Policy Advisor

Government of Alberta•Calgary, AB

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Assisted Living and Social Services (ALSS) provides supports for seniors, families, and communities, and helps Albertans access disability services, continuing care, financial supports, affordable housing, services for the homeless, and other social-based programs. The Continuing Care Branch is responsible for the development of legislation and provincial strategic policy for home and community care, supportive living accommodations and continuing care homes and palliative and end-of-life care. This includes working closely with Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) in planning for continuing care service needs across the province in both the short and longer term. We are looking for a Policy Advisor to help shape Alberta’s home and community care system, driving policies and programs that enhance quality, access, and sustainability. You will collaborate with diverse stakeholders and contribute to innovative solutions that make a real difference for Albertans. Reporting to the Manager of Systems Improvement in the Home and Community Care Unit, as a Policy Advisor you will be responsible for supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of program and policy changes that improve quality of care and quality of life for home and community care clients, including palliative care clients. In this role, you will undertake collaborative work to support the planning and implementation of initiatives in home and community care. You will conduct research and analysis to provide sound policy advice, lead projects, engage stakeholders and coordinate grants with community partners. You will also support performance monitoring, integrate operational perspectives into policy, and respond to inquiries to help advance Alberta’s continuing care system.

Requirements

University graduation (4 years) in a related field such as Public Policy, Health Administration, Health Studies, Health Economics, Social Work, Social Sciences, Project Management, etc. plus two (2) years of progressively responsible related experience such as policy and program development, continuing care, social care, etc.; or equivalent
Excellent verbal and written communication skills (e.g. articulate, clear, concise, grammatically correct).
Excellent time management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple requests, handle tight deadlines, multi-task and re-prioritize workload.
Strong analytical and conceptual skills and ability to creatively problem solve.
Strong project management skills.
Well-developed interpersonal and collaboration skills. The ability to engage positively and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Basic knowledge of, and ability to, effectively search and monitor, health/social literature databases and other policy and practice knowledge sources.
Solid performance monitoring/measurement, interpretation and translation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
Strong ability to adapt quickly to changing input, anticipate challenges and impacts, and develop mitigation strategies.
Ability to think creatively with an open mind, develop options that address complex issues, engage stakeholders, and align outcomes with organizational direction.
Ability to take a strategic, long-term and holistic view of objectives, anticipate impacts, consider stakeholder perspectives, and develop solutions to complex policy issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience with continuing care and/or health program delivery
Experience with government systems, policy cycle and policy approval processes
Experience with grant management
Experience with stakeholder management
Project management experience or certification

Responsibilities

Develop work plans and coordinate the tracking and implementation of action items to ensure the timely achievement of progress.
Coordinate and prepare meeting materials, maintain governance and project management documents, and manage/prioritize issues that come before committees and working groups.
Conduct research and analysis on continuing care issues, identify trends and impacts, and develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
Prepare briefing materials, options papers, and advice for senior management and the Minister, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
Engage with stakeholders, the public, and internal corporate services to inform initiatives, gather advice, and increase awareness of the continuing care system, priority initiatives and departmental grant processes.
Prepare clear written and oral briefings, responses, and communication materials for internal and external audiences.
Proactively monitor continuing care system outcomes and program effectiveness.
Identify issues, strengths, and opportunities.