Job Description

Competition # : 39793

Department: Office of Addictions and Mental Health

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b21-Jul-23 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Office of Workplace Mental Health is a government partnership between the Public Service Commission, Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union (NSGEU), CUPE 1867 and the Nova Scotia Public Service Long Term Disability Plan Trust Fund.

The Office of Workplace Mental Health helps government employees and managers find resources, tools and supports to help their mental health and wellbeing. We work to develop partnerships with mental health service providers throughout the province. We also help managers support mental health and wellness by providing education and resources.

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Policy Analyst with the Office of Mental Health and Addictions (OMHA) works closely with intersectoral partners including, but not limited to, intradepartmental, provincial, federal and territorial colleagues, the Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK, and the private and non-profit sector. In this role, you provide expertise and advisory services to staff and partners with respect to research and policy development as well as work with senior staff on major policy, research, and procedural matters.

In this role, you play a critical role in facilitating OMHA evidence-informed decision-making and will have the opportunity to work directly with provincial, inter-governmental and community stakeholders; and may represent the Office on inter-departmental initiatives. You will directly impact change across the health system, inclusive of health promotion, primary health care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addictions.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Policy Analyst 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:

• Leading identified Office functions (e.g., research and policy);
• Developing and evaluating policy options and related background material;
• Leading aspects of the legislative process, including preparation of submissions to Executive Council;
• Preparing reports, briefing books and responses relating to health system issues in Nova Scotia;
• Leading and/or participating in working groups on specific policy issues;
• Working within a team to coordinate stakeholder consultations and other public meetings;
• Preparing briefing notes and correspondence for senior staff on a wide range of matters related to OMHA\xc3\xa2\xc2\x80\xc2\x99s mandate.

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Senior Policy Analyst, you will hold a bachelor\'s degree in a health-related field plus six (6) years of progressive experience in the design and development of policies and programs.

You will demonstrate experience with the following:

• Progressively responsible research and analysis positions;
• Superior writing skills with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials;
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to build collaborative working relationships;
• Knowledge of and/or experience within the provincial legislative environment;
• Computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); and
• Familiarity with legislation which falls under the OMHA mandate.

In addition to the above, you will have strong leadership skills, 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. You can undertake high-level work under tight deadlines, and exercise sound judgement under pressure. Lastly, you will be able to work cohesively in a team environment and be able to take on complex assignments without supervision.

The following will be considered assets:

• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government;
• Knowledge/experience in the field of mental health and addictions; and
• Public policy development and analysis.

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.

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: $3,091.70 - $3,631.17 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