APS Hearings Officer (Contract)

Position Details

• Location: Guelph/Eramosa
• Employment Type: Part-time
• Contract Type: Contract
• Engagement Type: Contract
• Department: Legal & Governance
• Work Location: Virtual and in person at the Township Office located at 8348 Wellington Road 124, Rockwood, Ontario

Role Summary

The Township of Guelph/Eramosa is seeking applications for the contracted position of Hearing Officer to adjudicate appeals related to the Township's Administrative Penalty System (APS) and municipal by-laws. Appointed by Council pursuant to Ontario Regulation 333/07, the Hearing Officer serves as an independent adjudicator providing a second, impartial, and final decision in the APS appeal process. The Hearing Officer reviews Screening Officers' decisions on administrative penalties and determines whether to affirm, vary, or cancel them.

Appointments are made for the current term of Council and continue until reappointment or successor appointment. The Hearing Officer is retained as an independent contractor, not an employee.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Make rulings and issue oral and written decisions relating to the APS By-law independent of outside influence, including extending time to pay administrative penalties.
• Review case documentation according to APS By-law and policies.
• Conduct hearings in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act ensuring fairness for all parties.
• Conduct hearings virtually or in person, with most anticipated to be virtual; in-person hearings approved on case-by-case basis.
• Attend and conduct hearings on a regularly scheduled basis throughout the contract term.
• Regularly review and comply with all applicable by-laws, policies, legislation, and regulations.

The Hearing Officer’s decisions are final. The role has no authority to question validity or constitutional applicability of statutes, regulations or by-laws.

Eligibility Criteria

• Not eligible: Members of Council, their relatives, Township employees, or individuals indebted to the Township.
• "Relative" includes spouses, immediate and extended family, in-laws, or anyone residing permanently with the individual.

Qualifications and Experience

• Membership in the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators and/or the Law Society of Ontario considered an asset.
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in related discipline, or equivalent education and experience.
• Knowledge and experience with adjudicative processes, including conducting hearings for courts, tribunals, boards, or administrative bodies.
• Knowledge of and experience interpreting municipal by-laws, the Municipal Act, Provincial Offences Act, Statutory Powers Procedure Act, and Ontario Building Code.
• Knowledge of access to information and privacy legislation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Strong leadership, communication, facilitation, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• High ethical standards, integrity, sound judgment, proficiency with computer software and virtual meeting platforms.
• Applicants must not act as agents for applicants appearing before Administrative Penalty Tribunal or other Township administrative tribunals.

Conduct and Compliance Expectations

• Compliance with Township's Administrative Penalties By-law, relevant APS policies on conflict of interest, preventing political interference, and appointment of officers.
• Expected to act with respect, professionalism, transparency, timeliness, integrity, and impartiality.
• Remain current on legislative and policy changes, avoid political influence and conflicts of interest, protect confidential information, and refer media inquiries to the Clerk.

Service Delivery Requirements

• Provide a current Criminal Record Check satisfactory to the Township.
• Hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence.
• Provide and maintain appropriate computer hardware, software, and reliable high-speed internet for conducting hearings.
• Provide services on a part-time, as-required basis.
• Conduct hearings virtually or in person at the Township Office at 8348 Wellington Road 124, Rockwood, Ontario.

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