Member, Social Security Tribunal

The Social Security Tribunal (SST) of Canada is an administrative tribunal that decides appeals of decisions from the Department of Employment and Social Development and the Canada Employment Insurance Commission, relating to the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance. These decisions are vital to the economic security and the well-being of those Canadians who appeal to the SST.

Many of those people are vulnerable. Access to justice is a significant challenge for them.

For this reason the SST’s focus is on delivering administrative justice in a way that is simple, quick and fair. That means using flexible, accessible and non-legalistic ways of processing and hearing appeals. It also means speaking and writing to appellants in plain language.

All members of the SST are independent in their decision-making. All members are also accountable to the tribunal. Members are expected to meet tribunal standards regarding numbers of appeals decided and the timeliness of decisions. They are also expected to be committed to the tribunal’s goals of providing a flexible, non-legalistic, accessible form of justice that responds to the needs of the Canadians who use the appeal system.

All members work from home. Contact with other members and tribunal staff is most often through electronic means and by telephone. Members conduct hearings via video conference, teleconference and in-person hearings at Service Canada locations across Canada.

Members of the General Division, Employment Insurance Section are decision-makers at the first level of the tribunal’s process. Their job is to provide fair hearings and decisions of appeals regarding Employment Insurance benefits. Most appeals are from individuals, although employers may also appeal. The most frequently appealed decisions cover issues such as voluntarily leaving, misconduct and undeclared earnings during the course of a claim.

Position Level: GCQ-2
Full-time Salary range: $98,600 - $115,900
Part-time per diem: $500 - $580


Members of the General Division, Income Security Section are decision-makers at the first level of the tribunal’s process. Their job is to conduct fair hearings and decisions of appeals regarding Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits. The most common types of appeals heard in this division are disability appeals under the Canada Pension Plan.

Position Level: GCQ-2
Full-time Salary range: $98,600 - $115,900
Part-time per diem: $500 - $580

Members of the Appeal Division are decision-makers at the second-level of the tribunal’s process. Their job is to provide fair hearings and decisions of appeals from the General Division regarding Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance benefits.

Position Level: GCQ-3
Full-time salary range: $113,700 - $133,700
Part-time per diem: $570 - $670

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

You must have the following qualifications if you want your application to be considered:

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


• Significant work experience in decision-making related to sensitive and complex issues;


• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation and regulations, and in assessing complex information


• Experience in writing about complex subjects;


• Experience in using a computer for communication, research and word processing.

• A law degree;


• Experience in writing about legal issues in plain language;


• For the Income Security Section only, a provincial or territorial license in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy, or psychology;


• For the Income Security Section and the Appeal Division only, experience working on issues affecting seniors or persons with disabilities.


• For the Employment Insurance Section and the Appeal Division only, experience working on labour or employer issues;


• For the Appeal Division, experience in writing submissions or decisions that pertain to the interpretation of statutes and case law.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of administrative law, principles of natural justice and practices followed by administrative tribunals;


• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;


• Ability to manage a tribunal hearing, maintain self-control and defuse tense situations;


• Ability to think conceptually, and isolate, synthesize and analyze information to make and write appeal decisions;


• Ability to work efficiently, independently from your home office, as well as within a team;


• Ability to use a computer for communication, research and word processing, and to learn new technical programs.

• For the Employment Insurance Section and the Appeal Division only, knowledge of the economy and labour market conditions would be considered an asset.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred. There is an immediate need for members who have excellent writing skills in French. Applicants are therefore encouraged to include in their application their level of proficiency in their second official language.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgment


• Impartiality


• Tact


• Discretion

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.

• Members work in their own communities in a telework environment. There are no relocation requirements.


• Members must telework from within Canada, and have access to high-speed Internet.


• Positions are available on a full time or part time basis.


• If appointed to a full-time Member position, you must devote the whole of your time to the performance of your duties (statutory).


• Part-time members will work from their home offices at various locations across Canada. The SST operates in an e-environment only. The tribunal is responsible for providing the necessary equipment and IT related support.


• Hearings may take place by videoconference, teleconference or in-person. The member shall be available to travel to a Service Canada location within their geographic region to conduct in–person hearings when required. Travel for training is also required from time to time.


• As the caseload fluctuates and the SST does not control the number of appeals filed, it does not guarantee part-time members a minimum level of work each month. However, part-time members must be able to offer 60 hours of availability per month, on average. This consists of time that would be spent on managing and preparing files, conducting hearings, and drafting decisions.


• Professional development is mandatory, and part-time members are paid for their professional development, including attendance at training, conferences or member meetings.


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must be willing to travel to the National Capital Region as required, and across Canada occasionally. Your appointment will begin with several weeks of training in Ottawa.

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

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 18, 2020 via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Your cover letter (required) should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position. Your application should be sent through the online application.

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