Policy Analyst (Research & Stat Officer 3)

About Us

The Office of Addictions and Mental Health offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we are committed to continually improving our mental health care system of supports. To do this, we are recruiting leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.
 

About Our Opportunity

As a Policy Analyst with the Office of Mental Health and Addictions, you will be a key contributor to the development, implementation, and evaluation/monitoring of various policies within the Office of Addictions and Mental Health. You will use formal processes and tools to develop policy documents, reports, and recommendations, as well as regulations/legislation. You will conduct comprehensive research, analysis, measurement, and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide recommendations to leadership regarding mental health and addictions issues. This position is also responsible for completing research, analysis, and synthesis of relevant evidence to inform policy and provides project support and occasional leadership to projects and initiatives.
 

Primary Accountabilities

In this role you can also expect to:
 

• Provide analysis of policy options and present summaries, recommendations, and reports on a variety of complex issues, programs, and services.
• Research and conduct analysis through jurisdictional scans, literature reviews and consultation with stakeholders to inform evidence based decisions and recommendations  related to a range of mental health and addictions initiatives, policy formulation, and decision-making.
• Prepare reports including policy options and considerations; briefing materials; correspondence; and other related materials.
• Support activities related to procurement of services and goods required to support team priorities and initiatives.
• Respond to rapid and concurrent information requests in an efficient manner and ensure leadership has the information (e.g., information and briefing notes) they need to make decisions.
• Contribute to the effective functioning of the team by promoting diversity and a healthy, respectful workplace, respecting corporate human resources practices, promoting teamwork and individual development, supporting accountability, and maintaining internal communication.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.
   

Qualifications and Experience

You have a bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of related experience in policy, program, and research; or a master’s degree and three (3) years of related experience.

As the ideal candidate you have strong research, analytical and organizational skills. You are analytical in nature and can identify opportunities, determine program requirements, evaluate alternatives, and provide sound recommendations to senior management. You must be able to work and participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

You must demonstrate understanding and respect of cultural differences including a commitment to recognizing diversity both between and within cultural groups. This role also requires ability to work independently with minimal supervision, be self-motivated, and the ability to follow-up pro-actively and address issues as they arise. You must have excellent written and oral communications skills and presentation skills along with excellent interpersonal, organizational, partnership, and project management skills.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies 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. 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 a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
 

Working Conditions

Most of your work is in a comfortable office environment. You may be required to travel to sites on occasion. There is a need for you to balance competing priorities and meet strict deadlines. 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
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules