Senior Policy Advisor

---

Do you have leadership skills and expertise in research, analysis and development of mental health strategies, policies and programs, and related accountability, financial and operational tools (e.g., standards; regulations)? Do you have a strong proven track record in cross-sectoral work at both a local and systems-level? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment?

If so, consider this opportunity with the Transforming Mental Health Branch, Transformation and Implementation Division within the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

---

About the job

In this role you will:
• Plan, lead, facilitate and conduct evidence-based mental health policy research
• Undertake all aspects of policy development, program implementation and program evaluation
• Conduct the review and analysis of formal and informal research findings
• Develop reports and analysis and present policy options and recommendations to support ongoing transformation efforts
• Build and maintain ongoing collaborative relationships with the mental health sector and cross-sectoral partners
• Provide project leadership

---

What you bring to the team

Technical Knowledge and Experience

• You have knowledge of policy processes, understanding of common and emerging strategy development methodologies, strategic policy development and performance management methodologies
• You have knowledge of mental health care system trends, models of delivery, funding, governance and legislation
• You have an understanding of critical issues and concerns faced by mental health stakeholders to ensure policies, programs, regulations and legislation respond to issues within the health system
• You have knowledge of program design and evaluation techniques, and skills in applying current research methodology, policy development, strategic planning and long range scenario planning tools and techniques as they relate to analyzing and assessing health system issues from these perspectives
• You have knowledge of models and mechanisms to enhance system integration and coordination

Project Management Skills

• You have project management skills to provide project planning and leadership on concurrent policy development projects
• You have the demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with team members and have the ability to manage deadlines and competing priorities
• You have relationship management and partnership building skills to work cooperatively with all partners

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• You have oral and written communication skills to prepare and present complex research analyses, policy frameworks, speeches and briefing papers
• You can provide leadership and work collaboratively within a team to achieve group and organizational goals
• You have demonstrated expertise in building strong collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and system leaders
• You have political acuity to appreciate, understand and utilize the power of relationships and understand climate and culture

Analytical and Problem Solving Skills

• You can plan and carry out research studies, undertake environmental scans and analyze a range of factors
• You can analyze competing interest of stakeholders, interpret broad guidelines and develop provincial policies and solutions to meet local needs
• You can process and distil information and present in a clear and concise manner
• You can assess both qualitative and quantitative information
• You can assess cross-sectoral implications of proposed policy changes, and integrate into overall analysis and proposed approach

Computer Skills

• You have computer proficiency to access the internet to research
• You can use various software programs to prepare materials

---

Additional information:

Note:

• W-CF-117999/18(4)

---

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.