Department: Office of Addictions and Mental Health
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 12-Feb-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

ABOUT US

The Office of Addictions and Mental Health (OAMH) works closely with the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) Mental Health and Addictions programs (MHAP). OAMH also works and partners with numerous community-based organizations to fund and support the delivery of important mental health and addiction services. In addition to traditional mental health and addiction support, our work also includes interventions and actions that will help address the social determinants of health, including collaboration with our partners within and across government departments.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As the Senior Policy Analyst you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing large projects usually involving all phases of work from strategic planning and policy development through to successful implementation. Within a typical day you will also be responsible for:

• Leading identified Office functions (e.g., research and policy);
• Developing and evaluating policy options and related background material;
• Leading aspects of the legislative process, including preparation of submissions to Executive Council;
• Preparing reports, briefing books and responses relating to health system issues in Nova Scotia;
• Leading and/or participating in working groups on specific policy issues;
• Working within a team to coordinate stakeholder consultations and other public meetings;
• Preparing briefing notes and correspondence for senior staff on a wide range of matters related to OMHA’s mandate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

As our next Senior Policy Analyst, you will hold a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field plus six (6) years of progressive experience in the design and development of policies and programs.

You will demonstrate experience with the following:

• Progressively responsible research and analysis positions;
• Superior writing skills with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials;
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to build collaborative working relationships;
• Knowledge of and/or experience within the provincial legislative environment;
• Computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); and
• Familiarity with legislation which falls under the OMHA mandate.

In addition to the above, you will have strong leadership skills, independent judgement, and initiative as well as the ability to manage and conduct complex and specialized research and policy analysis. You will be well-organized, capable of managing change and competing priorities. You can undertake high-level work under tight deadlines, and exercise sound judgement under pressure. Lastly, you will be able to work cohesively in a team environment and be able to take on complex assignments without supervision.

The following will be considered assets:

• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government;
• Knowledge/experience in the field of mental health and addictions; and
• Public policy development and analysis.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

• Leading identified Office functions (e.g., research and policy);
• Developing and evaluating policy options and related background material;
• Leading aspects of the legislative process, including preparation of submissions to Executive Council;
• Preparing reports, briefing books and responses relating to health system issues in Nova Scotia;
• Leading and/or participating in working groups on specific policy issues;
• Working within a team to coordinate stakeholder consultations and other public meetings;
• Preparing briefing notes and correspondence for senior staff on a wide range of matters related to OMHA’s mandate