Community Development Program Specialist

Status - Temporary Full-Time - Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months - 12 - Type of Position - a Replacement - Start Date - Immediate - Salary - Per hour - Salary Grade - $51.52 - $55.98 - Department - York Region -> Community & Health Services -> Strategies and Partnerships - Location Strategies&Partnerships Branch - 17150 Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 8V3 CA (Primary) - Job Description (E) **ABOUT US** Almost 1.2 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. **ABOUT THE ROLE**: Reporting to the Program Manager, Community Investments, this role is responsible for researching, providing advice, support and development of public policies, analysis of emerging legislation and industry practices in support of various human services related initiatives; project management including developing and implementing work plans; coordinating engagement activities with partners to foster collaboration and innovation; developing frameworks including needs assessments, data management and analysis, and research to support community development activities; supporting Branch projects; developing written information and materials for presentations; leading and/or participating in working groups and committees; and developing and managing contracts. **WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING** - Leads various projects, including conceptualizing, work planning, resourcing and evaluating various projects; facilitates focus groups and community partners in collaborative planning projects. - 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. - Reviews and analyzes policy statements on community development issues from Federal and Provincial Governments and other organizations and provides analyses on impact to the Region. - Represents the Branch and Department on external task forces and committees with community agencies, municipal/regional governments and other stakeholders, as directed. - Liaises with and establishes/maintains positive working relationships with community partners, government agencies and other stakeholders to share information and identify opportunities for partnership and joint activities, enhance community development activities and encourages innovation and collaboration; makes presentations to stakeholders, as required. - Coordinates and develops community development program policies and activities and implements the community development strategies for the Department. - Works closely with community-bas