Job Description: Senior Policy Advisor

Summary

Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to lead a number of key policy files, including anti-racism and anti-oppression work at both the organizational and system level to further the provision of equitable, inclusive addiction and mental health care across the province, and to support and assist the providers of such care.

About the Organization

AMHO represents over 200 addiction and mental health service providers across Ontario. Through policy work, advocacy initiatives, quality improvement work, service development and a variety of member supports, AMHO works closely with its members toward their shared vision of making Ontario the home of the best addiction and mental health system, anywhere.

AMHO members are involved in the on-the-ground addiction and mental health care that thousands of Ontarians access every day. Our members provide a wide range of community-based treatment including individual and group counselling, case management, peer support, residential treatment, withdrawal management, supportive housing, harm reduction services and programs based out of hospitals.

We are a small, energetic and nimble team who are dedicated to advancing AMHO’s mission.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Director Government Relations and Public Policy, the Senior Policy Advisor provides stakeholder relations, research, analytical, and consultation services, and prepares a range of policy and program information and communications in support of policy and program development. Among a number of files, the Senior Policy Advisor will lead the anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity and inclusion systems change work. Achievements in this role are expected to align with AMHO’s strategic plan, Mission and Vision.

This is a 1 year contract position.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Research and Analysis:

• Undertakes policy and issue analysis, develops options and recommendations and prepares appropriate supporting documentation
• Assesses existing policies and programs to support further policy development
• Provide policy support to AMHO’s government relations and advocacy agendas
• Researches and collects data, evidence and information from various sources to support policy and program development
• Analyzes and evaluates policy/ program information and data, identifies issues and trends, and prepares analytical and statistical reports
• Prepares a range of draft analyses and policy/ program reports
• Conducts policy analysis and research to assess implementation of policies

Member, Partner and Stakeholder Consultation and Liaison:

• Consults and solicits input on policies with AMHO members, partners, and external stakeholders
• Develops and maintains contacts with members and key external stakeholders
• Provides support to working groups involved in reviewing and developing policies

Briefings and Information:

• Prepares correspondence, information, presentations and question and answer packages and materials
• Provides input into the development of communication strategies for the dissemination of information to members and stakeholders, and drafts correspondence in response to inquiries
• Provides support to special projects as required
• Graduate or undergraduate degree in health or social policy, public administration, community services, or a related field. Candidates without an undergraduate degree but with significant experience in a senior role and with relevant experience in the health sector, addiction and mental health service delivery and/or community health will be considered and are welcomed
• Minimum two years (2) in a senior policy advisor role, in anti-racism, health care, harm reduction, social services and/or the not-for-profit sector
• Preference will be given to applicants from equity seeking groups, which include but are not limited to Indigenous Peoples, Black Peoples, Peoples of Colour, people who used drugs, women, people experiencing homelessness, individuals with concurrent mental health issues, individuals who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with physical disabilities, sex workers, people living in poverty and the Francophone population
• A strong understanding of factors that impact the provision of culturally safe care, factors that can lead to inequitable access to services in the health sector, and the importance of intersectionality when considering health equity implications
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in research and analytical techniques preferably in a community health or social service setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of program and policy development principles and government policy-making processes
• Knowledge of the community mental health and addiction sector or a related field, and current mental health and addiction issues and trends, relevant legislation, regulations, and policies is an asset
• Experience working directly with people who use drugs, those struggling with substance use and those living with mental health challenges and/or mental illness, is an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to respond to information requests, write reports, prepare meaningful analyses, draft correspondence, briefing notes and policy documents
• Excellent presentation skills to effectively communicate information to a variety of contacts for research and in support of consultation processes, and to convey research findings to a variety of audiences
• Excellent consultation skills to exchange information, discuss issues, gain support and liaise with other stakeholders and partners
• Highly collaborative individual that thrives in a team environment
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Experience in a non-profit and/or provincial association is an asset.