Senior Investigation Specialist

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Internal posting expires July 31, 2025 @ 11:59pm

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Primary Purpose

The Senior Investigations Specialist [SIS] is part of the Conflict Management team that provides a range of formal and informal resolution services to the campus community. The SIS is primarily responsible for, but not limited to, conducting internal investigations in matters involving complaints of sexual violence, human rights violations, workplace harassment and systemic issues. In addition, the SIS will support line management with their requirements related to the exercise of institutional due diligence.

Key Accountabilities

Case Management

• Responds to initial inquiries from internal client’s or campus resources re: the provision of investigations services.
• Advises internal clients as to the statutory obligations impacting formal investigation processes.
• Refers internal clients to alternate resources [e.g. UW Police] to either enhance the effectiveness of the investigation or to consider a more suitable process.
• Responds to inquiries to conduct exercises in matters of organizational due diligence.

Pre - Investigation

• Assesses whether there is a reasonable basis on which to proceed with the formal process [i.e. prima facie assessment] and communicates as appropriate.
• Conducts inquiries in support of case assessments.
• Prepares formal Prima facie or case assessments reports for delivery to clients.
• Meets with the complainant[s] and the respondent[s] to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the relevant policies, procedures, statues as well as the available resources.
• Responsible for ensuring the respondent[s] are aware of the allegations and they are provided with a reasonable time to respond.

Investigations

• Develops an investigation plan to guide the initial steps of the process. In doing so, determines what allegations or relevant facts are in dispute and identifies potential sources of evidence.
• Collect evidence from all appropriate sources including witness interviews and hard evidence [e.g. digital evidence, documentation].
• Consistently considers and adheres to University policy, principle of natural justice and fair process when collecting, assessing and weighing evidence in support of findings.
• Adheres to established timelines and is accountable for any procedural delays.
• Provides regular updates to the internal clients, complainant[s], respondent[s] and their support personnel.
• Prepares a final report for presentation to the client setting out the allegations, evidence, relevant procedural matters, findings [facts, credibility, and policy analysis].
• Notifies all parties [witnesses included] at the conclusion of the investigation and the submission of the final report.

Post Investigations

• Respond to post investigation inquiries from the internal client and provides assistance in communicating investigation results to the parties.
• Provides recommendations to the internal client on matters of concern identified within an investigation [i.e. systemic concerns].
• Secures all relevant materials from the investigation consistent with the department’s records management process.
• Responds to, and makes themselves available for, any post investigation procedures or actions involving the University’s response to the investigation and its findings [e.g. arbitration, OHRT tribunal].

General

• Maintains through and complete records of all case management activities
• Monitors, on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the internal investigation process and, where deficiencies are noted, consults with the Director.
• Maintains a ‘Best Practice’ manual that sets out established procedures, templates and decision -making criteria to ensure consistently fair and transparent practices.
• Ensure that they remain well informed of all relevant legislation, policies and enhancements to investigatory practices.

Required Qualifications

Education

• University degree or equivalent education and experience
• Graduate degree in law preferred
• Essential that the incumbent is trauma informed, or willing to participate in training to become trauma informed.

Experience

• 5-7 years’ experience in conducting investigations within large, decentralized organization. That is experience with evidence management, interviewing, procedural determinations, procedural fairness, decision making and report writing. Experience within a post-secondary education setting an asset.
• 5-7 years’ experience in conducting investigations within the organizational setting on matters of interpersonal misconduct [i.e. harassment, discrimination, sexual violence].
• Experience working with victims of sexual violence from a trauma informed lens an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• High degree of understanding of procedural fairness and evidence management related investigations and report preparation
• Exceptional interviewing skills as demonstrated by ones’ ability to be professional, compassionate, and empathetic.
• A strong knowledge base in Ontario human rights legislation, workplace harassment legislation and their related policies and guidelines
• Superior written communications, with the ability to organize and present complex content in a clear, concise and meaningful manner.
• Exceptional decision making abilities to guide fair process and accurate evidence assessment.
• Exceptional oral communications especially within the interview and client contact setting.
• Exceptional ability to organize and prepare to conduct thorough interviews with compassion and empathy
• Vulnerable Sector Check required

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.