Unity Health Toronto, comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, and St. Michael’s Hospital, is dedicated to advancing the health of individuals and communities. We provide a full spectrum of care - from primary care and community services to specialized tertiary and quaternary care, rehabilitation, palliative, and long-term care. We are committed to putting patients and families at the heart of everything we do, while also investing in world-class research and education.
Role Overview
As the Human Rights and Programs Consultant, you will independently manage complex workplace and human rights matters including workplace and Code-based harassment and discrimination cases and oversee intake, review, and recommendations for non-medical workplace accommodation requests.
You bring a strong track record of conducting a meaningful volume of workplace investigations (approximately 30–40 files), managing each case from initial intake and fact-finding through detailed evidence review, written reports, and leadership recommendations. Your investigations are exceptionally thorough and built to withstand scrutiny in mediation, arbitration, and/or Human Rights Tribunal proceedings.
To be successful in this role and demonstrate positive impact, you bring a balanced, evidence-based approach and the ability to translate legal and human rights principles into practical, workable solutions that protect both employees and the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently lead complex workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, and human rights concerns, from intake through findings and recommendations. Integrating intersectional analysis directly into credibility assessments, and the synthesis of investigative findings.
- Apply a strong understanding of discrimination, harassment, and accommodation legal principles under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act to complex situations. This includes recognizing relevant legal tests, researching case law via CanLII, and collaborating with internal/external legal counsel to shape practical workplace decisions and recommendations.
- Ability to assess complaints and determine the appropriate pathway, including investigation, mediation, early resolution, or consultative support to managers and staff.
- Recognized subject matter expert in human rights, discrimination, and Code-based compliance. Routinely relied upon by leadership to guide high-stakes organizational policies, programs, and complex employment decisions.
- Represents the organization as an SME in mediations, arbitrations, and Human Rights Tribunal proceedings, providing expert defense of investigation findings, reports, and accommodation recommendations.
- Consult with leaders on investigation findings, appropriate responses, and implementation of recommendations, partnering with internal and external counsel as appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with leaders, employees, unions, and internal/external stakeholders, including Patient Relations, Enterprise Risk, Medical Affairs, and Employee Relations, to address sensitive human rights issues appropriately and consistently.
- Support the Manager, Human Rights and Programs in executing the Well and Working attendance program across multiple attendance streams, including recognition, awareness, and traditional attendance management, including preparing attendance management letters and escalating and responding to inquiries received in the Well and Working central inbox.
- Support the development and implementation of projects, programs, policies, and initiatives assigned to the Human Rights and Programs team.
Qualifications
- Minimum five years of progressive Human Resources experience providing independent employee and/or labour relations advice to staff and leaders, including leading workplace investigations, consulting on workplace issues, performance management, attendance management, and progressive discipline.
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree combined with a diploma or certificate in Human Resources Management. CHRP designation or active candidacy strongly preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, employment legislation (ESA, OHSA), and case law. Demonstrated experience applying legal tests, conducting Code-based harassment and discrimination investigations, and guiding managers through the duty to accommodate (primarily non-medical).
- Proven track record of independently managing complex workplace investigations (30–40+ files) from intake and witness interviews to evidence analysis, producing clear, defensible reports capable of withstanding external scrutiny (arbitration, tribunals). Includes an intersectional, bias-aware, and culturally humble approach to evidence and credibility assessment.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with a history of collaborating effectively with leaders, employees, internal and external legal counsel, and unions in a complex, unionized public sector environment (healthcare preferred).
- Strong problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail, excellent time management, and the capacity to manage competing priorities. Produces clear, concise documentation and professional written reports.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and HRIS systems, with a self-directed commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining a satisfactory attendance record.
Job Title : Human Rights and Programs Consultant
Department : Human Rights and Programs
Reports to : Manager, Human Rights and Programs
Location : Network-wide (St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Providence Healthcare)
Hybrid work arrangement available.
This is a network-wide position requiring an on-site presence at various locations across Unity Health Toronto. A hybrid work arrangement (combination of on-site and remote work) is available, subject to organizational needs.
Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist, and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.
