Canada Labour Code, and Canadian Human Rights Act
• Expert knowledge of investigation principles, evidentiary standards, and procedural fairness
• Advanced knowledge of labour and employment law, arbitration jurisprudence, and investigation-related case law
• In-depth knowledge of workplace violence and harassment policies and practices in unionized environments
• Advanced knowledge of dispute resolution and risk mitigation strategies;
• Strong understanding of municipal governance structures and public-sector labour relations

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working independently with a high degree of professional judgment and accountability
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with investigators, Labour Relations, Legal Services, management, and unions
• Managing multiple complex files and competing priorities in a high-risk environment
• Applying advanced critical thinking, legal reasoning, and analytical skills;
• Communicating complex findings clearly and effectively in written and verbal formats
• Managing emotionally charged situations with professionalism, discretion, and empathy
• Demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice
• Travelling to work locations and working evenings or weekends as operationally required

Core Behaviours
Core behaviours define the City's expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work.  They are reflective of the City's culture and values and guide all our present and future activities.  Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody, and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.