Senior Policy Analyst

ABOUT US Almost 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. POSITION PURPOSE: Reporting to the Program Manager, Social Policy, is responsible for providing policy development, coordination, integration, strategic advice and expertise on cross-branch, Department-wide projects and emerging social policy issues; interpreting and analyzing federal and provincial legislation and regulations, monitoring and assessing impact on Regional policies and practices, including planning initiatives and providing advice on performance measurement; branch coordination functions to advance strategic priorities; developing relationships and collaborating with external/community -facing partners; researching, developing and analyzing innovative and strategic policies and programs to respond to human services, agencies and community needs; overseeing research projects; preparing environmental scans; and developing cross-functional linkages to ensure that policies and programs align with Department, provincial and federal goals; preparing briefing notes and committee reports and memos. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Develops and implements work plans for program policy and strategies, ensuring strong linkages with other Branches and stakeholders. Develops policies and implementation strategies for strategic and cross-Branch initiatives. Develops and coordinates branch inputs and responses in alignment with strategic priorities. Develops and executes program evaluations, managing both internal and external resources. Researches, analyzes and evaluates social, economic, legislation and policies in a local and provincial context and evaluates applicability to the Department, clients and community agencies and identifying best practices for inclusion in Regional program proposals. Gathers and analyzes information and data on social policy related issues; prepares presentations, impact and options analysis, environmental scans, and statistical reports; monitors and reviews data to identify trends and develop community and Branch strategies.  Prepares updates, reports and develops statements, program proposals and interpretation, background materials, briefing notes and presentations required by Management and Senior Management on related policies, processes, programs and special projects. Develops strategic linkages with provincial governments, sector organizations, community agencies, the private sector and local/regional municipalities to share information and develop effective program policies and partnerships. Represents the Branch and Department on external task forces and committees with community agencies, federal, provincial, municipal/regional governments and other stakeholders, as directed.  Develops and implements and monitors corporate reporting mechanism and compliance monitoring framework for related programs. Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives. QUALIFICATIONS Successful completion of a University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Planning or Social Sciences or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of the Department’s program delivery operations, programs and services, the community served and client social issues. Knowledge of provincial legislative, regulatory and policy framework and ability to interpret and translate into policy and policy options for the Department. Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary social research and evaluation methods, including experience interpreting and reporting statistical, demographic and socio-economic data, and writing detailed reports and proposals. Knowledge of budget process and business planning. Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication, innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and personal ownership.