Senior Associate Counsel or Counsel, Health and Privacy Law

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

Senior Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel II) Salary: $144,157 - $169,593

Counsel (Associate Counsel III) - $153,703 - $180,829

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to Deputy Regional Solicitor, Health and Privacy Law, , Counsel is responsible for providing advice on a broad range of legal issues to Regional Council, Committees, departments, corporations, boards and related entities. Counsel is also responsible for negotiating and preparing   agreements, advising on health law and privacy law matters and advising on operational issues, strategic initiatives, risk management in a  municipal law setting.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

•    Provides legal and procedural advice to various Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities on applicable legislation. 
•    Provides advice on health law and privacy law matters.
•    Provides risk management advice and strategies.
•    Provides general advice on obligations and responsibilities of Regional Council.
•    Negotiates and prepares agreements and other legal documents for municipal service delivery, project implementation, and operational requirements of Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities.
•    Attends departmental and cross-departmental meetings, as required.
•    Negotiates with external agencies and municipal partners, including Provincial and Federal government departments and ministries.
•    Retains and instructs external legal counsel, consultants, and other professionals, as authorized.
•    Maintains current knowledge of developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities.
•    Performs other duties as required to meet Branch and Departmental objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

•    Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
•    Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario.
•    Senior Associate Counsel: Minimum of five (5) years of experience in health and privacy law.
•    Counsel: Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in health and privacy law. 
•    Demonstrated knowledge of privacy laws, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004. 
•    Experience in contract negotiation and contract preparation.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
•    Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with members of Regional Council and staff of Regional departments, corporations, boards and other government agencies.
•    Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications.

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above.

All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.

York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.