Conduct Officer

Are principles of justice, fairness, and equity important values you hold dear? VIU is looking for an exceptionally talented and resilient student services professional who is committed to the highest standards of service. The ideal candidate holds a relevant bachelor's degree with a background in investigations, conflict resolution, and formal risk and threat assessment training. If this describes you, we encourage you to join our Student Affairs team where we put students at the forefront of everything we do.

Situated at the Nanaimo Campus, and reporting to the Manager of the Student Conduct and Care Office, the Conduct Officer actively promotes the safety and well-being of our students by upholding and employing VIU's policies and procedures related to student conduct, sexual misconduct, violence risk and threat assessment, and the death of a student protocol.

The incumbent is responsible for managing a heavy load of complex and sensitive student conduct and sexual violence cases that require a high degree of discretion, outstanding judgment, and superior organizational skills. This position is both demanding and rewarding and is well-suited to a person who is able to manage stressful working conditions and competing interests from a variety of internal campus stakeholders. The success of this role is largely dependent on developing a solid relationship with students, staff, faculty, and administrators across the institution including VIU's regional campuses and centers in Powell River, Cowichan, and Parksville.

Case Management

• Enacts university policies and procedures related to student conduct, sexual misconduct, violence risk and threat assessment, and the death of a student protocol.
• Serves as the initial contact for complaints by interacting in a professional and tactful manner with students, parents, faculty, staff, and other involved parties, and answers questions regarding University policies and processes.
• Explores whether an informal resolution process is appropriate to the circumstances and consistent with complainant(s)' needs.
• Follows through on student complaints that contravene the Student Conduct Code and Sexual Violence policy by initiating an investigative process followed by a completed report that contains all relevant facts.
• Liaises with academic and non-academic units in facilitating the resolution of student conduct issues including the use of classroom management techniques. Communicates with faculty and staff regarding student supports that may appropriately meet the needs of a student.
• Escalates where necessary complex cases to the Manager particularly where there is significant university community safety concerns, institutional liability, risk or reputational harm.
• Advises the Manager on processes that could improve any aspect of case management including the student experience and safety planning.

Operational Matters

• Remains current with all institutional policies, human rights code, privacy legislation and other relevant regulations
• Reviews and assists with revising related policies and procedures.
• Serves on the Risk and Threat Assessment Team (RTAT) and the Collaborative Assessment, Referral and Education (CARE) team.
• Maintains proper record-keeping, in accordance with University policy, including files on student conduct cases, complaints, and tracking sanctions and statistics.
• Analyzes and interprets data and makes recommendations for continuous quality improvement.
• Assist the Manager with developing training resource materials for seminars and workshops.
• Assist the Manager by acting as a campus resource on student rights and responsibilities and related policies, develops education and prevention strategies, and provides supports and other resources available.
• Maintains the website for the Office.
• Acts in the Manager's capacity in their absence and completes all other duties as required by the Manager or Director of Student Services

Professional Development

Commit to ongoing professional development in the fields of investigation, privacy, violence risk and threat assessment, sexual violence assessment, conflict resolution, and reporting writing to name a few.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline plus a minimum of three years' related experience, preferably in a post-secondary institution or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Training in Violence Risk and Threat Assessment; and Risk of Sexual Violence Protocol.
• Training in Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Experience investigating and adjudicating non-academic student misconduct.
• Experience harnessing information from online sources including the use of social media for the purposes of information gathering.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing highly confidential and sensitive information while at the same time exercising professionalism, confidentiality, and objectivity.
• Experience writing investigation reports.
• Experience applying excellent decision-making, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience working effectively and calmly under pressure, meeting deadlines and managing changing priorities in an often highly stressful role.
• Possess exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and understanding of contemporary and historical indigenous issues.
• Experience interpreting and applying a range of institutional policies related to personal safety and conduct management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the challenges experienced by university students including new student transition issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of victim/survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches in working with individuals affected by sexual violence.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to grasp and communicate complex ideas and develop creative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and inclusively.

Note:

Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Vancouver Island University embraces the principle of employment equity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and people of Indigenous descent.