Job Description

Competition # : 37947

Department: Health and Wellness

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b2/22/2023\xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we are committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, continuing care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we are recruiting leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

Do you want to be a part of the exciting changes happening in the Nova Scotian Health System?

As a subject matter expert in the field, the Senior Policy Analyst with Primary Health Care will provide expertise and advisory services to department staff with respect to research and policy development as well as work with senior department staff on major policy, research and procedural matters.

In this role, you play a critical role in facilitating DHW evidence-informed decision-making and will have the opportunity to work directly with provincial and inter-governmental health care stakeholders; and may represent the department on inter-departmental initiatives.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Policy Analyst with Primary Health Care you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing large projects usually involving all phases of work from strategic planning and policy development through to successful implementation. Within a typical day you will also be responsible for:

• Supporting initiatives focused on the effectiveness of our health transformation agenda.
• Leading identified division functions (e.g., Leading aspects of the legislative process and preparing reports, briefing books and responses relating to health system issues research and policy)
• Working with and providing primary health care support to other divisions within the Department of Health and Wellness.
• Developing and evaluating policy options and related background material using evidence-based research, policy analysis and strategic planning.
• Developing and leveraging strategic partnerships to ensure a proactive approach to Primary Care.
• Providing leadership, project management and liaison support to project teams and departmental committees.

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Senior Policy Analyst, you will hold a bachelor\'s degree in a related (such as a health profession, public or health care administration) field plus six (6) years of progressive experience in a related field.

In addition to the above, this position will also require:

• A strong analytical mind who can also think conceptually and see the big picture.
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to build strong, collaborative working relationships;
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders.
• A proven track record in policy development, research and synthesis of evidence in a policy context.
• Experience in networking, establishing partnerships, as well as the tact and diplomacy required to communicate effectively to any individual regardless of their level.
• A demonstrated understanding and respect of cultural differences including a commitment to recognizing diversity both between and within cultural groups.
• The ability to manage and prioritize concurrent tasks within a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Superior writing skills with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials;

In addition to the above, you will have independent judgement and initiative as well as the ability to manage and conduct complex and specialized research and policy analysis. You will be well-organized, capable of managing change and competing priorities, undertaking high level work under tight deadlines, and exercising sound judgement under pressure. Lastly, you will be able to work cohesively in a team environment and be able to undertake complex assignments without supervision.

The following will be considered assets:

• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government; and
• Public policy development and analysis.

Please clearly illustrate in your cover letter how you meet the above qualifications.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A completed masters degree and 4 years of related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

This competition will be used to fill two vacant senior policy analyst positions within Primary Health Care.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• An engaged workplace where we foster respect and recognition.
• Forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: PR 17

Salary Range: $3,001.65 - $3,525.41 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia