Build modern analytics for Ontario's Social Assistance programsThis role is part of the Data Strategy and Solutions Platform Branch at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). The team is modernizing how Social Assistance data is modeled, governed, and used to support evidence-based decision-making across the ministry.
You'll work mainly on Power BI dashboards and semantic models built on a new, cloud-based Social Assistance data platform. The focus is on delivering reliable, well-designed analytics products that people trust and actively use.
This is not a report-factory role. You'll work closely with business users, data modelers, and platform teams to turn policy and operational questions into scalable analytics solutions.
How someone on the team would describe the role:“I build Power BI dashboards on top of a new cloud data model. I spend as much time understanding the data and user needs as I do building reports. We care a lot about correctness, version control, validation, and long-term maintainability.”
Core tools and technologies: Power BI (DAX, Power Query/M, Report Builder), Databricks (SQL), Git, Azure-based cloud data services
Why you might want this role• You want to own the full analytics lifecycle
• You care about semantic models, metric definitions, and data correctness
• You want to work in an environment where reports are treated as products
• You prefer a team where engineering discipline (version control, testing, standards) is expected
Why this work mattersThe analytics products you build will:
• Support analysts, managers, and front-line staff
• Improve confidence in Social Assistance data
• Inform decisions at both provincial and municipal levels
• Contribute to better program delivery for vulnerable populations
About Us:We are a part of the Data Strategy and Solutions Platform Branch. Our branch strengthens the ministry's data capabilities by advancing data strategy, governance, policy, legislation, and analytics planning. We build and maintain modern data infrastructure and integrated reporting platforms, ensuring strong standards for privacy, security, and data quality. Using a user-centric approach, we deliver digital data solutions and analytical tools that enhance data access, reporting, and insights across MCCSS programs and partners, enabling evidence-based decision-making across the ministry.
About the job
As a Data Solutions Developer, you will:
• Design enterprise data solutions by translating complex business needs into data models, ETL processes, data architecture, and analytical reporting solutions.
• Lead and contribute to major I&IT initiatives, delivering analytics and data solutions using agile and DevOps practices across cross-ministry projects.
• Enhance and support the analytics data warehouse, providing technical expertise across data infrastructure, applications, and integration layers.
• Develop high-quality data and analytics products, including statistical outputs, research datasets, and dashboards that are user-centred, accessible, and support effective data storytelling and decision-making.
• Collaborate with and advise stakeholders, eliciting requirements, aligning definitions and standards, applying data governance practices, and optimizing data solutions.
• Provide technical leadership, supporting project teams and ministry partners while contributing to continuous improvement in data and analytics capabilities.
What you bring to the team
Information Technology Knowledge
You can demonstrate:
• hands-on experience designing and delivering business intelligence and reporting solutions using Power BI workspaces
• experience with Azure data and analytics services, such as Data Factory, Databricks, SQL Database, and Managed Instance
• strong SQL, Python/PySpark, and DAX skills, with experience optimizing queries, data access modes, and model performance
• experience designing OLAP and tabular models, including semantic and metadata layers
• experience building data pipelines and ETL solutions using Power Query, Dataflows, and Azure Data Factory
• familiarity with IBM Cognos report development
• proven ability to work with large, complex datasets and optimize access across relational and non-relational data sources
• data modelling experience using tools such as PowerDesigner and Visio, and knowledge of RDF concepts
• experience implementing CI/CD for Power BI and using the Power BI REST API
• advanced DAX expertise, including filter and row context, time intelligence, and reusable measure patterns for consistent KPIs
• practical Power Query (M) experience, including data profiling, transformations, and parameterization
• demonstrated performance-tuning skills across semantic models and DAX, including managing cardinality, avoiding inefficient patterns, and using tools such as Performance Analyzer
Business Analysis Knowledge
You can demonstrate:
• experience conducting business and systems analysis, including defining requirements, interpreting design documents, and working with enterprise data models and systems
• knowledge of modern development practices, including DevOps, agile delivery, source control, change management, and automated build and deployment
• a solid understanding of IT concepts, including application and system design, architecture, data modelling, and database management
• awareness of current and emerging technologies and industry trends, particularly cloud-based analytics and data platforms
• experience translating analytics requests into measurable outcomes, including defining KPIs, data grain, assumptions, and success criteria
Communication, Advisory and Presentation Skills
You can demonstrate:
• strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly explain technical concepts and provide sound advice to technical and non-technical audiences
• experience presenting analysis, options, and recommendations tailored to different stakeholder groups
• professionalism, tact, and sound judgment when handling sensitive or complex discussions
• the ability to design and present insight-driven dashboards, structured around decision-making (KPIs > drivers > details), with clear titles, annotations, and intentional interactivity
• knowledge of data visualization best practices, including visual selection, consistent formatting, effective use of colour and contrast, and accessibility and inclusivity considerations
Project Management Skills
You can demonstrate knowledge of or familiarity with:
• project management practices, including planning, risk management and resource coordination
• I&IT project management policies, procedures, and financial administration, with experience supporting or leading multiple initiatives
• procurement and contract management requirements, including compliance with I&IT, privacy, security, and related legislation
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for 29 ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
• comprehensive benefits that look after your holistic wellness needs
• base salary that aligns to market trends with scheduled salary progression
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
• a modern, friendly, and accessible physical work environment
What makes this work interesting• Greenfield reporting: Most reports are being rebuilt following a migration from legacy systems
• Improved foundations: The new platform supports better automation, validation, and consistency
• Design influence: The team is still establishing patterns for semantic models, testing, and user experience
• Real impact: The data informs decisions that affect Social Assistance programs across Ontario
Growth and learning• Ongoing exposure to new Power BI and cloud analytics capabilities as they are released
• Practical experience debugging issues across data ingestion, modeling, and visualization layers
• Experience working with large-scale administrative data used at both provincial and municipal levels
• A team culture that supports experimentation and incremental improvement
Team and ways of working• A collaborative, supportive Social Assistance analytics team
• Agile Scrum delivery with an emphasis on transparency and shared ownership
• Regular knowledge-sharing across reporting, data modeling, design, and analysis
• Psychological safety and trust treated as foundational
Management approach• Work is managed through a matrix structure with both an HR manager and a project sponsor. The focus is on delivery quality, professional growth, coaching, and clear decision-making in complex environments.
Location and work environment• Downtown Toronto with excellent TTC access, including Line 1 and Union Station
• Easy access to the Gardiner Expressway
• Walkable area with food, cafés, and public spaces nearby
• Modern, open layout office space