Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Situated within the Policy, Practice, and Program Development Branch of the Child Intervention Delivery Division, the Policy Supports team contributes to the well-being of children, youth, and families through a provincial focus on clear and consistent policy direction and guidance for front-line casework practice. Work in this branch impacts province-wide policy, practice and program development by finding innovative solutions and exploring best practices to improve the way we operate.

The Policy Analyst role is responsible for a range of strategic and operational policy responsibilities for the branch, division, and ministry. This position plays a key role in the development of child intervention policy and program development that is based on best practices and promotes the attainment of good outcomes for children and families. Policy Analyst will lead special projects and initiatives that set practice and program direction, make recommendations to the Director, Executive Director, ADM, DM, and Minister based on specialized program knowledge and skills. They function as a strategic resource person for the Branch, Division, Department, Ministry, explaining and facilitating data analysis, preparing reports, and contributing to recommended courses of action that are aligned with current policy, practice and organizational and program readiness.

Role Responsibilities

• Identify issues and trends that lead to possible changes to practice, policy, programs, and legislation.
• Support implementation of initiatives in alignment with current policy, practice, and organizational and program readiness.
• Explore and navigate issues through research, data, and consultation with stakeholders.
• Conduct research and write briefing notes, position papers, proposals and correspondence for management, senior management, and the Deputy Minister and Minister related to child protection and intervention.
• Ensure that timely and regular information is provided to the Executive Director/ADM/DM/Minister on sensitive issues.
• Develop and analyze options to address issues and recommend solutions to senior leadership with limited information and supervision.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Albertans while working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Creative Problem Solving: Demonstrates curiosity and innovation by asking questions to understand problems, seeking improvements, learning from past successes, and making informed decisions using diverse data and perspectives.
• Systems Thinking: Demonstrates organizational awareness by understanding how their work impacts and is influenced by other areas, aligning efforts with broader goals, and recognizing the organization's value to clients and stakeholders.
• Agility: Demonstrates adaptability and resilience by proactively improving work processes, staying composed during change, seeking support when needed, and approaching challenges with openness, creativity, and professionalism.

Qualifications

Requirements: 
University graduation in a related field plus 2 years of progressively responsible related experience in conducting policy or legislative research, analysis and development, and program and project planning and management.

Equivalencies:
Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.

The following will be considered assets:

• Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for data analysis), Visio for process mapping, and Adobe Acrobat Pro for document creation and editing.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills, including the ability to confidently deliver information to diverse audiences, lead discussions, and effectively use tools such as PowerPoint to communicate complex ideas clearly and professionally.
• Previous project management experience.
• Direct experience in the development and implementation of legislation and policy.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding, GoA and Ministry specific policies, guidelines, directives and acts/regulations.
• Post-secondary degree in humanities, social sciences, or policy.

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

Hours of work are Monday to Friday – 36.25 hours per week.

Candidates from across the Province as well as outside of Alberta are encouraged to apply; however, the successful candidate must be able to work out of a designated Child Intervention office in Alberta up to 5 days a week.

Application Requirements:
As part of the application process, you are required to:

• Complete all pre-screen questions.
• A cover letter outlining why you are applying to this role and how your experience relates to the qualifications is required.

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.