The University of Victoria is one of Victoria's largest employers and one of Canada’s best diversity employers. Together we are more than 5,000 dedicated faculty, librarians and staff supporting the University of Victoria’s diverse academic programs, world-class research and commitment to civic engagement.

The salary range for this position is:

Recruitment range: $72,191- $79,595 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.

Performance range: starting salary to max of $93,896 is available through annual performance increases.

Reporting to the Manager, Residence Conduct Team, the Community Standards Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of the residence conduct model and community standards system and its supporting programs, in alignment with the strategic goals and values of Residence Services management. The Community Standards Specialist supervises or leads response processes regarding the resolution of Residence Community Standard infractions within Residence Services, and/or refers incidents to other university departments when appropriate.

Specifically, the incumbent is responsible for:
(a) reviewing, evaluating, and planning the response to residence conduct reports.
(b) leading and/or guiding complex and comprehensive follow up processes with residents and/or recommending investigations.
(c) making decisions or recommendations on appropriate sanctions as part of the follow up process.
(d) training the Residence Life professional and para-professional team in the delivery and follow up process for all levels of conduct response.
(e) liaising with key campus stakeholders to coordinate response across Student Services departments (e.g., Office of Student Life, Campus Security, Counselling, Equity and Human Rights, Health Services, etc.); and
(f) assessing individual and community impacts in order to address issues of concern and reach effective outcomes.
(g) Preparing documentation for conduct follow-up meetings with residents, including evictions, and facilitating meetings with residents as necessary
(h) providing after-hours support to staff related to crisis response process and protocol, if required.

The Community Standards Specialist is responsible for providing guidance and oversight for the development and implementation of the residence conduct system, including staff training, prevention programming, response processes, and residence contract review. This includes responsibilities for the development and delivery of comprehensive training to over 90 paraprofessional staff and 7 Neighbourhood Managers in areas such as: report writing, procedural fairness/natural justice, managing difficult conversations, conflict resolution, investigation skills, confidentiality, and boundary setting.

The Community Standards Specialist will work closely with the Office of Student Life to align the residence conduct model within the scope of university policies, including Non-Academic Misconduct, Response to At-Risk Behaviour, and Sexualized Violence.

The Community Standards Specialist may be part of an inter-departmental university team that assesses risk to individuals, the residence community, and the University, and responds in accordance with the residence contract, university policies, and guidelines.

The Community Standards Specialist plays an ongoing role in the provision of critical support services to students in distress, providing consultation to the Manager, Residence Conduct Team, the Associate Director, Residence Life and Education, the Manager, Resident Support, and the Residence Services leadership team.

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a graduate degree in a related field (e.g., conflict resolution, public administration, Student Affairs administration, law, educational psychology, etc.) and five (5) years or more of professional experience in related work.

Equivalent combinations of education, training and/or experience may be considered.

This position requires experience:

• with conflict resolution, mediation, and restorative justice.
• leading, planning, conducting, and supervising simple and complex follow up and investigations.
• adjudicating significant and high-risk issues while adhering to legislation, policies, and precedents.
• training and developing curriculum for adult learners.
• working directly with students or clients from diverse populations.

This position also requires:

• the ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment, collaborating with a broad range of people to achieve goals and objectives.
• demonstrated, strong interpersonal and communication skills in a collegial environment.
• a high level of confidentiality and professionalism, and ability to deal with sensitive issues with tact, diplomacy, and compassion.
• being self-motivated and self-directed with a willingness to take on new responsibilities and adapt, manage, and facilitate change.
• an ability to balance and manage multiple competing priorities.
• excellent organizational and written/oral communications skills.
• knowledge of human rights law.
• knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
• demonstrated knowledge of procedural fairness and natural justice.
• demonstrated experience with developing and delivering initiatives that involve diverse stakeholders with competing needs; and
• excellent analytical skills.

Continued success in the position requires:

• understanding and application of trauma informed practices.
• proven personal strategies to mitigate stress and ensure personal well-being and set appropriate professional boundaries.
• demonstration of sound judgment and assessment of risks and liability issues.
• a willingness to maintain a knowledge of current and emerging trends in higher education as it pertains to student conduct, student persistence and success.
• understanding of programs and services related to mental health.
• working effectively with academic and administrative colleagues and students, and actively listening to others to garner cooperation and support.
• an ability to work in an unpredictable setting with complex, sensitive, and high-profile topics.

Assets or Preferences:

• experience working in a post-secondary setting, government, or similarly complex work environment.
• outstanding human relations and interpersonal skills, strong critical-thinking skills and creative problem-solving.
• experience supporting others in navigating complex processes.
• training in threat, violence, and risk assessment; and
• privacy and records management training.