Qualified individuals are invited to apply for the position of Casework Specialist in the Safer Union Spaces Office at the National Office of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, located in Ottawa, Ontario. The successful candidate may ask for the position to be elsewhere in the country subject to operational requirements.

There is a Bona Fide Occupational Requirement (BFOR) associated with this position. The position is designated for persons who are part of one or more of CUPE’s five designated groups for employment equity: Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ people and women.

The ability to speak and write in French is considered an asset for this position. If the successful candidate is deemed bilingual, they will receive the bilingual bonus. 

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Casework Specialist will be responsible for providing support and case management of disclosures and complaints of harassment, discrimination, gender-based violence, or conflict within CUPE spaces by members, elected officials, and staff.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the direction of the Director of the Safer Union Spaces Office, the successful applicant will be required to perform the following functions:

  • First point of contact for triage, disclosure and reports of harassment, discrimination, gender-based violence, or conflict issues. Provide trauma and violence-informed response, and advocacy services.
  • Provide intersectional, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed emotional support and advocacy to individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination.
  • Offer information and “navigational” support related to harassment and discrimination response pathways, including informal intervention, restorative justice, mediation, and complaint processes.
  • Provide case management, safety planning, risk assessment, accommodation, and interim measure support.
  • Act as point of contact and assist respondents with systems navigation, engaging in informal intervention and formal complaint processes.
  • Provide case consultation to staff or elected officials working with or supporting, those impacted by harassment, discrimination, and gender-based violence and acts as a resource for the development of strategies to improve support, wellness, and safety.
  • Provide conflict coaching and mentorship to members, elected officials, and staff to help respond to equity-based conflicts within union spaces.
  • Provide referral information and warm transfers to other supports and services.
  • Collaborate with other teams and external partners to coordinate support and resolution efforts.
  • Assist in education on prevention strategies and in raising awareness of supports and services available.
  • Maintain case records and statistics consistent with the procedures and operational guidelines established by the Safer Union Spaces Office.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • University degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.
  • Five (5) years of demonstrated casework experience for human rights and/or gender violence cases.
  • Three (3) years of experience with trauma informed, crisis intervention, and brief model direct support or counselling.
  • Three (3) years of mediation and facilitation experience
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively provide case support, build rapport, and handle sensitive situations, while demonstrating respect for the lived experiences of others and using language that reflects a commitment to equity and justice for all. 
  • Extensive experience supporting and advocating alongside individuals marginalized by systems of oppression. with an emphasis on empowering individuals to voice their concerns in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
  • Demonstrated highly effective conflict resolution skills
  • Extensive experience with risk assessment tools and interventions
  • Current with pertinent ethical requirements and research relevant to responding to concerns and complaints from an equity lens.
  • Human rights and related legislation knowledge
  • Experience handling contentious matters with sensitivity, confidentiality and balance
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism and uphold ethical standards
  • Knowledge of employment law, particularly related to harassment and discrimination
  • Strong initiative and ability to work independently as well as in a team.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT This position is non-unionized but will follow the collective agreement between CUPE and the Confidential Employees Union for salary, benefits, and leave purposes.   

WEEKLY SALARY RANGE: $2,635.33 to $2,718.78 **

** If the successful candidate is deemed to be bilingual, a bilingual bonus of 7 % will be applied.

Persons interested should submit a recent copy of their résumé and cover letter, mentioning Posting #EXC-25004, to the Human Resources Department at hr@cupe.ca no later than
April 3, 2025.

CUPE is committed to fostering a representative workplace and a culture grounded in respect, diversity and inclusiveness at all levels of our organization to ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse CUPE membership and the diverse communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity-deserving groups, including women, Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates on any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the selection or recruitment process. Please inform us if you require accommodations by contacting us at hr@cupe.ca. (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority.)