Respondent Support Specialist

Staff – Non Union

Job Category
M&P – Excluded M&P

Job Profile
XMP – Administration, Level C

Job Title
Respondent Support Specialist

Department
UBCO Program Administration Student Support and Case Management

Compensation Range
$6,677.33 – $10,433.50 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
September 19, 2022

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Please note the salary shown above is the minimum and maximum salary as per the AAPS salary scale at a 1FTE (full time). This position is a .5FTE (part time). Hiring practices follow minimum to midpoint of the salary scale – Minimum – $3338.66 , Midpoint – $4173.41. More information regarding the salary scale will be discussed in the interview process.

Job Summary

This position provides non-judgmental assistance to students who have been named as a respondent or have been reported to have caused harm under UBC’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. This position will also support staff/faculty respondents who are not represented by a union or association. This position is responsible for working closely with respondents and persons reported to have caused harm by providing information on responsibilities and rights under the relevant policy, helping understand and navigate the university processes, and connecting to on campus and off-campus resources. This position is equipped to provide support to respondents in recognition of the distress that respondents experience when facing an allegation of sexual misconduct, including the potential for disciplinary outcomes.

This position will maintain confidentiality of a given situation and information will be shared on a need-to-know basis with other offices that provide confidential services. The position requires thorough knowledge and experience with navigating and offering information and options on confidential and sensitive matters, as well as the ability to
Organizational Status

Based at UBC Okanagan, this position will be responsible for managing their workload and priorities on a day to day basis, and will report to the Manager, Student Support & Case Management. This position will frequently engage with UBC’s Investigations Office (IO) and other UBCO units and stakeholders, including Case managers, SVPRO, Deans, Department Heads, Directors, and AVPs.

Work Performed

In working with a respondent or person reported to have caused harm under the Sexual Misconduct Policy, the incumbent:

–        Provides confidential, non-judgmental and trauma-informed consultation and support.

–        Provides referrals to additional or alternative resources on campus and in the community. 

–        When requested, communicates and assists with understanding the nature of the report in which they were named, their possible choices of response, implications and processes as well as potential outcomes, including appeal processes.

–        Provides information and consultation under the Sexual Misconduct Policy, the At-Risk Behaviour Policy and the Retaliation Policy as well as the Respectful Environment Statement including: identifying and explaining relevant policies, rights and responsibilities in an investigation or alternative resolution process, information about procedural fairness, due process, confidentiality and privacy. 

–        In collaboration with other relevant campus partners, may serve as a source of information to students, faculty and staff in relation to policy and external processes available in cases of sexual misconduct.

–        Recognizes and responds to the needs of individuals in crisis, and may make appropriate referrals as required for safety and emotional well-being.

–        Works with Enrolment Services, Academic Advisors, and Associate Deans/Directors to negotiate concessions and/or accommodations required by students to support their full participation in the IO process.

–        Provides relevant proactive referrals to any community legal supports, counseling and mental health resources, and facilitates referrals to other appropriate external resources as determined by the unique needs of the individual with priority to cultural considerations.

–        When requested, attends investigatory meetings with respondents, and debriefs these meetings as needed

–        Works strategically with internal stakeholders including the IO, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO), UBC Student Wellness, Counselling Services, UBC Ombudsperson’s office, Student Conduct Office, Campus Security, Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) and the Students Union Okanagan (SUO) 

–        Works with external stakeholders as appropriate, including providing information about counsel for respondents where applicable.

–        Attends and participates in meetings for policy oversight and review as needed.

–        Works closely with the Student Support & Case Management team and as necessary, will provide early alert response and case management services to students

–        Performs other duties related to department functions as assigned.

–        Occasional travel to the UBC-Vancouver campus may be required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent is in a position of responsibility and trust, receiving highly sensitive and confidential information. Sound judgement and sensitivity are imperative to engender respondents’ confidence in the credibility and integrity of the investigation or alternative resolution process. The potential for negative impact on individuals involved in an investigation or alternative resolution process at the University is significant. Error in judgement or procedure would lead to serious legal consequences and could result in the University’s failure to comply with legislation resulting in liability for mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints and investigations. Consequences of error also include physical or psychological harm caused to/by parties to a complaint.

Supervision Received

This position works with direction from the Student Support & Case Management office and the Office of the AVP Students. This position will work collaboratively along with UBC stakeholders and offices across the UBC Okanagan and Vancouver campuses

Supervision Given

None.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree preferred, in a relevant discipline such as social sciences, criminal justice, counselling, social work, nursing, or law
• Demonstrates knowledge of theory and experience in case management, crisis response, mental health, brief therapies, diversity, community education and advocacy.
• Understanding of and commitment to legal principles of due process and procedural fairness
• Understanding of and commitment to principles of trauma-informed practice
• Understanding and appreciation of jeopardy faced by persons reported to have caused harm, including in IO, criminal, civil and regulatory processes, as applicable
• Proven intercultural competencies and an ability to effectively communicate and interact with members from diverse communities in an inclusive and respectful manner
• Familiarity with Alternative Resolution processes, including restorative or transformative justice
• Experience working with individuals reported to have caused harm
• Recent and significant experience in dealing with individuals who may exhibit behaviors indicating extreme anxiety, stress, or fear
• Recent and significant experience working within complex environments with diligence, care, and compassion toward all individuals involved, while demonstrating excellent attention to detail and the ability to concurrently maintain adherence to policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to participate in the development of education based on evidence, theory, and best practices
• Effective evaluating, problem solving, analyzing and decision-making skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize to meet deadlines
• Ability to deliver results under pressure and during times of ambiguity
• Strong team orientation and commitment to continual learning
• Familiarity with a university setting or other large institutions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with intermediate computer skills
• Ability to travel when required