Senior Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about transforming mental health and addiction services in Alberta? The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction is seeking a dynamic Senior Policy Advisor to play a pivotal role in supporting oversight of the mental health and addiction system, including providing support to Recovery Alberta and the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE).

In this influential position, you will lead initiatives that align Alberta's mental health and addiction system with government priorities, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of Albertans. Your expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder collaboration will support ministry oversight of Alberta’s recovery-oriented systems of care.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities across Alberta. Your leadership will contribute to a system that prioritizes recovery and excellence in mental health and addiction services.

Key responsibilities include:

Policy Development and Expertise

• Lead the development and implementation of mental health and addiction policies, ensuring alignment with government priorities and the needs of Albertans.
• Stay informed on emerging issues and trends to provide proactive leadership and coordination in policy development.
• Offer expertise in areas such as legislative planning, recovery-oriented systems of care, and contract management.
• Prepare briefing materials and correspondence for senior officials, including the Director, Executive Director, Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister, Minister, and Cabinet.

Research, Analysis, and Performance Measurement

• Conduct strategic analysis on various issues, providing accurate and timely information to inform decision-making.
• Develop and monitor performance measures that support and align with branch policies.
• Translate trend analysis and research into actionable information for partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinate materials and tracking related to system oversight of mental health and addiction programming.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Project Leadership

• Serve as the department lead and representative for assigned mental health and addiction initiatives related to system transformation, collaborating with other ministries and stakeholders.
• Lead or participate in internal, cross-ministry, and cross-government committees to facilitate system integration and alignment.
• Facilitate system integration and alignment, working with internal and cross-ministry partners to advance shared goals for the health care system.
• Provide project management, leadership, and support on various projects as directed.

Apply now to be at the forefront of this transformative journey and make a meaningful impact on the lives of Albertans.

Please click on this link to view the job description for 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.

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

Competencies related to this position: 

Creative Problem Solving

• Focuses on continuous improvement and increasing breadth of insight
• Asks questions to understand a problem
• Looks for new ways to improve results and activities
• Explores different work methods and what made projects successful; shares learning
• Collects breadth of data and perspectives to make choices

Systems Thinking

• Considers inter- relationships and emerging trends to attain goals
• Seeks insight on implications of different options
• Analyzes long-term outcomes, focus on goals and values
• Identifies unintended consequences

Develop Networks:

• Works on maintaining close relations with all stakeholders
• Identifies key stakeholder relationships
• Has contact with range of interested parties
• Actively incorporates needs of a broader group
• Influences others through communication techniques

Drive for Results

• Works to exceed goals and partner with others to achieve objectives
• Plans based on past experience
• Holds self and others responsible for results
• Partners with groups to achieve outcomes
• Aims to exceed expectations

Qualifications

University graduation in health, human services, public administration or social sciences, and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience related to the role.

Experience is required in: 

• Policy development & implementation
• Project management
• Research and analysis

The following are considered assets:

• Project leadership
• Intergovernmental relations experience
• Knowledge of public agency-related legislation, requirements, and best practices.
• Experience in developing and monitoring performance measures that support and align with policies

Equivalencies may be considered - directly related education or experience 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.

Notes

There is one permanent full-time position available. 

Location – Commerce Place, 10155 – 102 Street, Edmonton, AB 

Hours of Work – 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (36.25 hours per week).

Other information: 

• A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is recommended. 
• Written assessment may be used as part of the screening/selection process.
• Top candidates will be required to undergo security screening.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. As well, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2016 - June 25, 2019: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).

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 the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• 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.