Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Join our team as a Senior Policy Analyst, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of Mental Health and Addiction services. As part of the Strategic Information, Research & Evaluation Unit, you will contribute to policy development, research/evaluation, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance service quality and accountability in Alberta's mental health and addiction system.

Key Responsibilities Includes:

1. Lead the coordinated development of plans and reports to reflect achievements across broad provincial priorities for the mental health and addiction system and ministry business goals 
2. Facilitate timely access to clear, concise, accurate information to inform policy and business decision making, problem solving and information management needs for branch staff, senior leadership and ministry offices including the Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister, Associate Minister and Premier's offices.
3. Support branch leaders in achieving the mandate and goals of the branch and the ministry
4. Lead development and implementation of evaluation strategies in support of branch and ministry initiatives (strategies, innovative transformations, etc.) to improve addiction and mental health system accountability and service quality.
5. Foster sustainable, positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to support achievement of ministry priorities.
6. Manage policy files and Research and/or Evaluations grants as needed ensure methodology and timeline are appropriate to answer the question.

Join us in making a difference in Alberta's mental health and addiction system. Apply now and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating positive change.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

APS Competencies that is critical to the role:

• Creative Problem Solving: The addiction and mental health ecosystem is diverse and ever changing, the successful candidate must be able to consider new information, engage with others to learn and bring creative solutions to issues.
• Agility: The addiction and mental health ecosystem changes rapidly as new evidence is discovered and shared, similarly, the data ecosystem is also ever changing as new data is accessible (or no longer accessible) this requires the candidate to adjust and remain positive in rapidly changing circumstances.
• System Thinking: The successful candidate will need to incorporate data and knowledge from diverse systems outside of addiction and mental health. It will be pivotal to work with others to identify the unintended consequences of the diverse new programs in the area.
• Develop Self and Others: The unit has a wide range of projects and the successful candidate will need to be self-motivated to stay current on issues and share what they learn with the team.

Qualifications

4 years University graduation in a related field (Public Policy or Health Related) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below. 

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or  
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Experience: 

• Policy Development & Reporting: Experience leading the creation of plans and reports aligning with provincial mental health and addiction priorities.
• Information Management & Decision Support: Proven ability to provide timely, accurate information for policy and business decisions, supporting problem-solving efforts.
• Leadership & Support: Demonstrated capacity to assist branch leaders in achieving ministry goals through strategic advice and collaboration.
• Evaluation Strategy Development: Extensive background in designing and implementing evaluation strategies to enhance system accountability and service quality.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building: Strong track record of fostering positive relationships with stakeholders to advance ministry priorities effectively.
• Advanced Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques, including statistical software, to conduct rigorous evaluations and derive actionable insights.

Assets:

• System Understanding: Deep knowledge of mental health and addiction systems, policies, and best practices.
• Evaluation Proficiency: Expertise in designing and implementing evaluation methodologies for mental health and addiction initiatives.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate across sectors to address systemic issues.
• Strategic Communication Abilities: Strong aptitude for crafting clear and persuasive communications, including briefings, reports, and presentations, to convey policy insights and recommendations effectively.

Notes

Hours of Work

• 7.25 daily hours
• 36.25 weekly hours
• 8:15AM to 4:30PM (Monday to Friday)

Location

• 13th Floor Telus House, Edmonton

Please provide a cover letter that outlines how your experience and education relates to the role.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs