Position: Temporary Junior Advocate

Hours of workwage: 35 hours/week Wage:$52,500 Reporting to: Director of Programs Type of position: Replacement of an existing vacancy

Job Description

The Junior Advocate’s primary responsibility is the intake and triaging of student academic rights cases. They will take on advocacy projects as need indicates and based on the Centre’s observed issues and in accordance with UOSU’s Mandate. They will promote awareness of Student Academic Rights and Students Rights Centre services through various means including outreach and advocacy campaigns. They will work in collaboration with other UOSU staff and representatives to implement their advocacy objectives. They will also perform admin duties for the service as required.

Responsibilities

Intake & Administration

• Act as front-line staff for the Centre, conducting intake interviews, facilitate a triage system and refer clients to the appropriate Student Rights Advocate;
• Schedule appointments for clients and manage the Centre’s calendar;
• Ensure liaison with various administrative services at the University of Ottawa, such as the Access to Information and Privacy Office;
• Minute-taking: Draft all minutes for weekly meetings, meetings with other offices/departments, and meetings of all services when the SRC management cannot attend;
• Complete database entry for all client files and ensure up-to-date data is always available;
• Support Advocates in booking initial meetings and scheduling clients;
• Following up with non-responsive clients and closing cases as needed;
• Assist with day-to-day operations of the Centre including being responsible for the physical drop-in space, servicing walk-in clients and operating the front desk;
• Manage the SRC general inbox, inquiries and walk-in services;
• Assist with the Centre’s day-to-day operations, including ordering supplies, managing the physical space, etc.;
• Attend and participate in UOSU training and meetings as required;
• Represent the Centre at UOSU meetings, such as all-services meetings;
• Perform admin duties and facilitate the development of communications materials as needed; and
• Perform other related duties.

Outreach

• Develop and implement educational initiatives related to the Centre’s expertise with the aim of providing valuable skills and/or knowledge to the student population;
• Maintain the Centre’s social media accounts and ensure the website is functional and up-to-date;
• Create posts for social media (Instagram and Facebook);
• Coordinate and promote the planning of educational campaigns and events, such as the Diversity and Accessibility Conference (DAC) and the “Know Your Rights” workshops;
• Represent the Centre at all outreach opportunities, such as booths/tables during 101 Week; and
• Perform other related duties Advocacy
• Conduct research on systemic issues relevant to the Centre or at the request of SRC management;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the University of Ottawa academic and administrative regulations and develop a workable understanding of the appeals processes available to students on campus;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights system and legislation;
• Meet with Student Advocates on a regular basis to ensure familiarity with systemic barriers presented through case work;
• Build Advocacy campaigns addressing systemic issues related to students' academic rights and equity on campus;
• Engage student volunteers as needed to support in advocacy work;
• Act as a liaison and build relationships with various uOttawa administration offices, faculties departments;
• Assist management with special projects, such as public reports, direct actions, etc.; and
• Perform other related duties.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate studies diploma in a related field;
• Bilingualism in both official languages of the University of Ottawa is mandatory;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral;
• Knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, related legislation and University of Ottawa policies and procedures is an important asset;
• Strong interpersonal and professional relationship building skills;
• Strong commitment to student rights and a clear understanding of the asymmetry of power facing university students;
• Understanding of working within complex systems or institutions;
• Research Experience;
• Experience developing, coordinating, and implementing events and/or special projects;
• Experience developing advocacy campaigns and/or educational initiatives is an asset;
• Awareness of equity issues affecting university students;
• Ability to show attention to detail;
• Ability to demonstrate initiative;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Ability to work independently and consult appropriately when needed;
• Ability to network and establish fruitful collaborations and partnerships;
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is an asset; and
• Knowledge of the UOSU, its services, clubs, associations and activities is an asset. Bilingualism is a mandatory criterion. Please note that the interview will be held in both English & French Preference will be given to candidates of equity-seeking groups. Prospective applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of two (2) references to HR-TEAM@seuo-uosu.com by 11:59 PM on July 27th, 2026. Only applicants invited to interview will be contacted.