Policy Planner

Role Responsibilities

Do you enjoy solving complex policy challenges and influencing programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Albertans?

The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services is seeking a Policy Planner to join the Income Services Branch. In this role, you will contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of provincial policies that support Alberta's AISH, ADAP, Income Support and CSS programs. 

Working in a collaborative policy environment, you will research emerging issues, analyze policy options, provide strategic recommendations, and develop operational policies that support consistent program delivery across the province. Your work will directly contribute to modern, responsive, and client-focused services for Albertans.

Reporting to the Manager, you will:

• Research, analyze, develop and implement policy options to address complex program and operational issues.
• Prepare strategic recommendations, impact analyses, and briefing materials to support executive decision-making.
• Develop and maintain program policies, procedures, operational manuals, and implementation materials.
• Translate approved policy decisions into clear operational guidance for frontline staff.
• Provide expert advice on legislation, policy interpretation, and program implementation to regional and ministry staff.
• Collaborate with internal and cross-ministry partners to support policy development and implementation initiatives.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional working groups to resolve program issues and improve service delivery.
• Prepare briefing notes, correspondence, and responses to Action Requests and other information requests for senior leadership.
• Review and update program forms, publications, and communication materials to ensure alignment with current legislation and policy.
• Lead task-oriented projects to resolve program issues where input of different areas of expertise is required.
• Fostering a culture of mutual trust and respect among colleagues and leadership.
• Assure appropriate maintenance and security of records, including appropriate disposition of transitory information.
• Ensuring assignments are delivered on time and meet the requirements of management.
  
  

The Job Description is provided for further details on this position. 

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.

As a Policy Planner, in addition to your education and experience, you will demonstrate well-honed competencies in the following areas:

• Agility - Demonstrated ability to manage and adapt to change. Ability to manage human, financial, and physical resources within an operating environment.
• Drive for Results - Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others.
• Develop Self and Others - Proven ability to foster partnerships and to achieve organizational goals within an organization.
• Build Collaborative Environments - Strong track record in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop Networks - Ability to foster a climate of cooperation amongst, and build solid relationships with public agencies, government, committees and other partners.
• Systems Thinking - Effective leadership abilities combined with a strong commitment to operating within a team environment and the ability to motivate and inspire other to achieve common goals.
• Creative Problem Solving - Excellent analytical and decision-making skills

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience are required.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered based on:

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

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience researching and analyzing complex policy issues.
• Knowledge of public policy development processes and legislative frameworks related to AISH, ADAP and Income Support.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience preparing briefing notes, policy documents, recommendations, and executive correspondence.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders and building productive working relationships.
• Ability to translate complex policy concepts into practical operational guidance

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

• Hours of work are 36.25 weekly, Monday to Friday.
  
  
• The position is full-time.
  
  
• A written assessment exercise may be required as part of the interview process. This will be administered during the interview.
  
  
• This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the Employment and Financial Services division at the same or lower classification level.
  
  
• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening. A Criminal Record Check will only need to be provided upon request.  Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate.  
  
  
• A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required. In your cover letter, please briefly summarize: 1) How your professional and/or academic background relates to this role, including your direct and transferable expertise and skills. 2) Reasons for interest in this role.
  
  
• Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada and live in Alberta. 
  
  

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. 
 
Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) .
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance