Community Development Program Specialist

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**
The Community Development Program Specialist will support the work of the Community Capacity and Funding unit, which facilitates coordination of the Community Investment Program and other initiatives such as the Ontario Health Teams.

Reporting to the Program Manager, Community Investments, the Community Development Program Specialist is responsible for providing project development and management of human services initiatives and programs; community capacity, partnership and engagement activities with non-profit community agencies/government/for profit organizations, including providing coordination and guidance of capacity building activities such as governance, operations, and policy and program planning; developing evaluation frameworks including needs assessment, data management and analysis; and research and analysis to support community development activities; leading project teams; supporting and facilitating various planning committees and working groups; participate in development of strategic plans.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Coordinates and develops community investment program policies and activities and implements the community investment and partnership strategies for the Department.
- Coordinates and/or contributes to and supports the development and implementation initiatives on behalf of the Department/Region including supporting the OHT Liaison Office and Ontario Health Teams initiatives
- Works closely with community-based agencies to determine capacity development needs and establishes and implements a program that meets those needs and includes training and education.
- Works closely with community and health care sector partners, all levels of government and funders to develop program tools and operating procedures that support community development, promote agency sustainability and capacity, and encourages partnerships; reduces duplication of funding/service.
- Leads various projects, including conceptualizing, work planning, resourcing, and evaluating various short-term projects; facilitates focus groups and community partners in collaborative planning projects.
- Provides support and facilitation to internal and external planning committees and working groups.
- Develops and assesses program and policy options that meet identified Regional, Departmental and community needs; recommends viable solutions and implementation strategies.
- Carries out research on assigned projects; compiles data and information and provides analysis on program and services related issues; prepares presentations, impact and options analysis and statistical reports; monitors and reviews data to identify trends and develop community and Branch strategies.
- Represents the Branch and Department on external task forces and committees with community agencies, municipal/regional governments and other stakeholders, as directed. Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Sciences or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum three (3) year’s experience in community development related to the Human Services sector including planning, analysis, program and project development, and administration.
- Demonstrated experience working with community agencies, managing multi-partner projects, project budgets, as well as facilitating appropriate linkages.
- Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating community wide initiatives and programs using demonstrated skills in evaluation and/or social marketing.
- Knowledge of policy, programs, relevant legislation and the implications of political and environmental influences that affect the delivery and funding of community-based services and agencies.
- Knowledge of statistical/analysis techniques, outcome measures, and forecasting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of agency development program and community partnerships principles related to the Human Services sector.
- Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary social research and evaluation methods, including writing detailed reports and proposals.
- Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication, innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and personal ownership.