Research Analyst (District of Rainy River)

 

Permanent Full-time (PFT) Position
Fort Frances, ON

Committed to meeting the needs of the community by providing services with care, integrity, and accountability, the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) delivers Early Learning and Child Care, Ontario Works, Social Housing, Land Ambulance and other services for all organized municipalities and unincorporated areas within the geographic District of Rainy River. 
 
The Rainy River District covers an area of approximately 15,487 sq. kilometers and has a population of 20,047 (2016 Census).  It is bordered on the north by the Kenora District, on the east by the Thunder Bay District, on the south by Minnesota, USA and on the west by the Province of Manitoba.
 
The RRDSSAB is seeking a permanent full-time RESEARCH ANALYST to join our team.  Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Research Analyst is responsible for planning and assessing services to determine quality assurance service delivery needs and provides direction, advice, guidance, support and recommendations to internal and external RRDSSAB funded Programs and services.  This position will collect, interpret and mobilize quantitative and qualitative data to inform and monitor ongoing service system management, quality improvement and community planning processes.  The information is used to inform policy development, measure outcomes, and support community planning and service delivery.  This position is required to travel throughout the District, as required.  This is a permanent full-time position located in Fort Frances, ON.
 
The salary range for this position is $61,587 to $66,371 and we offer an excellent benefit package and participation in the OMERS pension plan.  Please refer to the attached JOB DESCRIPTION for details regarding the qualifications/skills, roles/responsibilities, duties, organizational responsibilities, working conditions and conditions of employment. 
 
Interested candidates are invited to submit a Cover Letter and Résumé including three work-related references, no later than 4:00 p.m. (CST) on Monday, June 22, 2021 to:          
The RRDSSAB wishes to thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Information gathered is in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for candidate selection and, for the successful applicant, relevant human resource purposes.  The RRDSSAB is an equal opportunity employer.  Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.  This document is available in an alternative format, upon request.

Position Specification/Classification
Position: RESEARCH ANALYST
Supervisor: Chief Administrative Officer
Department: Administration
Classification: Non-Union/Non-Management
Safety-Sensitive Position: NO

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Research Analyst is responsible for planning and assessing services to determine quality assurance service delivery needs and provides direction, advice, guidance, support and recommendations to internal and external RRDSSAB funded Programs and services. This position will collect, interpret and mobilize quantitative and qualitative data to inform and monitor ongoing service system management, quality improvement and community planning processes. The information is used to inform policy development, measure outcomes, and support community planning and service delivery. This position will be required to travel throughout the District.

Qualifications/Skills:

1. Three year college diploma or three year degree in a related discipline and a minimum of 4 years of work-related experience. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. 2. Communication skills are frequently required both inside and outside the organization to persuade, sell and provide interpretations. 3. A considerable degree of skill is required for organizing and/or planning a broad range of complex activities, which may include the formulation of new plans or strategies. 4. A considerable degree of problem solving and judgment skills are required for problem solving, interpreting, and analyzing different factors as problems are most often variable with limited guides and precedents. 5. Excellent research and collection data techniques, statistical analysis, evaluation, reporting and synthesis from multiple and varied sources. 6. Knowledge and understanding of community resources and partnerships, program planning, knowledge mobilization and communication/dissemination techniques. Research Analyst, Non-Union/Non-Management Page 2 of 6 7. Strong project and time management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads, as appropriate. 8. Superior report writing and presentation skills necessary for communicating complex information to a diverse array of groups. 9. Highly proficient computer skills, computer literacy and advanced skills in software applications. 10. Knowledge and understanding of legislation and regulations necessary to carry out the functions of the job 11. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

Roles/Responsibilities:

1. There is some responsibility and autonomy for decision-making. Decisions may impact services, production, may cause substantial delays with other phases of work, cause some embarrassment or hurt morale within the organization. 2. The responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of others requires little care to prevent injury or harm to others. 3. This position periodically supervises a work unit, is a team lead on a project and/or coordinates the work of others. 4. The responsibility for financial resource matters requires handling small amounts of cash, recording transactions, and maintaining or providing data for financial records. 5. The responsibility for information resources includes the development and management of information systems for confidential information. 6. The responsibility for material resources includes the basic care and proper usage of inventory, tools and work aids of limited value such as general office equipment, calculators, computers, photocopiers, supplies, etc.

Duties:

Data Collection and Management 1. Identify all local sources of data, select appropriate methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing data, and, where appropriate, support the incorporation of these into service system planning. 2. Research, collect and analyze data from a variety of sources, such as Statistics Canada, the Early Development Instrument (EDI), other external and internal databases to identify trends and gaps that impact residents, and inform services and strategic planning at the management level both internally and externally.Research Analyst, Non-Union/Non-Management Page 3 of 6 3. Develop practices according to accepted standards and established procedures with emphasis on reflection and self-evaluation to improve and enhance abilities. 4. Design and maintain databases and spreadsheet applications, surveys and other tools for the purpose of collecting, manipulating and analyzing statistical and service data for programs and ensure retention of key historical data. 5. Quantify and identify the needs and interests of residents, and provide analysis, interpretation and recommendations to management that supports the development, monitoring, reporting and updating of program Service Plans. 6. Provide statistical and analytical support through ongoing review and monitor local statistics, existing community resources and initiatives, and external reports. 7. Maintain current relevant research and literature, including evidence-informed and promising practices, available for community use. 8. Conduct primary and secondary research relevant to program needs, and present findings using various methods (e.g. written reports, charts, info-graphics) to both internal and external stakeholders, as appropriate. 9. Work collaboratively with the Community Engagement Coordinators in the design of database and spreadsheet applications, surveys and other tools for the purpose of collecting, manipulating and analyzing statistical and service data for programs to ensure retention of key historical data. 10. Work with RRDSSAB programs to ensure accurate and timely data submission to appropriate parties, including but not limited to, appropriate staff/management members, Board members, relevant agencies, community partners and various Ministries, as required. 11. Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual statistical reports based on program needs, as required.
 

Community Planning and Knowledge Mobilization:

1. Assisting partner agencies to establish recording systems, reporting data, monitor client outcomes and evaluate effectiveness of new and emerging programs to ensure impactful service system outcomes. 2. Collaborate with colleagues across the province to ensure consistent Early Development Instrument (EDI) analysis and reporting, keep current on trends and explore improved methodologies and outcomes. 3. Collaborate with local school Boards and community partners to communicate and disseminate results and explore opportunities for action to support EDI and the implementation of Kindergarten Parent Surveys. Research Analyst, Non-Union/Non-Management Page 4 of 6 4. Communicate and collaborate with relevant professional groups to maintain professional linkages and supports. 5. Establish new partnerships and participate on District and Provincial committees and multi-agency working groups to collaborate on data projects to positively impact service delivery and system outcomes. 6. Coordinate and facilitate training and/or workshops for staff and community partners to build capacity, awareness and understanding of key research and promote the use of research and evaluation findings in evidence-informed decision-making. 7. Support local knowledge mobilization and exchange and act as a resource in the community, associated with research and data including the EDI and related community measures. 8. Provide information to decision-makers to help ensure that local programs and services are reflective of relevant current research and evidence.

Quality Improvement: 

1. In consultation with management, program staff and/or community partners to identify priorities and assist in defining standards of practice, quality measures and outcomes, performance indicators and reporting processes. 2. Collaborate with management, Community Engagement Coordinators and community partners to ensure that programs and services are reflective of relevant, current research and evidence and are responsive to the needs of local residents, as assigned. 3. Develop and implement methods to monitor the quality of services and prepare various reports, as required. 4. Provide support to internal program reviews including, but not limited to, fee subsidy, operational reviews, and file compliance reviews. 5. Assist with the research and development of policies and procedures that support implementation of the various Ministry frameworks. 6. Research project funding opportunities and contribute to the development of evaluation criteria, participate in the review and evaluation of funding submissions, make recommendations for awarding contracts, and assist groups in making applications to external funders for project/building initiatives, as assigned. 7. In consultation with management, promote the vision and direction of the RRDSSAB Strategic Plan, local Children’s Services Plans, Homelessness Plan, Ontario Works Plan and EMS Plan and ensure consistent communication to service providers, community partners, families and employees. Research Analyst, Non-Union/Non-Management Page 5 of 6 8. In consultation with management, monitor and review the effectiveness and prepare projections of future needs and interests of residents, and provide analysis, interpretation and recommendations to management that supports the improvement and updating of RRDSSAB Service Plans.

Organizational Responsibilities:

1. Compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OSHA), policies and procedures, relevant legislation, and to work in a safe manner by wearing protective devices and/or clothing, and immediately report any equipment, injury or safety problems to the Supervisor/Manager or designate. 2. Familiarity and compliance with legislation, regulations, guidelines, directives and organizational policies and procedures necessary to carry out the functions of the job. 3. Bring to the attention of the Supervisor/Manager any matters requiring immediate attention or follow-up. 4. Assist with community development activities, as assigned. 5. Work with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment in decision making and personal conduct, and to maintain confidentiality at all times. 6. Work as a part of the team and demonstrate commitment, spirit, pride and trust to accomplish team goals. 7. Fulfill organizational responsibilities such as attending meetings, assigned training and maintaining responsibility for professional training and development. 8. Travel throughout the jurisdiction of the Board may be required with some travel outside the District to attend training. 9. Assist in special projects and complete other duties, as required.

Working Conditions:

1. Mental activities are of moderate intensity for short periods most days. 2. Physical effort or demand on physical energy is of low intensity for almost all activities. 3. Work pace has some demands on energy due to occasional interruptions, deadline changes or conflicting demands. 4. Little exposure to disagreeable conditions as work is primarily performed within an office environment.Research Analyst, Non-Union/Non-Management Page 6 of 6 5. Little exposure to hazards with a minor possibility of low level injuries and/or health problems as work is primarily performed within an office environment.

Signature: My signature acknowledges that I have reviewed and received a copy of this document.

Employee: _____________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________