• Job Description

  Req#: 1156062

  The Team:

  The Dispute Resolution Team of the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and impartial resolution of conflicts between landlords and tenants in British Columbia. As an Arbitrator, you will join an established team of professional decision-makers who embrace new ideas and technologies within a culture of innovation. This exceptional group has undergone significant transformation in the last year, implementing new and timely options for resolving disputes. Our team collaborates with policy analysts, information officers, administrators, and legal services to enhance and support safe, secure, and sustainable tenancies.

  The team’s commitment to professionalism, their ability to navigate complex situations, and their dedication to delivering timely and thoughtful decisions are what set them apart in the field.

  The Role:

  As an Arbitrator with the RTB, you will be at the heart of resolving disputes between landlords and tenants, directly contributing to the stability and fairness of rental housing in British Columbia. Reporting to a Manager of Dispute Resolution, you will operate in a dynamic and often emotionally charged environment requiring a high degree of discretion, judgement, and neutrality throughout the hearing process.

  In this role, you will work independently, often remotely, conducting hearings in a courteous, respectful and effective manner. Your key responsibilities will include assessing evidence, facilitating discussions, and encouraging settlements when possible. You will use your discretionary powers to make a decision based on the merits of the case, ensuring compliance with established laws and guidelines. You will be responsible for delivering clear, concise, and well-reasoned written decisions within established time limits, ensuring that all parties understand the outcome and reasoning behind it.

  Your ability to navigate complex and sometimes volatile situations with professionalism and empathy will be critical, as will your skill in managing a high volume of cases in a fast-paced environment. The role has a profound impact on the citizens and clients you serve. By providing a fair and efficient dispute resolution process, you help uphold the rights of both landlords and tenants, fostering trust and stability in residential tenancies across the province.

  Candidates should be excited to pursue this opportunity because of the meaningful impact they can make on people’s lives and the chance to be part of a citizen-focused team that is leading the way in dispute resolution. You will ensure that everyone has access to a fair and impartial hearing. If you are passionate about fairness and the rule of law, this role will inspire and fulfill you.

  Qualifications:
  Education and Experience Requirements

  • Degree in a related discipline, such as law, criminology, public administration or social sciences.
  • An equivalent combination of relevant experience in statutory decision making and writing, education and training, which includes formal post-secondary level course work in a related field, may be considered.
  • Three (3) years of combined and demonstrated experience in the following:
    • Interpreting and applying legislation, regulations and common law to varied and often complex situations to properly and defensibly exercise delegated decision making authority.
    • Providing and communicating legal analysis and reasoning in writing.
    • Effectively communicating with others in high conflict situations using self-control, tact, discretion, and sound judgement.
  • Experience proficiently and simultaneously using programs in MS office, electronic filing systems and web-based applications.

  Preference may be given to applicants with:

  • Experience assessing the relevance and reliability of evidence, and making findings of fact.
  • Experience conducting hearings with citizens in an adversarial process.
  • Experience resolving disputes between parties using mediation and conflict resolution skills.

  Provisos/Willingness Statements:

  • Occasional travel is required.
  • Often must work with angry or distressed clients.

  For questions regarding this position, please contact jennifer.howard@gov.bc.ca
  
  About this Position:
  Amendment August 29: Posting closing date extended to September 10
  This position can be based out of any of the location(s) listed above.
  There are currently up to (4) positions available: (1) permanent opportunity and up to (3) one year temporary opportunities.
  Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 5 days at home per week subject to an approved telework agreement.
  A permanent appointment may result from this temporary appointment.
  An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
  A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
  Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
  This position is excluded from union membership.
  
  Working for the BC Public Service:
  The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
  
  We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.
  
  The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Métis, or Inuit) applicants. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.
  
  How to Apply:
  Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above.

  Cover Letter: YES - A cover letter is required as part of your application. The content and/or format of your cover letter may be evaluated as part of the assessment process. The cover letter must include details of how you meet the job requirements as outlined in the posting/job profile.

  Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.
  
  Questionnaire: YES - You will be required to answer a standard questionnaire.

  Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR. Gain insights into the hiring journey by joining a Career Conversation. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.

• About the company

  The provincial government of British Columbia is the body responsible for the administration of the Canadian province of British Columbia.

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