Drug Strategy Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: 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: Establish 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, facilitate the implementation of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy; monitor and report on implementation progress. Provide leadership and direction to the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Implementation Panel. Act as liaison and central focus for alcohol and other drug issues in the City. Coordinate public consultation processes for new facilities and programs to support substance use health in Thunder Bay. Develop public education and outreach programs to build awareness of initiatives and disseminate information regarding evidence‑based practices in addressing alcohol and other drugs. Research and monitor new and emerging evidence‑based practices and current social, economic, and political issues affecting the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy. Recommend appropriate actions to integrate findings in the development and planning of programs and policies, including preparation of Corporate Reports to City Council. Develop and maintain strong communication links with other municipal drug strategy representatives. Perform 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. Knowledge of, and experience in applying for federal and provincial government and non‑government funding sources. 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, inspire confidence, and lead. Ability to think and act strategically in a public sector environment, including the ability to conceptualize and implement change strategies. 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: As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. 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 identification. Driver’s licences. Police records checks. Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources Division should you be the successful applicant. If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant. Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application. ACCOMMODATION: Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process. PRIVACY: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: . 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. Watch this video to learn more about our City at: This position is approximately five years in duration with a possibility of an extension. #J-18808-Ljbffr