County Clerk

Who We Are:

The Corporation of the County of Essex is an upper-tier municipal government, providing programs and services to a population of approximately 193,000 within the County and some shared services to approximately 422,000 within the Windsor- Essex region.
The County of Essex is Canada’s warmest and southernmost County, surrounded on three sides by water and blessed with unrivalled opportunities for boating, fishing, cycling, golfing and other recreational pursuits. One of Ontario’s best-kept secrets, the County offers an affordable mix of urban and rural living with easy access to world-class amenities and schools. We are located next to the urban center of Windsor and just minutes from downtown Detroit. The County offers a competitive total rewards package including generous benefits and participation in the OMERS pension plan.

In a Nutshell:

The Clerk position, reporting to the Director, Legislative and Community Services, is responsible for fulfilling the statutory duties of the Clerk as outlined in Section 228 (1) of the Municipal Act and other provincial legislation. Leading the Council Services Division, the role involves managing corporate operations for various programs and services, including the Clerk's office, Accessibility, Access and Privacy, and Corporate Records Management. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the incumbent conducts research on municipal government activities and is part of the Emergency Management Team.
The key responsibilities include managing legislative, procedural, and administrative support for the County Council and its Committees. This involves facilitating and coordinating the decision-making process for elected officials by producing agendas, minutes, by-laws, and corporate records. The position also holds the roles of Commissioner under the Municipal Act and the Commissioner of Taking Oaths Act, a Signing Officer of the Corporation under the Municipal Act, and Head for all requirements under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Additionally, the incumbent provides approval for requests related to health information for EMS and Sun Parlor Home in accordance with the Protection of Health Information Protection of Privacy Act (PHIPPA).

Day in The Life:

Operational and People Leadership

• Performing statutory duties of the Clerk in compliance with relevant legislation
• Coordinating and managing information for Council and Committee meetings, including schedules, agendas, reports, and minutes
• Liaising with various stakeholders, implementing Council decisions, and responding to inquiries effectively and professionally
• Accountable for overseeing the Council Services division staff, including responsibilities such as hiring, onboarding, scheduling, disciplining, and conducting performance evaluations
• Acts as a key member of the County Emergency Operations Control group, responding to emergencies, participating in training and mock exercises, and ensuring adherence to County policies, standards, and the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Oversee the development, implementation, and compliance of County policies and guidelines related to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, including the supervision of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee's activities

Records, Privacy and Financial Management

• Ensures compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) by performing statutory duties as the 'Head', which involves handling requests for public information, authorizing or denying information release, and promoting accessibility
• Provides guidance and advice to staff on matters related to Freedom of Information and Protection of Personal Privacy legislation, policies, and procedures
• Acts as the County Privacy Officer, responsible for approving releases of personal health information under the Personal Health Information and Protection Act (PHIPA), and overseeing the reporting of privacy breaches
• Oversee budget preparation for Council Services and relevant areas of the Corporate Management Budget, including identifying variances and implementing corrective actions. Additionally, the role involves promoting fiscal responsibility, seeking cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring divisional compliance with financial policies, particularly Procurement policies.

What We Are Looking For:

• Post-secondary education in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field

• Minimum of five (5) years of previous municipal experience, with specific experience working as a Clerk, Deputy Clerk, or equivalent
• Minimum of three (3) years of management and/or supervisory experience
• Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) designation is considered an asset
• Certified Accredited Ontario Municipal Clerk or willing to obtain the designation within a reasonable period considered an asset
• Political astuteness, tactfulness, and diplomacy
• Comprehensive knowledge of office procedures, record and information management systems, municipal government processes, and parliamentary procedures
• Superior understanding of legislation such as the Municipal Act 2001, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Elections Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and Planning Act
• Excellent analytical skills demonstrating good judgment, sound problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Technologically savvy; proficient in MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and content management systems; adaptability to new technology and strong computer knowledge
• Honed research abilities, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team player with all County of Essex departments, staff, County Council, and the community while maintaining and promoting a positive and professional work environment
• Ability to work with personal information and maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to work outside regular business hours as required
• Valid Ontario Class "G" driver's license and reliable vehicle for use in corporate activities

What We Are Offering:

A starting salary of $117,185 - $143,873 is just the beginning. The benefit package is second to none and the defined benefit plan of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (O.M.E.R.S) is a pension system sought by many.

Application Process:

Qualified applicants are invited to apply online at the Career Opportunities section of our website at www.countyofessex.ca by the posting deadline. Due to the volume of applicants, only selected applicants will be contacted.
The County of Essex embraces diversity and inclusion in our workforce and workplace. We are committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable environment for people to be themselves. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate needs under human rights legislation throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please let us know of any accommodations through hr@countyofessex.ca. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request.
Personal Information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for this employment opportunity only.

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