Drug Strategy Specialist

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The **City of Thunder Bay** provides exceptional quality of life to those who live, work, and play in Thunder Bay - a culturally vibrant, economically diverse community with a metro population of over 120,000. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, under the protective watch of the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay is rich in people and resources, and connects Northwestern Ontario to the world. We value our high quality of life and promote a clean, green, beautiful, and healthy community that provides economic opportunity, respects diversity, and provides affordable and safe neighbourhoods that are accessible to all.

The City of Thunder Bay is a place where art, culture and nature come together

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**THIS POSITION IS APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS IN DURATION WITH A POSSIBILITY OF AN EXTENSION**

**Job Description**:
**:Reporting to the Manager - Community Safety & Well-Being, the Drug Strategy Specialist represents the City of Thunder Bay in advancing a community partnership to implement the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy approved by City Council. The Drug Strategy Specialist is responsible for the successful implementation of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy for the City of Thunder Bay in partnership with prevention, enforcement, treatment, harm reduction and housing sectors and in consultation with a community-based Implementation Panel.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Establishes working relationships with diverse local community groups, agencies, boards, other orders of government and individuals to meet the objectives of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy and coordinate resources to develop innovative programs, policy, and services to address alcohol and other drug issues in the City.
- In partnership with community-based sectors, facilitates the implementation of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy; monitors and reports on implementation progress.
- Provides leadership and direction to the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Implementation Panel.
- Provides liaison and a central focus for alcohol and other drug issues in the City.
- Coordinates public consultation processes for new facilities and programs to support substance use health in Thunder Bay.
- Develops public education and outreach programs to build awareness of initiatives and to disseminate information regarding evidence-based practices in addressing alcohol and other drugs.
- Researches and monitors new and emerging evidence-based practices and current social, economic, and political issues affecting the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy. Recommends appropriate actions to integrate those findings in the development and planning of programs and policies including preparation of Corporate Reports to City Council.
- Develops and maintains strong communication links with other municipal drug strategy representatives.
- Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education/Experience**:

- Degree in social sciences or other related discipline
- Minimum five years of related experience, including community development experience
- Knowledge and understanding of root causes of addiction
- Knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health
- Extensive experience with persons with lived and living experience and working with municipal police, public health organizations and community agencies focusing on substance use health issues

**Skills/Abilities**:

- Proven facilitation skills and ability to plan, develop, and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences using oral, written, and electronic communication
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective professional and working relationships with a variety of people including funding agencies, staff, community partners and the public
- Excellent project/time management, analytical/critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills
- Proven abilities to build consensus, to inspire confidence, and to lead
- Ability to think and act strategically in a public sector environment, including the ability to conceptualize and implement change strategies
- Must be proficient in the use of computers and current related software
- Competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

**CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT**:

- Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)
- Will be required to travel to various work locations and provide own transportation

**General Information**:
**ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE**: It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression. Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:

- Photos
- Any certificates that have photo