Policy Analyst and Writer

Employment Type: Part-time, Temporary (6 Month Contract)
Department: Housing Services
Union: Excluded
File #: 24-HSS-41
Posting Date: December 13, 2024
Posting Close: December 27, 2024


Dixon Hall is seeking a dedicated and experienced Policy Analyst and Policy Writer to lead the development, analysis, and implementation of policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and process maps for the Shelter, Respite, and Housing Support sectors. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with all levels of legislation, organizational goals, and Toronto-specific standards while enhancing operational efficiency. The successful candidate will combine expertise in policy writing, legislative analysis, SOP development, and process mapping with a deep understanding of supportive housing and the non-profit environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Development and Analysis: 

• Conduct in-depth research on policy issues relevant to supportive housing, shelters, and respite services. 
• Develop and write comprehensive policies in compliance with: 
  • Municipal Standards: Toronto Shelter Standards and 24-Hour Respite Site Standards. 
  • Provincial Legislation: Ontario Human Rights Code, Residential Tenancies Act, and other relevant regulations. Federal Policies: Canada’s National Housing Strategy and other applicable frameworks. 
• Develop comprehensive policy Housing and Shelter related briefs, position papers, and reports tailored to diverse audiences, including government officials, non-profit leaders, and internal stakeholders.  
• Analyze existing policies to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. 
• Ensure policies address the unique operational needs of supportive housing, shelters, and respite services. 
• Transform complex policy information into clear and accessible language, ensuring that it resonates with diverse audiences, including frontline staff and the community that Dixon Hall serves.  
• Ensure policy recommendations and initiatives incorporate intersectionality and equity-focused lens to address systemic barriers. 

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Process Mapping: 

• Design and document SOPs to guide day-to-day operations, ensuring clarity and consistency. 
• Use process mapping techniques to visualize workflows, identify bottlenecks, and recommend operational improvements. 
• Collaborate with teams to implement streamlined processes aligned with organizational objectives. 
• Incorporate policy insights into training programs, toolkits, and resources to enhance capacity throughout the organization.  
• Organize, publish, and maintain documents in SharePoint (or similar document management systems) in such a way that information is easily accessible 

Legislative and Sector Monitoring: 

• Monitor legislative changes, government policies, and sector trends impacting housing, shelters, and non-profit operations.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments at municipal, provincial and federal levels to ensure alignment with current standards and best practices. 
• Conduct benchmarking studies to ensure policies reflect best practices within the non-profit housing and shelter sectors. 
• Track and analyze emerging trends in housing, shelter, and on-profit governance to guide policy recommendations.  
• Develop and distribute concise updates, policy alerts, to inform stakeholders of legislative changes, sector trends, and advocacy opportunities.  
• Align organizational policies with funding requirements and program directives. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: 

• Work closely with internal teams, including frontline staff, program managers, and People and Culture, to gather insights for policy development.
• Engage with external stakeholders, such as government agencies and community partners, to align policies with broader sector initiatives. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, community partners, and external organizations to amplify advocacy and engagement. 
• Engage with members of the community, community partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure their perspectives inform policy initiatives. 
• Present policy recommendations to senior management and the Board of Directors. 

Documentation, Communication, and Training: 

• Create and maintain accessible policy manuals, SOPs, and operational guides. 
• Develop and deliver training sessions to ensure staff understand and implement policies effectively. 
• Develop and facilitate educational workshops for staff to strengthen understanding and implementation of policy initiatives. 
• Act as a key resource for staff, providing ongoing clarification and support regarding policies and procedures. 

Evaluation and Reporting: 

• Develop performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of policies, SOPs, process improvements and procedures. 
• Conduct regular evaluations to ensure policies and procedures align with Dixon Hall’s strategic goals and sector benchmarks. 
• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies and regulatory agencies, to demonstrate compliance and impact. 
• Prepare comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies and regulatory agencies, to demonstrate compliance and impact. 
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to leadership based on evaluation findings.  
• ​​​​​​​Support continuous improvement efforts by leveraging evaluation data to refine policies and operational practices. 
   

Qualifications

• A relevant post-secondary degree and/or equivalent work experience in Social Work, or as a Community Worker.  
• Strong understanding of project management fundamentals to deliver programs on time and within budget. 
• Exceptional communication skills, including public speaking, mediation, facilitation, and conflict resolution. 
• Knowledge of local and regional government structures and community planning processes. 
• Proficiency in grant writing and securing funding for community initiatives 
• Must be qualified to work in Canada legally for the employer. 
• Able to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening check with a ‘Clear’ or satisfactory result that meets the operational requirements of the Agency. 
• Must have up-to-date vaccinations against COVID-19 with a vaccine that has been approved for use in Canada. 

 

Dixon Hall is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by their Race Relations and Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the hiring manager or the People and Culture team of any accommodations you may require during the interview process.

To achieve their goal of inclusivity and diversity, Dixon Hall actively seeks exceptional candidates from varied backgrounds and with lived experiences. Individuals who self-identify as being from marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or who have experienced homelessness, are strongly encouraged to apply. 

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Last updated on Dec 13, 2024