Policy, Research and Initiatives Advisor, Homelessness

at  York Region

Job Description:

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Policy, Administration or Social Sciences or relevant field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in a municipal or provincial public policy development sector with responsibilities in leading complex project initiatives and program/policy development.
• Knowledge of community stabilization and homelessness prevention strategies and programs, community development principles for the human services sector.
• Knowledge of the Department’s program delivery operations, programs and services, the community served and client social issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary social research and evaluation methods, including writing detailed reports and proposals.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer focus, communication, collaboration and personal ownership.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS software applications with proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software including Internet research tools.
• Demonstrated analytical skills to analyse and synthesize policy, interpret legislation and complex reports, and develop recommendations for a wide range of housing and residential initiatives.
• Demonstrated project leadership, communication and presentation skills to develop cross-functional internal and external community partnerships.

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Program Manager, Housing Stability & Homelessness, is responsible for providing expertise and advise on policy and analytical support to Homelessness Community Programs Division (HCP), leading the innovative program development initiatives, policies and plans implemented under the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP); undertaking research and analysis to assess impacts of initiatives and supporting the development of strategies and polices; leading outcome-based program development and project teams; developing cross-functional linkages to ensure that HCP policies and programs align with HPP guidelines, Investment Plan and Social Service outcomes; developing innovative and strategic responses to social programs and plans to address human service needs; interpreting and communicating relevant legislation and policies to staff; and providing guidance, training, of assigned staff; and developing cross-functional linkages with branches and stakeholders to ensure that policies and programs align with Regional, Departmental, Provincial and Federal goals; preparing briefing notes, business cases, policy proposals, committee reports and public reports.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in the development and implementation of work plans for program policy and community stabilization strategies, ensuring strong linkages across the Branch, other Departments and stakeholders.
• Develops homelessness prevention and community stabilization program policies and implementation strategies for Branch wide and Divisional initiatives to meet provincial legislation, regulatory requirements and provincially and regionally mandated programs and makes recommendations to management; supports policy development, interpretation to the Branch, Department and Regional staff, clients and community agencies for programs.
• Implements work plans and communications strategy, including the scope of work and key deliverables of the programs.
• Researches, analyzes and evaluates social, economic, political environments and policies in a local and provincial context, evaluating applicability to Branch and Divisions and identifying best practices for inclusion in Regional program proposals.
• Analyzes data provided through enumeration and the Homelessness Individuals and Family Information Systems (HIFIS) to develop strategies for the homelessness prevention and community stabilization.
• Collaborates with other divisions on evidence-based program design and leads research and evaluation to ensure effectiveness of program.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriate.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
• May occasionally be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal business hours, as related to the Departmental Emergency Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.