Role Responsibilities

We are looking for three (3) Policy Advisors 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:

• Policy Advisor, Policy, Standards & Quality (one permanent and one temporary position)
  Reporting to the Manager of Policy, Standards & Quality, as a Policy Advisor you will be responsible for supporting the development, communication and implementation of legislation, policy and standards, quality initiatives, the provision of strategic advice and analysis, and issues management related to home and community care and palliative care. You will also perform other branch functions such as policy research, project management, stakeholder engagement, developing content for decision making and responding to correspondence (Action Requests).

• Policy Advisor, Systems Improvement (one permanent position)
  Reporting to the Manager of Systems Improvement, 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. Policy directions and action plans providing the source of focus for this role are grounded in improvement-focused government initiatives (e.g., program reviews, frameworks, transformation initiatives, bilateral funding agreements.

These roles involve collaborative work to support the planning and implementation of initiatives in home and community care. This includes conducting research and analysis to provide sound policy advice, lead projects, engage stakeholders and coordinate grants with community partners. It also involves supporting performance monitoring, integrating operational perspectives into policy, and responding to inquiries to help advance home and community care in Alberta.

Responsibilities in these roles will include, but will not be limited to:

• Policy Analysis and Advice
  • 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.
• Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Engage with stakeholders, the public, and internal teams to inform initiatives, gather advice, and increase awareness of the continuing care system, priority initiatives and departmental grant processes.
• Communication and Issues Management
  • Prepare clear written and oral briefings, responses, and communication materials for internal and external audiences.
• Performance Measurement
  • Proactively monitor continuing care system outcomes and program effectiveness.
  • Identify issues, strengths, and opportunities.
• Project Management
  • 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.

Role Responsibilities Continued

• To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
• 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 inter-personal 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.
• Ability to identify emerging trends, issues and other developments or opportunities that may impact the Ministry's response and/or direction on an issue or practice.
• Ability to synthesize, analyze and interpret complex information to create concise accurate briefings, reports, and/or advice to address complex health, policy, and continuing care system issues.
• 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.

The is provided for further details on 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.

• Agility: Must be able to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience, and work effectively in changing environments.
• Drive for Results: Sets goals and prioritizes work to accomplish them. Follows through on duties and tasks and reports on progress.
• Systems Thinking: Understands how work contributes to the achievement of departmental goals. Anticipates changes in own area based on activities in other areas.
• Creative Problem Solving: Brings the right people together to solve complex problems and find solutions. Encourages debate and idea generation from across the organization. Assesses and addresses risks while providing guidance to move new ideas forward.
• Develop Networks: Builds and maintains professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Leverages relationships to build input and perspective. Actively seeks input into change initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards
University graduation (4 years) in public policy, health administration, health studies, health economics, social work, social sciences, project management, or a related field, plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

The following experience is considered as assets:

• 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.
  
  

Minimum Recruitment Standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Hours of work are 08:15 AM to 04:30 PM, Monday to Friday. One full-time temporary position until July 31, 2029, and two full-time permanent positions, working 36.25 hours per week.

Location These opportunities are located at ATB Place North, 10025 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 1S6 or Alberta Government Services Building, 710 4 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0K3.

A cover letter is required along with your application. In your cover letter, please briefly summarize:

• Why you are interested in the position and how it fits into your career plans, and
• How your qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.
  
  

Cover letters may be used to assess your written communication skills and attention to detail, and to determine which candidates will move to the next stage of the recruitment process. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Candidates may also be required to complete a written assessment to further evaluate their skills, knowledge, and experience related to the role.

If a security screening is required:

• Final candidates may be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC).
  
  

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 we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service

• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information

• Professional learning and development

• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.