Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Income and Employment Support Appeal Board (the Board) is an independent, arms-length body authorized to hear appeals on decisions regarding income support benefits under the Income Support Program, as well as eligibility for employment supports funded by the province and those funded through the Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities. The Board also hears appeals with respect to eligibility for benefits under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, under section 40 of the Pharmaceutical Services Act. The Board is primarily governed by the Income and Employment Support Act. Board members are required to prepare for hearings through a file review, in advance of a hearing, and to vote on a given appeal during a hearing. Alternate members should be ready to serve upon short notice, and may be required to observe hearings periodically. For additional information on the role of the Board and the appeal process, please visit: The Appeal Process – Social Supports and Well-Being.

Structure:

The board shall consist of not more than three members to be appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. One of the members shall be a current or past recipient of income or employment support. The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may also appoint no more than three alternate members, one of whom shall be a current or past recipient of income support or employment support. None of the members or alternate members may be employees of the provincial government or of a board, commission, corporation or other body that is an agency of the Crown. Under section 42(2) of the Income and Employment Support Act, members appointed under subsection (1) or alternates appointed under subsection (4) shall be appointed for three years, shall be eligible for reappointment and shall hold office until re-appointed or until a successor is appointed.  The Board is provided with administrative support by an Executive Secretary who is an employee of Social Supports and Well-Being.

Competency Profile:

The Board members are appointed from the general public and collectively possess the following core competencies:

• An understanding of the Income Support Program;
• Public sector administration;
• Governance;
• Executive experience;
• Post-secondary education;
• Financial expertise/literacy;
• Legal expertise (i.e., interpreting legislation and regulations); and
• Personal experience with Provincial income or employment support programs.

Qualifications:

The following are considerations in selecting members:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality with respect to matters before the board;
• High ethical standards and integrity;
• Strong reading comprehension and critical thinking skills;
• Effective communication skills (written and oral);
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions; and
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public.

Time Commitments:

Appeal hearings must be scheduled within 30 days of receiving an appeal application. Therefore, Board members should be available for hearings every three to four weeks, either via teleconference or in-person. Board members are also expected to spend additional time reviewing materials in advance of hearings. If a Board member is unable to attend a hearing, the Executive Secretary is notified and an alternate member is requested to attend. Hearings are held between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; therefore members require flexible schedules during working hours, in order to serve on the Board.

Term:

Each member shall be appointed for three years by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, is eligible for reappointment, and shall hold office until re-appointed or until a successor is appointed.

Vacancy Profile:

The Income and Employment Support Appeal Board is seeking to fill six positions, with at least two positions being filled by individuals who have personal experience with Provincial income or employment support programs. Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals who possess the background, experience and skill-set identified in the board profile above, and who can bring a unique perspective to the table. Consideration will also be given to a variety of demographic factors to ensure the Board is representative of the population served.