Senior Policy Specialist

at  York Region

Job Description:

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041.Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometres over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Lead, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), is responsible for project management leadership in the implementation of the Inclusion Charter for York Region within the organization and the development and delivery of the diversity, equity and inclusion action plan and all aspects of policy development; proving primary support to the corporation’s Diversity and Inclusion Staff Committee (DISC), supporting Indigenous reconciliation, inclusion and engagement efforts; providing project management leadership and all aspects of policy development to support the development and delivery of the corporate inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) policy frameworks, and full suite of People, Equity and Culture (PEC) policies and programs. Provides policy support and strategic advice to the Branch; interpreting federal and provincial legislation and regulations, monitoring and assessing impact on Regional and PEC policies, practices and programs, including performance measurement, researching, developing and analyzing innovative and strategic policies and programs to respond to corporate needs; preparing environmental scans; and developing cross functional linkages to ensure relevant alignment; preparing briefing notes and committee reports for senior management and Regional Council.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Develops and implements work plans for program policies and strategies, ensuring strong linkages with other Branches/Departments and stakeholders.
• Supports the development and maintenance of corporate IDEA policy frameworks including any associated reports, presentations, policy research, analysis, change management and implementation.
• Supports the development of new, and enhancement of existing PEC policies; interpretation of existing policies within PEC related legislation and regulations, including the research and analysis of issues, options and best practices.
• Researches, analyzes and evaluates social, economic, legislation and policies in a local and provincial context and evaluates applicability to the Region, clients and community agencies and identifying best practices for inclusion in Regional program proposals.
• Gathers and analyzes information and data on program and services related issues; prepares presentations, impact and options analysis, environmental scans, and statistical reports; monitors and reviews data to identify trends and develop Branch strategies.
• Prepares reports and develops statements, program proposals and interpretation, background materials, briefing notes and presentations required by Management and Senior Management on related policies, processes, programs and special projects.
• Provides leadership in secretariat support for committees to inform this work such as the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee (YRAAC), Diversity and Inclusion Staff Committee (DISC), Communities of Belonging.
• Develops and maintains liaison with internal and external clients and stakeholders (e.g., Divisions, Agencies, other municipalities, Ontario broader public sector organizations, AODA departmental leads, DISC etc.) to conduct research for development of policy options and program initiatives, and maintains awareness of current trends, issues and problem-solving approaches.
• Develops and implements and monitors corporate reporting mechanism and compliance monitoring framework for related programs.
• Works with Department management and Regional staff to support the meeting of compliance requirements.Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.