Policy and Research Analyst

**Job Title**: Policy and Research Analyst

**Position Type**:Full time

**Location**: Victoria (Hybrid)

**Hours**: 35 hours per week

**Start Date**: April 1, 2025

**End Date**: March 31, 2026

**Salary**: $60,000-$70,000

**Reports to**: Associate Director of Technology Development and Operations

**Closing Date**: March 17, 2025, 4 pm PST

Please note: Applications that don’t include a cover letter, resume and portfolio will not be considered for an interview.

**Who are we?**

Welcome to CanAssist, where innovation meets impact

Since 2008, we have been transforming the lives of individuals with cognitive and physical barriers. Our technologies and programs have earned recognition for their positive impact on thousands facing challenging conditions. At CanAssist, our diverse multidisciplinary expertise includes product design, development, policy, applied research, supported employment, and partnership development. Beyond our expertise, we are a passionate community committed to creating a world where everyone can thrive and contribute.

**What sets us apart?**

Innovative Solutions: CanAssist, a university-based organization, pioneers technologies, programs, and services to enhance the quality of life for individuals with a broad range of physical and cognitive challenges across the age spectrum. Our programs and services address unmet needs, promoting independence, inclusion, and well-being.

Collaborative Spirit: We are a respected team that collaborates with UVic researchers, students, and external partners, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

**Our vision**

At CanAssist, we envision a society where everyone has equal opportunities to participate, contribute, and achieve their full potential.

Join our team as a Policy and Research Analyst

Are you passionate about creating inclusive opportunities through innovative technology and informed policy? Do you thrive on research, collaboration, and turning insights into actionable recommendations? If so, CanAssist invites you to join our team as a Policy and Research Analyst for the Closing the Employment Gap for People with Disabilities: Innovative Assistive Technology Solutions, a groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing workplace inclusion through custom assistive technologies.

About the initiative

Closing the Employment Gap for Persons with Disabilities Initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, focuses on the development, deployment, and evaluation of custom assistive technologies for employees with disabilities.

Through direct engagement with participants, province-wide data collection, and collaboration with partners, this initiative will provide valuable insights and recommendations to inform provincial policy and programs.

**Your responsibilities**

As a Policy and Research Analyst, you’ll play a vital role in this initiative by:
Policy and Landscape Analysis:

- Conduct an environmental scan to assess the landscape of assistive technology service delivery in B.C for workers.
- Identify gaps and opportunities through research, surveys, and partner engagement.
- Assess the demand for customized assistive technologies to support employment.
- Survey Design and Data Analysis
- Design and distribute surveys to broad population groups with provincial scope.
- Analyze survey results and synthesize data and write reports on findings.

Community Engagement:

- Lead sessions with our advisory group to gather input and validate findings.
- Build and maintain connections with disability-serving organizations, assistive technology professionals, and employment groups.
- Represent CanAssist at conferences, speaking engagements, and events as requested.

Report Writing:

- Produce a comprehensive final report with policy and program recommendations for the Ministry.

**Required qualifications and experience**
- A degree in a related field (e.g., public policy, social sciences, or a similar discipline).
- Strong background in policy analysis, research, and data collection.
- Proven ability to design and conduct surveys, analyze results, and produce reports.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Experience with infographics and visual tools to present systems and processes.
- Public speaking experience. Preferred qualifications (in addition to the above)
- Experience in government, employment, or disability sectors.
- Familiarity with assistive technology or custom technology development.

**Required soft skills**
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Organization and time management
- Relationship building and networking
- Attention to detail
- Public engagement
- Initiative and proactivity
- Empathy and cultural sensitivity

**Perks**

As part of our team, you'll not only find fulfilling work but also enjoy a range of perks designed to enhance yo