Senior Policy Advisor

The Job

Are you a well-organized and results-oriented individual with excellent policy analysis and development, communication, and project management skills?

If so, an excellent opportunity awaits you with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Social Assistance Program Policy Branch, where you would lead the development and implementation planning of policies and programs.

The Ministry

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services helps to improve outcomes for children, youth, families and individuals who need support and advances the interests of women.
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The Branch

The Social Assistance Program Policy Branch is responsible for the legislative and regulatory framework for the Ontario Disability Support Program and the Ontario Works Program. We develop social assistance policy and support the effective delivery of both programs, including policy to enable Social Assistance Recovery and Renewal.

Why work for the Ontario Public Service?

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive, diverse and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
•Competitive compensation and benefits
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• On-the-job training to support your success in the role

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• Undertake and lead program planning and development, evaluate existing services, programs and delivery models, identify issues, analyze and synthesize research materials.
• Maintain critical stakeholder relationships with ministry and corporate policy and fiscal areas.
• Prepare Cabinet submissions and briefing materials for the minister and senior management.
• Represent the Ministry interests, and work collaboratively to develop a coordinated position on policy issues.
• Lead and participate in project teams and working groups with key internal and external stakeholders.

How do I qualify?

Policy Development and Analysis Experience

• You have knowledge and experience in policy and program development principles and techniques as well as decision making processes related to policy development.
• You can assess the effectiveness of policies and programs and provide recommendations on policy/program changes.
• You understand and can apply socio-economic theory as it relates to social policy and service needs.
• You are able to accurately interpret and apply relevant provincial legislation, and strategic directions.

Relationship Management, Consultation and Negotiation Skills

• You have consultation, partnership and relationship management skills to establish key stakeholder linkages.
• You have consensus-building, negotiation, and mediation skills to gain support for ministry policy and program initiatives.

Analytical, Research and Project Management Experience

• You can assess both qualitative and quantitative information in order to develop policy and program proposals.
• You know research and project management techniques to plan and conduct research studies, undertake analysis of trends and evaluation.
• You can analyze the competing interests of stakeholders.
• You know how to use program analysis and evaluation techniques.

Communication and Presentation Skills

• You have well developed oral communication and presentation skills to provide policy advice and recommendations.
• You have strong written communication skills to develop a range of written materials, including options papers and briefing materials.
• You can respond to issues, prepare reports and promote policy initiatives to stakeholders.
• You have experience using standard computer software applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet) to research and prepare materials.


OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and theOPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario'sHuman Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Friday, December 10, 2021 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.