Senior Policy Advisor

Job summary

Lead the advancement of Home and Community Care Transformation through evidence-based health strategy and policy development. Provide strategic advice and project leadership to improve access to integrated care across Ontario.

Job details

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for improving Ontario's health care system? The Transformation Office in the Home and Community Care Branch is seeking strategic, results-driven professionals to join a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of publicly funded health services and improving the delivery of quality care at home. About the job In this exciting opportunity, you will: • Lead and contribute to the advancement of Home and Community Care Transformation through innovative, evidence-based health strategy and policy. • Provide strategic advice and project leadership on key health system transformation initiatives. • Collaborate with stakeholders to improve access to high-quality, integrated care at home across Ontario. What We're Looking For: • Strategic, system-level thinkers who can translate complex changes into tangible planning and implementation. • Critical thinking and communication skills to analyze complex issues and present clear, actionable recommendations. • Proven ability to work collaboratively to build effective partnerships both internal and external to government. • In-depth understanding of Ontario's health care system, particularly in home and community care, and government processes. What you bring to the team Strategic Policy and Program Knowledge and Skills You have: • knowledge of policy legislative processes, and strategic policy development processes • demonstrated policy, research and analysis experience • knowledge of program design and evaluation techniques to frame and lead the development, revision, evaluation and communication of policies, standards, regulations and/or legislation • knowledge of models and mechanisms to enhance system integration/coordination, resource allocation and costing methodologies Communication and Interpersonal Skills You have: • demonstrated writing skills and the ability to convey complex ideas in simple and easy-to-understand written products • demonstrated written presentation skills to synthesize large amounts of complex information • leadership and teamwork skills to undertake strategic policy and program work and to support policy objectives • partnership building skills to work cooperatively with all partners to meet mutual goals, identify interests and opportunities for collaboration • demonstrated political acuity and acumen to communicate with a range of stakeholders • demonstrated oral presentation and communication skills to conduct consultations and convey ideas to stakeholders Project Management and Analytical Skills You can: • provide project planning and leadership on concurrent policy development projects •work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders to manage deadlines and competing priorities. • process and distil information from a range of sources to identify and highlight relevant points. • conduct environmental scans and analyse a range of factors to provide options and recommendations to decision makers • assess both qualitative and quantitative information in developing proposals to evaluate the implications, costs, and impact of proposed policy changes Health System Knowledge • You have knowledge of health care system trends, and understanding of critical issues and concerns faced by health stakeholders; home and community care knowledge/knowledge of issues facing an aging population is an asset. • You can ensure policies, programs, regulations and legislation respond to issues within the health system Don't meet every qualification? If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate! How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us. Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace: diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives accessibility Anti-Racism Policy What we offer The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer: • a career that can grow across ministries and job functions • flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs • a comprehensive compensation and benefits package • base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progression • tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more • a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment Additional information Address: 2 English Temporary, duration up to 18 months, 56 Wellesley St W, Toronto, Toronto Region Compensation Group: Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario Understanding the job ad - definitions Schedule: 6 Category: Policy and Analysis Posted on: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Note: Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis. The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions. E-HL-248057/26(2) How to apply: You must apply online. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours. All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment. Remember: The deadline to apply is Thursday, September 17, 2026 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted. We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted. The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation is available under the Ontario's Human Rights Code .

What you’ll do

Lead the advancement of Home and Community Care Transformation through evidence-based health strategy and policy development. Provide strategic advice and project leadership to improve access to integrated care across Ontario.

Requirements

Requires in-depth knowledge of Ontario's health care system, legislative processes, and strategic policy development. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and project management skills to handle complex system-level changes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation and benefits package • Performance-based pay • Scheduled salary progression • Flexible learning and developmental opportunities • Education and mentorship programs • Tailored work arrangements • Flex hours • Self-funded leave

Listed skills

• Critical Thinking · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic Policy Development
• Health System Transformation
• Project Leadership
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Program Design
• Policy Evaluation
• Legislative Process Knowledge
• Critical Thinking
• Political Acuity
• Environmental Scanning
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
• Technical Writing
• Public Presentation
• Partnership Building
• Resource Allocation

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Healthcare
• Management & Leadership
• Consulting
• Administrative