Vice-Chairperson (all streams), Social Security Tribunal

As an administrative tribunal with quasi-judicial powers, the Social Security Tribunal of Canada (Tribunal) processes and decides appeals of decisions from the Department of Employment and Social Development relating to Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security.

The Tribunal is a high volume tribunal dealing with matters of personal income security. It is expected to deliver administrative justice that is simple, quick and fair. It has an obligation to make its processes accessible and client-centric so that the people who appeal to it can participate meaningfully in their own appeals.

The decisions that the Tribunal makes have a significant impact on the financial security of the people who are appealing. For appellants who are waiting to find out whether they are entitled to Employment Insurance benefits, Canada Pension Plan disability benefits or Old Age Security benefits there is a pressing need to receive a timely answer that is clear and understandable.

The Vice-Chairperson of the Appeal Division is responsible for ensuring that decisions of the General Division are reviewed to ensure that the right decision has been made in each case. S/he is also responsible for ensuring that, on a systemic level, decisions of the Appeal Division provide clear, simple and practical guidance to the General Division and to persons who access the Tribunal’s process.

The Vice-Chairperson of the General Division, Employment Insurance Section, is responsible for providing operational and substantive leadership and direction relating to the Tribunal’s process of adjudicating appeals of administrative decisions pertaining to the Employment Insurance program.

The Vice-Chairperson of the General Division, Income Security Section, is responsible for providing operational and substantive leadership and direction relating to the Tribunal’s process of adjudicating appeals of administrative decisions pertaining to the Canada Pension Plan disability benefits and Old Age Security benefits programs.

Diversity and Official Languages

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, training and job-related experience;


• A post graduate or professional degree in a related area would be considered an asset (e.g., a degree in law or business administration);


• Management experience in a private or public sector organization, including managing human resources and evaluating employee performance;


• Experience in leading and managing organizational transformation;


• Experience in developing and implementing operational efficiencies and performance standards;


• Experience in decision-making related to sensitive and complex issues; and


• Significant experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, policies and directives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the appropriate role of an adjudicative administrative tribunal within the executive branch of government;


• Knowledge of the legal principles, procedures and practices involved in adjudicating in an administrative tribunal, including principles relating to evidence, statutory interpretation and natural justice;


• Knowledge of the principles of efficient case management within a high volume administrative tribunal, including the development and implementation of organizational standards of performance, productivity, efficiency and quality in decision making;


• Knowledge of government practices, including those related to sound governance and organizational management principles;


• Ability to provide leadership within the Social Security Tribunal of Canada and assistance to the Chairperson in carrying out his mandate;


• Ability to motivate members and to appropriately and effectively manage the performance and productivity of members within an adjudicative administrative tribunal; and


• Ability to work collaboratively and to effectively model productive and cooperative working relationships between Governor in Council-appointed Members and the public service staff of the Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada to achieve shared outcomes.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgment and impartiality


• Tact


• Discretion


• Leadership

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.
  


• Each full-time member of the Tribunal must devote the whole of their time to the performance of their duties (statutory).


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance (statutory).


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.
A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on March 4, 2019. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.