Hearing Officer

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo is seeking up to three (3) individuals to provide contracted Hearing Officer services. This contract calls for experienced and qualified individuals who are available to work up to 3 days per week, or on a as needed basis.

As a Council-appointed Hearing Officer in accordance with the Administrative Penalty Program By-law 24-038 and Hearing Officer By-law 24-039, you will conduct an independent review of decisions made by Screening Officers within the Administrative Penalties Program, for matters concerning camera-based enforcement. The role operates in accordance with Ontario Regulation 355/22 and Region of Waterloo program policies.

The Hearing Officer is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

**Role/Responsibilities**:

- Review the written request for a hearing including the decision of the screening officer
- Determine the format for how the hearing will be conducted. If it will be conducted orally or electronically by video conference, review the decision of the Screening Officer and the hearing submissions made by the contravener.
- Review the request for hearing extensions to ensure they meet the requirements for a hearing
- Conduct hearings that require accommodations in accordance with Regional standards
- Exercise the authority to confirm, vary or set aside the decisions made by screening officer, in accordance with the regulations and Administrative Penalty Program by-laws and policies
- Prepare the written decision directly into the program’s case management system ensuring it is promptly delivered to the contravener in accordance with program guidelines
- Collaborate with the Region’s Administrative Penalties Program staff to schedule hearings and manage case-related matters
- Ensure that all decisions are rendered independently and free from external influence

**Qualifications**:

- Possess expertise in administrative law, adjudicative processes, and relevant legislation, including Municipal By-laws, the Municipal Act, the Highway Traffic Act and the Provincial Offences Act
- Demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills for interpreting laws and guidelines
- Exhibit effective communication, facilitation, and mediation skills
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in a related field or possess equivalent education and/or relevant experience
- Preferably a current member of The Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR) and/or The Law Society of Ontario (LSO)
- Proficient in computer skills, including Microsoft Office and internal software/systems
- Have access to a computer with high-speed internet to support remote work
- Are willing and able to travel within the Waterloo Region as required
- Flexibility to provide services on a part-time basis, as hearing reviews are held on an as-needed basis including in person as determined by an accommodation on a case-by-case basis

**Availability**:As required, up to 3 days per week

**Compensation**:Hearing Officers receive a per diem fee of $600 each day, or $300 each half day. There is no reimbursement of mileage or transportation costs and no guarantee of minimum days of work. Schedules will be determined in advance, or as required by appeal.

**Eligibility**:The following persons are eligible to be appointed or to remain as Hearing Officers:

- A member of Council
- A relative of a member of Council
- An employee of the Region of Waterloo
- A person indebted to the Region of Waterloo

**Job Type**: Contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: $600.00 per day

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kitchener, ON N2H 0A9

Application deadline: 2024-11-15