Policy Analyst-Child Welfare

This position requires the successful candidate to live within the community of Thunder Bay or Toronto or Ottawa, Ontario to provide services to Indigenous Women and their Families.

ONWA MANDATE:

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario.

ONWA encourages the participation of Indigenous women in the development of Federal, Provincial, Municipal/Local government policies that impact their lives and ensure issues affecting Indigenous women and their families are heard at key government tables.

ONWA is committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantees the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health, environmental stewardship and economic development, sits at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural well – being for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best lives.

SCOPE:

The Policy Analyst-Child Welfare will be responsible for policy research, analysis and development to offer strategic direction, support and advocacy for the ongoing development of culturally relevant policies, legislation, and best practices that positively impact Indigenous women and their families.

The Policy Analyst-Child Welfare will conduct research and analysis of local, provincial, and national policies, programs, initiatives and economic trends that affect the well-being of Indigenous women and their families. They will examine existing and emerging legislation and policy development to uncover the potential impacts on Indigenous women, and their families. The Policy Analyst will prepare information packages, tool kits, policy papers, and briefing notes.

The Policy Analyst-Child Welfare will draft correspondence, position papers, project proposals, briefing notes, work-plans, and reports; and will represent ONWA at regional and/or provincial government committees and tables.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A post-secondary degree and/or diploma in the area of Political, Social Science (s) or Women’s/Indigenous Study (ies), and a minimum of 5 years work experience related to policy analysis and research and/or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Knowledge of the corporate nature, government systems and administration and the ability to interact with other government departments, Indigenous organizations and communities.
• Knowledge and working of Not-For Profit Organizations.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management and presentation skills with the ability to follow through on assigned duties independently within strict deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communications, with emphasis on keen listening and ability to effectively interpret verbal communications and needs of prospective Community Members.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office; competency working with other databases.
• Knowledge and understanding of current issues facing Indigenous Women and their families.
• Ability to speak an Indigenous Language is considered an asset.
• Must be dependable, able to follow instructions, respond to management direction and be able to improve performance through management feedback.
• Valid G Class Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance.
• A cellular phone and internet access is required within this position
• Current, valid vulnerable sector criminal records check. Valid 1st Aid/CPR.
• Ability/willingness to travel.
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible working from home arrangement if required. This may include a combination of virtual remote work in your home and in office arrangements. This will be based on operational needs and will be determined by ONWA.

KEY CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Inter-cultural Competency Informed – Understands to incorporate a personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of ONWA’s cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work related deliverables.

• Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis Informed – Understands to incorporate an intersectional approach to gender, race and discrimination and subsequent intergenerational impacts affecting Indigenous women and their families.

• Trauma-Based Practice Informed – Understands to incorporate a trauma-informed approach to recognize and respond to all forms of trauma and the necessity of supporting Indigenous women in a culture of tradition and safety in her healing journey.

• She is Wise Leadership Informed– Understands to incorporate the Four Agreements within daily responsibilities and combined with ONWA’s cultural teachings contribute to the empowerment and leadership of Indigenous women within their communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES – SPECIFIC:

RESPONSIBILITIES – ADMINISTRATIVE:

RESPONSIBILITIES– PUBLIC RELATIONS:

EXPECTED STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

AUTHORITY:

To execute the functions outlined in this job description.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Policy Analyst will be directly accountable to the Policy, Research and Evaluation Manager for the proper completion of the functions outlined in the job description.

ONWA is committed and legally obligated (via Ontario Public Health Directives and Regulations) to implement measures to protect its clients, staff and other stakeholders from COVID-19. To comply with its legal obligations, ONWA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy. Exemptions will be made for those with a valid medical exemption; proof of the exemption will be required

Indigenous Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

As Indigenous leaders, ONWA is continuing full operations including hiring, while working from home, as supporting our community members is a priority. ONWA is scheduling all interviews, providing all training, onboarding and orientation for new employees, through the use of virtual tools. We will continue to accommodate remote and home based work arrangements in an effort to keep our ONWA employees healthy and safe.