Specialist, Early Years and Child Care Services

Regional Municipality of Peel

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Advisor, Early Years and Child Care Services, the Specialist is responsible for providing program development and implementation support for early years and child care programs and initiatives with a focus on data analysis and performance measurements ensuring system accountabilities are met and outcomes are achieved.

Regular Full Time Positon: This Specialist position is intended for candidates with demonstrated experience in planning, implementing and evaluating special needs resourcing/inclusion supports. Working closely with the Advisor, PIRS, the Specialist will lead the planning and oversight of professional learning for inclusion support agency staff, implementation and analysis of an equitable access approach in licensed child care, and a review of screening tools used by resource consultants. The specialist will be responsible for investigating complaints, following up on parent, community partner or program feedback and responding to escalated issues. This position requires someone with strong facilitation, communication and conflict resolution skills along with the ability to be empathetic to experiences and perspectives. Candidates should have demonstrated system thinking skills with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement including guideline development, process improvements and service delivery standards to support consistent practice.

Contract Full Time-Up to 14 months: This Specialist position is intended for candidates with demonstrated experience in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, who are motivated to lead DEI work at a divisional level. Working closely with the Advisor, System Access and Inclusion, the Specialist will lead divisional DEI priorities including the implementation of Peel’s early years and child care DEI framework. The position will work with internal and external partners to embed DEI principles across planning, accountability, communications, and service delivery. Candidates with strong facilitation skills who are comfortable navigating accountability structures such as KPIs, reporting and guidelines, and bring a practical, action-oriented DEI lens are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• University Degree in human services or related field, such as social sciences, business/public administration, and early years and child care, with at least 5 years job-related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong foundation in research, data analysis, program planning and public policy development with relevant experience in program design, implementation and evaluation, and strategic and project planning
• Knowledge of Project Management Principles and Practices, with the ability to execute complex and multi-year policies and plans
• Knowledge of performance measurement to ensure evaluation and continuous improvement is built into the implementation framework
• Experience in applying change management principles and methodologies and the ability to lead as well as manage and support change
• Knowledge of technology and software systems used to support the delivery of Human Services programs and services such as all Microsoft Office programs
• Demonstrated experience working in partnership with community partners
• Strong knowledge of community resources/services available to residents of Peel Region
• A satisfactory Level 1 Criminal Record Check obtained directly from a police station (third-party background checks will not be accepted)
• Highly developed communication skills, both oral and written; proven ability to present to and facilitate discussions with various audiences both internal and external
• Effective interpersonal and relationship building skills to work collaboratively with internal and external partners/stakeholders
• Demonstrates sound judgment and political acuity in communications and recommendations
• Ability to lead, manage, influence and motivate internal and external stakeholders and teams
• Ability to work independently and as part of internal and external teams
• Proven ability to problem solve and resolve conflict responding with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to manage time and priorities within a context of multiple competing priorities

Nice To Haves

• Experience directly applying quality control and assurance best practices such as Six Sigma, LEAN, SWOT analysis, process mapping and process re-engineering would be an asset
• Knowledge of Early Years and Child Care funding programs, as well as related provincial legislation and policies would be an asset

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements and evaluates new and existing EYCC program policies/processes, initiatives and accountability mechanisms to support evolving provincial and local direction, and enhanced service manager accountabilities/responsibilities
• Conducts EYCC program research, analysis and evaluations to inform evidenced-based policy development and decision-making, and ensure accountability for funds
• Gathers and analyzes program outcomes and associated performance measures, as well as information , trends, issues, gaps and statistics for planning and reporting purposes. This includes the preparation of accountability mechanisms and outcome measures, complex and specialized documentation, reports and statistical analysis
• Collaborates with both internal and external partners to support transformation within the early years and child care system
• Develops and maintains cooperative, collaborative and strategic relationships with internal and external partners
• Assists in the development of strategic outcomes, policy objectives, and accountability measures for all funding programs under EYCC Funding and supports the ongoing integration of EYCC f unds into t echnology systems
• Assists in the preparation of plans that anticipate and respond to evolving provincial direction, and to Council, c orporate and c ommunity priorities
• Provides subject matter expertise on projects with internal and external partners, participate on working groups/committees and liaise with other service managers, community and provincial partners as required
• Develops and /or contributes to Council Reports, and internal/community partner reports, communications, briefing notes, program guidelines and service p rovider resources to support system partners in implementing system transformation and delivering on shared priorities and outcomes
• Develops and/or contributes to responses to proposed EYCC legislative, regulatory, guideline, and/or policy changes as well as recommendations and analysis of local policy development in consultation with internal and external partners
• Supports the service delivery requirements and complies with regulatory requirements as identified but not limited to the following acts; the Child Care and Early Years Act, the Early Childhood Educators Act, the Education Act, Child and Family Services Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ministry of Community and Social Services Act
• Develops communication materials for project and program roll-outs as well as regularly measures and monitors status

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision benefit plan (effective start date)
• Automatic enrolment into OMERS pension plan
• Accrue Vacation on a monthly basis up to 3 weeks per annum
• 3 Paid personal days and floating holidays (non-union)
• Flexible hours supporting your wellness and wellbeing (non-union)
• Annual performance review and merit increases based on performance (non-union/ where applicable)
• Supportive leadership and a culture of respect and inclusion
• Access to tuition reimbursement (where applicable) and learning and development resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level