Reporting to the People Leader, Policy and Strategic Initiatives, the successful candidate will be responsible for designing and conducting research, evaluation and data collection activities independently to support research, evaluation and information needs at the community, regional and provincial level.
The incumbent will:
- Monitor and evaluate the status of social services sectors and other relevant research at the community, regional and provincial level
- Review, assess and analyze local reports and data using statistical software
- Develop and maintain databases, spreadsheets, charts, maps and graphs of relevant data to support community planning
- Create and maintain a research, resource and data repository (including historical information) and act as resource for information in the community
- Liaise with managers and staff to ensure that activities address the program needs and determine evaluation objectives and resources, as well as prepare policies and procedures for the planning and evaluation of programs
- Construct, collect, review and interpret questionnaires to determine effectiveness of the program, client satisfaction or trends and prepare reports to present results to managers, staff and the community
- Collaborate with key stakeholders including human services agencies and other Regional Departments and maintain contact with the social services sector through committee participation, meeting attendance and establishing appropriate links within the community
- Lead the co-production and assessment of system processes and networks within the social services sector and provide information to key stakeholders so they may plan more effectively to meet the unique needs of the community
- Facilitate training and workshops for community partners to build awareness/understanding of social services' research and promote the use of research/evaluation findings in evidence informed decision making
The successful applicant will possess:
- An Honours Bachelor of Science Degree with major in Biostatistics, Epidemiology or related or an
equivalent combination of education and experience- Several years of experience and demonstrated proficiency in conducting quantitative and qualitative research; application of program evaluation methodology/techniques; evidence-based planning in the design of programs and
services; database management; data analysis and interpretation
- Experience and proficiency conducting critical appraisals and evaluating literature/research materials as well as demonstrated understanding of the principle of causality
- Advanced proficiency in software applications such as, but not limited to MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access; Outlook; statistical software, and Internet navigation and research
- A forward-thinking mindset that integrates Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) into program planning and implementation
- Specific knowledge of the services provided by the Business Services Division (BSD) and/or the Child Care and Early Years Division (CCEYD)
- Knowledge of issues, programs and services in the social services sector
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, facilitation/ presentation, negotiation and public relation skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently independently as well as a team member
- Effective time management / multi-tasking skills and strong decision-making skills
- Ability to travel within Durham region for meetings as required
