Member, Social Security Tribunal

As an administrative tribunal with quasi-judicial powers, the Social Security Tribunal of Canada has the responsibility of processing and deciding appeals of decisions from the Department of Employment and Social Development relating to the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance.

Members of the General Division, Employment Insurance Section function as first-level, independent, administrative tribunal decision-makers, mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings and decisions of appeals of Employment Insurance claims for 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 or fraud 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 function as first-level, independent, administrative tribunal decision-makers, mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings and decisions of appeals of Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security applications for benefits.

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

Members of the Appeal Division function as second-level, independent, administrative tribunal decision-makers, mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings and decisions of appeals of the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance claims for 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

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


• A law degree would be considered an asset for all positions;


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


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


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


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


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


• For the Employment Insurance Section and the Appeal Division only, experience working on labour or employer issues would be considered an asset; and


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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the legislation and regulations related to the mandate and activities of the Social Security Tribunal, as well as administrative law, principles of natural justice and practices followed by administrative tribunals and the Social Security Tribunal;


• Knowledge of the appeal processes and the operations of the Social Security Tribunal, including the regulations that govern its activities;


• Knowledge of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act;


• For the Employment Insurance Section only, knowledge of the Employment Insurance Act, and other applicable legislation and regulations;


• For the Income Security Section only, knowledge of the Canada Pension Plan, the Old Age Security Act, and other applicable legislation and regulations;


• For the Appeal Division only, knowledge of the Employment Insurance Act, the Canada Pension Plan, the Old Age Security Act, and other applicable legislation and regulations;


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


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


• Ability to hear appeals, maintain self-control and defuse tense situations;


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


• Ability to work efficiently, independently, as well as within a team; and


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

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred. Notwithstanding this, 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).


• If appointed to a part-time Member position, you must not accept or hold any office or employment inconsistent with your duties (statutory).


• 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.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this positions. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A roster 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 October 29, 2018 via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates must submit their curriculum vitae along with the completed application form with their online application. Incomplete applications (that is, applications received without both a curriculum vitae and a completed application form) will not be considered.

Your cover letter, if you decide to include one, 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. If you applied between May 23 and June 30, 2017, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

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