Job Description

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Compliance Officer II (Housing & Homelessness) in Community Safety. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality\'s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Supervisor, Regional Compliance, the Compliance Officer II (COII) is responsible for public education and enforcing Municipal Legislation existing in a range of By-laws including but not limited to:

• Parks By-laws
• Administration Orders

In delivering the service, the COII provides proactive compliance and responds to complaints regarding homeless encampments in HRM parks. The COII is responsible for education and enforcing policy under the Parks by-law related to designated camping in parks intended for those experiencing homelessness.

The objective of the program is to gain compliance through education, enforcement notifications and, if required, court proceedings. The COII works closely with other regulatory staff and agencies in order to ensure compliance. The COII is sworn as a Special Constable under the Police Act. As a result, the successful incumbent is required to meet all qualifications of Office for Special Constable as per Police regulations and takes oath under these conditions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Educates and provides information to the public regarding municipal legislation.
• Interprets and enforces legislation.
• Conducts investigations regarding alleged by-law violations.
• Documents appropriate case file information while conducting investigations.
• Ensures public compliance with municipal by-laws through education, negotiation, issuance of tickets, laying of charges and preparing and serving notices.
• Attends site meetings with service providers and identifies violations to be removed.

Reports, Correspondence, Appeals and Legal Matters

• Makes recommendations on enforcement files through written reports.
• Liaises with HRM Legal, other business units and individuals related to the enforcement of municipal by-laws.
• Provides case file information and status updates through oral or written communication.
• Issues notices\xe2\x80\x9d and reports as required by HRM By-laws.
• Lays charges before the courts (long form information) or issuance of Summary Offence Tickets (SOT) to individuals who violated HRM by-laws.
• Compiles evidence for the appointed Administrator and/or Municipal Solicitor.
• Represents HRM as a witness in prosecution proceedings.
• Serves summonses and legal documents.
• Attends court as required.

Administration

• Maintains, monitors, and analyzes case files.
• Tracks and saves digital photo evidence through established process.
• Daily use of a computer to input inspection data, communicate with other staff and external clients, develop correspondence, reports, and Orders.
• Conducts research using Property Online, Registry of Joint Stocks, GIS, etc. to determine property location and property ownership.
• Identifies trends in by-law violations or potential difficulties with by-law policies.
• Makes recommendations for improvement to enforcement procedures.
• Other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in public administration, social work, criminology, or political science, or post-secondary education in a related field such as Law and Justice studies.
• Three (3) years\' experience working in enforcement of municipal and/or provincial by-laws or regulations.
• Minimum three (3) years\' experience delivering face to face customer service that involves de-escalation of customer complaints.
• Minimum three (3) years\' experience in data base management.
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized populations.
• Valid Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver\'s License.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively deal promptly with conflict and stressful situations with tact, diplomacy, and negotiation skills, using good judgment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions which impact public safety.
• Above average abilities in communications (both orally and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make decisions relative to urgency and importance and public scrutiny.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate a multitude of tasks and responsibilities.
• Good observation, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated organizational and administrative abilities.
• Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, and Hansen or similar systems.
• Knowledge of proper witness interview techniques, gather and present evidence.
• Knowledge of municipal by-laws
• Ability to approach and communicate appropriately with individuals with mental health and addiction issues and manage high stress and volatile situations.
• Ability to remain calm during stressful and highly charged emotional situations.
• Knowledge of quality customer service principles.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note - Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer\'s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Valuing Diversity, Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Decision Making, Teamwork & Cooperation

WORK STATUS: Permanent, full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Normal working schedule is based on a 35-hour week; flexibility would be required to work between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm depending on operational requirements.

SALARY: $35.21 per hour (Level 8 in accordance with the NSGEU 222 collective agreement)

WORK LOCATION: 7 Mellor Avenue, Dartmouth, NS

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.

(position # 78639452)

Halifax