Job Description

• Job ID: 39104
• Job Category: Community & Social Services
• Division & Section: Shelter, Support & Housing Admin, SSHA Service Planning & Integrity
• Work Location: Metro Hall 55 John Street Toronto, Ontario (Hybrid Work Model)
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary, 12 months
• Salary: $101,900.00 to $131,222.00
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 1
• Posting Period: 10- July- 2023 to 31- July- 2023

The Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Division is seeking a strong First Nations, Inuit or M\xc3\xa9tis leader with experience working with local Indigenous communities and organizations to support and advance the priorities and commitments in the (Meeting in the Middle) and related actions in the City\'s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Programs, the Policy Development Officer provides strategic advice and policy leadership for homelessness service delivery system to enhance services for people experiencing homelessness. In particular, the Policy development Officer will lead the implementation of the actions in Meeting in the Middle, developing strategic and operational policies, strategies and programs for the homelessness service delivery system, building and sustaining respectful and reciprocal relationships, and working in collaboration with Indigenous partners in a way that respects self-determination.

• Leads strategic policy development, policy analysis, research and program development processes that places the needs of Indigenous people experiencing and at risk of homelessness at the forefront by identifying, formulating and recommending new policy and policy amendments, preparing and supporting the delivery of detailed implementation plans
• Provides expertise and strategic advice to staff, management, senior management and other City Divisions regarding the implementation of Meeting in the Middle and other programs and initiatives relevant to Indigenous communities
• Lead the development of a framework for Indigenous data sovereignty and governance
• Evaluates the strengths, weaknesses and effectiveness of programs and policies by conducting research and analysis, including creating and implementing analytic tools and databases for strategic program development, and influences implementation by the Division/City and other levels of government and/or community agencies
• Leads and directly conducts ongoing research (qualitative and quantitative data) and analysis of trends and activities related to Indigenous homelessness, affordable housing, related services and legislation in order to provide information and identify emerging issues and opportunities to senior management
• Prepares Council reports, research analysis, major funding requests, briefing notes, presentations and other policy reports/recommendations as required by senior management consistent with unit, divisional and corporate priorities and strategic directions, generates options for programs and policies, assessing the implications and feasibility of these options and recommending solutions and implementation approaches.
• Supports the effective administration of programs by drafting program documents and other communications to service providers and Indigenous partners
• Maintains an awareness of social, economic and political issues and trends and provides information, policy development and reports based on such issues and trends and working from an Indigenous definition of homelessness
• Implements policy and program through communication messages, developing and implementing accountability frameworks, developing and delivering training programs for staff, funded agencies, board members and the general public.
• Provides leadership in the planning and progress of project based assignments to investigate policy and program options including developing project objectives, requests for proposals, terms of reference, evaluation methods and consulting with relevant stakeholders
• Develops policies, strategies and program recommendations to improve and better coordinate services for people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness, with a focus on the needs of specific groups, including Indigenous people.
• Develops targets, criteria and outcome measures to measure the effectiveness and success of programs.
• Fosters, and works collaboratively to maintain close and effective, working relationships with managers and supervisors in the division and, representatives from community-based shelters and service agencies, Indigenous organizations, City divisions such as the Indigenous Affairs Office and other levels of government, technical consultants, and members of the public or other groups as appropriate to support implementation and dissemination of Meeting in the Middle
• Engages other stakeholders, service providers, local planning groups, advocates and constituents, in system and service analysis and development.
• Supervises staff, consultants and project teams to research, prepare, and monitor implementation of recommendations and manages budgets, requests for proposals and service contracts related to projects.

Key Qualifications:

• Lived experience as a First Nations, Inuit or M\xc3\xa9tis person, and experience working with Indigenous peoples, communities, and/or organizations.
• Post-secondary education in a public administration, public policy, social science or an equivalent combination of education and experience (i.e. training with Indigenous knowledge keepers and Elders)
• Experience in strategy development, planning, and policy analysis and development.
• Experience in project management (project design, development and implementation) to effectively meet deadlines.
• Experience in community engagement, including relationship building with Indigenous partners and organizations and community organizations and stakeholder groups.
• Experience in social science research methodologies and techniques.
• Experience in writing comprehensive complex and formal reports.
• Ability to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into research, policy and program development
• Excellent strategic, analytical and conceptual thinking skills; proven ability to develop innovative solutions to complex policy, operational, and evaluation problems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with exceptional political acuity.
• Ability to work independently as well as an organized, fully accountable project leader with the ability to lead effective teams and train, motivate and supervise staff.
• Knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty and Indigenous data governance approaches/frameworks is an asset.
• Knowledge of policies affecting homelessness, housing and shelter services is an asset.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City\'s commitment to .

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. . Learn more about the City\'s .

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City\'s commitment to .

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. . Learn more about the City\'s .

City of Toronto