169469 - Community Engagement and Education Specialist - Department of Health and Wellness - Temporary

The Department of Health and Wellness is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

The Community Engagement and Education Specialist is directly responsible for the management of all external relations, by engaging with and educating community and business partners in the area of gambling. The incumbent will facilitate inter-governmental connections and maintain relationships with NGOs and other service agencies offering gambling supports to establish partnerships, offer training to, and build capacity in the delivery of commitments under the Gambling Workplan. This position will carry out site visits to businesses housing Video Lottery Terminals (VLT’s) to provide education and report to the Provincial Gambling Coordinator on issues that may arise. The Community Engagement and Education Specialist will provide input and assist in drafting policy related to gambling as it pertains to initiatives in the Gambling Workplan. This position reports to the Provincial Gambling Coordinator.

**Duties will include**:

- Provide coordination of relationships with community partners, NGOs and community agencies to establish partnerships and capacity in the delivery of gambling unit commitments.
- Work with interdepartmental government and community partners, including representatives towards the implementation and evaluation of mutual objectives that align with the Gambling Workplan.
- Offer advice and support to partner organizations working on harm reduction, prevention and education relative to gambling addictions.
- Support efforts in developing and coordinating educational activities based on evidence and best practice research, focusing on prevention and awareness-raising for gambling addictions.
- Work with inter-sectoral teams (community and government) to facilitate planning sessions, education and training regarding new gambling resources and supports, facilitate understanding of shared objectives, develop necessary workplans and address gaps.
- Provide support in research, policy and program development and implementation in the area of external relations and community partnering in conjunction with the Provincial Gambling Coordinator.
- Provide advice for service agreement development pertaining to initiatives contained in the Gambling Workplan which maintain integrity, ensure alignment with government priorities and are oriented to results-based outcomes.
- Develop documents/briefing notes/correspondence/discussion papers/reports on progress as required.
- Conduct periodical VLT site inspections at various community businesses and maintain reports of each visit.
- Speak with and educate business owner of potential compliance violations which may impact vendor contract.
- Identify and prioritize public, government and community stakeholders that may require training.
- Provide comprehensive and ongoing coordination of activities related to community partnership.
- Conduct routine and ad hoc research projects, analyze information on regional, national and international trends and issues which may be of concern to government in the present and future.
- Other duties as required.

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- Degree in related area, preferably at a master’s level (e.g. health policy, health management, public administration, social policy, social sciences, business or other).
- Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation as travel within the province is required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, organizational skills and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to develop, coordinate, lead and evaluate special projects and collaborations.
- Considerable experience and understanding of the broader public sector, government business and decision-making practices.
- Excellent understanding of change management and implementation processes.
- Good understanding of group dynamics and conflict teamwork.
- Be dependable and possess an excellent previous work and attendance record.
- Must provide a satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector check.

**Other Qualifications**
- Experience in strategic, operational planning, policy development and evaluation would be an asset.
- Experience in community development, strategic planning and intergovernmental coordination would be considered assets.
- Additional relevant education and experience will be considered