Selection Process for Panel Members

The Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal is an administrative tribunal, established under the authority of the Employment and Assistance Act (the Act).

The Tribunal is called upon to establish appeal panels in communities throughout the Province of British Columbia to hear appeals under the Employment and Assistance Act, the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act and the Child Care Subsidy Act. The Tribunal Chair selects panel members from the members appointed to the Tribunal for a specified duration by the Minister of Housing and Social Development.

Panels generally consist of three members appointed to hear appeals:

	of reconsideration decisions made by the Ministry of Housing and Social Development that result in a refusal to provide disability or income assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement, discontinuance or reduction of income assistance or a supplement or, in some circumstances, a decision in respect of the amount of a supplement provided to or for someone in a person’s family unit.
	of reconsideration decisions made by the Ministry of Children and Family Development that result in a refusal to pay, a discontinuance or a reduction of child care subsidy for a person.

A person who is dissatisfied with the outcome of a request for reconsideration of a type noted above may appeal that decision to the Tribunal. The right of appeal is subject to time limits and other requirements set out in the Act and Regulations.

Member Qualifications

To be considered for appointment to the Tribunal, an individual must:

	Not be or have been an employee of the Ministry of Housing and Social Development or of the Ministry of Children and Family Development for the past six months;
	Not be an employee of the Provincial Government pursuant to the Public Service Act;
	Not be a recipient of benefits under any of the Acts for which the Tribunal has responsibility;
	Not have a personal, professional, financial or other interest in matters coming before the Tribunal that could cause a reasonably informed person to have a reasonable perception that the Tribunal member would not be independent or impartial.

In addition, candidates must possess or be able to demonstrate the following:

	An understanding of the essential elements for the conduct of a fair and objective hearing;
	An understanding of the key aspects of the Employment and Assistance Act and its regulations, the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act and its regulations and the Child Care Subsidy Act and its regulations;
	Knowledge of the Tribunal’s Practices and Procedures;
	Ability to interpret and apply legislation;
	Ability to fairly assess cases involving conflicting verbal/written evidence;
	Analytical, conceptual, problem-solving, decision making and decision writing skills;
	Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively;
	Conflict resolution skills;
	Ability to work well in group settings;
	Computer literacy;
	Commitment to respect diversity; and
	Commitment to ongoing professional development to enhance expertise.

Members must agree to abide by the Tribunal’s Code of Conduct and be willing to attend training as required. Some travel may be involved. Remuneration is paid in accordance with the legislation.

In order to maintain a roster of members throughout the province, the Tribunal will be recruiting new members.

If you are interested in serving as a member, the first step is to complete the Tribunal’s Candidate Profile and Declaration form (DOC - 371KB) and forward it with your current resume to:

Reference checks will be conducted followed by telephone interviews in order to verify candidates’ qualifications and experiences in relation to the specific requirements of the position.

Candidates will then be required to complete a written test to ensure they have an understanding of the key aspects of the relevant legislation.

A list of recommended candidates will be compiled by the Tribunal Chair.  The Board Resourcing and Development Office is also responsible for a due diligence review and the Ministry of Housing and Social Development is responsible for the Ministerial Order process. 

Additional information and guidelines on the appointment process are available from the British Columbia Board Resourcing and Development Office.

The Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal will only accept a profile and declaration from an applicant once every three years.  Each application will be carefully reviewed and assessed.  However, only applicants being considered for appointment will be contacted.

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