Program Lead, Social Services Analyst

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**

Reporting to the Manager, Projects and Program Policy Strategy, is responsible for providing policy and analytical support to the Social Services Branch programs, including Ontario Works, Employment Services, Children’s Programs (Child Fee Assistance, Children’s Community Programs and Early Intervention Services, and Community Homelessness Initiatives); supporting the development of innovative and strategic program policies and plans; researching and analyzing projects; leading outcome-based program development and project teams; developing cross-functional linkages to ensure that Regional policies and programs align with Social Service outcomes; developing innovative and strategic responses to social programs and plans to address human service needs; interpreting and communicating relevant legislation (i.e. Ontario Works) and policies to staff; and providing guidance, training, mentoring, and coordinating, assigning, scheduling and checking the work of assigned staff and ensuring a safe working environment.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Develops and implements work plans for program policy and community development strategies, ensuring strong linkages across the Branch with other Departments and stakeholders.
- Develops program policies and implementation strategies for Branch wide and Divisional initiatives to meet provincial legislation, regulatory requirements and Regionally mandated programs and makes recommendations to the Manager; develops and provides policy interpretation to the Branch, Department and Regional staff, clients and community agencies for programs.
- Leads cross functional project teams to develop and implement Division, Department and corporate priorities and programs; leads and/or participates on special projects, as assigned; provides policy and program support to the Social Service Branch Divisions, and interprets legislations and assesses impact of legislative and policy changes.
- Researches, analyzes and evaluates social, economic, political environments and policies in a local and provincial context, evaluating applicability to Branch and Divisions and identifying best practices for inclusion in Regional program proposals.
- Gathers and analyzes information on Division and human/housing related issues; prepares committee reports, public reports, business cases, policy proposals, presentations, briefing notes and Council reports, for the Manager, that identify impact and options analysis and statistical reports; monitors and reviews data to identify trends and develop community and Division strategies.
- Gathers and analyzes information, monitors and reviews data to identify trends and develop community and program strategies and identifies impact and options for program improvements or expansion.
- Provides guidance, training, mentoring and coordinates, assigns, schedules and checks the work of assigned staff.
- Implements and creates work plans including the scope of work and key deliverables, assigning and preparing timelines and deadlines for projects, while ensuring strong linkages across the branch, other departments and stakeholders.
- Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriate.
- Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
- May occasionally be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal business hours, as related to the Departmental Emergency Plan.
- Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Branch and Deparment objectives.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Policy, Administration or Social Sciences or relevant field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in a municipal or provincial public policy development sector with responsibilities in leading complex project initiatives and program/policy development.
- Knowledge of legislation related to Social Service Branch responsibilities such as Ontario Works Act or Child Care and Early Years Act.
- Knowledge of the Department’s program delivery operations, programs and services, the community served and client social issues.
- 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.