ROSTER ASSESSOR - CANADIAN ARMED FORCES/DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT

The Federal Court of Canada has approved the final settlement agreement of a class action lawsuit related to sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND).  The settlement includes all former and current CAF members, DND employees, and Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces who experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on gender, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation in connection with their military service and/or employment.

Roster Assessors will be appointed to:

(a) determine claimants' eligibility for financial compensation under the settlement; and

(b) assess compensation under the settlement agreement based on the level of harm suffered in relation to physical, emotional or psychological injuries.

The claims process aims to provide just compensation for meritorious claims while ensuring that claims are properly, fairly and expeditiously assessed on the basis of adequate and sufficient validation. To the extent possible, the claims process will be non-adversarial and restorative in nature.

Claims assessment will be based on a review of the written claim form and other documents. The settlement agreement provides that, in the absence of evidence or clear indications to the contrary, class members are presumed to be acting honestly and in good faith with respect to information provided. 

Qualifications of Roster Assessors

Interested candidates should have the following qualifications and experiences:

A degree from a recognized university, or an acceptable combination of relevant college education, job related training and/or experience.

At least three years of related work experience such as experience assessing eligibility and quantifying claims in relation to physical, emotional or psychological injuries, administrative or quasi-judicial decision-making experience or other analogous work.

Experience interpreting and applying legislation and/or settlement agreement language, including assessing complex information and writing decisions or reports.

Experience working independently and carrying a substantial workload.

Ability to assess claims and write decisions in one or both official languages.

Knowledge of the effects of trauma particularly in relation to sexual misconduct is an asset.

Legal education and experience would be an asset, although they are not required.

Conditions of Employment

The expected term of the appointment will be from approximately September 1, 2020 to approximately January 24, 2023.

The expectation is that Roster Assessors be available for between 15 and 30 hours per week, with flexibility regarding when their work is conducted.    Roster Assessors will be engaged for a maximum of 30 hours per week. 

Roster Assessors shall report to the Lead Assessor and/or Associate Lead Assessor.

Roster Assessors will generally work from their own office space and provide the technology, supplies and resources to carry out their roles and responsibilities. Roster Assessors shall not store or record information electronically except in a manner and on devices that have been approved. 

Roster Assessors must execute a non-disclosure agreement. They must treat all claimants’ information as confidential and ensure that all information is stored in a secure manner and location.

Roster Assessors will be compensated for professional services beginning at $155 per hour, with increases based on the Roster Assessor’s experience completing claims. More specifically, Roster Assessors will be paid $155 per hour for the first 300 claims, $175 per hour for the next 350 claims, and $195 per hour thereafter. Roster Assessors will be expected to comply with service standards regarding the timely completion of their assigned files.

There will be no additional compensation for annual leave, statutory holidays, sick leave, overhead, or any other expense. Roster Assessors are not employees, servants, officers, agents or other emanations of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada.

Roster Assessors must maintain adequate professional liability insurance throughout their appointment and for a period of at least 12 months after the completion or termination of the assessment mandate.  All costs associated with this insurance will be paid by the Roster Assessor.

How to Apply

Applications must be received by June 22, 2020 to ensure that they will be considered. Candidates must apply by providing a copy of their curriculum vitae to Reva Devins by email at caf/dndassessors@revadevins.com. Candidates are also encouraged to highlight their qualifications and other relevant attributes in a cover letter. Candidates should also indicate the approximate number of hours per week they will be available.

Roster Assessors will be selected in accordance with the process set out in Section Four of the Second Supplementary Agreement (“SSA”) and appointed by the Court.

The SSA is available at: 

 https://www.caf-dndsexualmisconductclassaction.ca/docs/en/CAF-DND%20Sexual%20Misconduct%20Class%20Action%20Settlement_Second%20Supplementary%20Agreement.pdf

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted at this time. Please indicate if you would like your application retained on file in the event that further Roster Assessors are required at a future date.

 

Expiry Date: 
Monday, June 22, 2020 - 5pm