Human Service Equity Specialist (City of Hamilton)

JOB ID #:19134
Human Service Equity Specialist
Healthy & Safe Communities
Children's & Community Services
28 James Street North

NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 Full-Time Regular, Permanent
UNION/NON-UNION: Non Union Mgmt Professional
HOURS Of WORK: 35.00 per week
GRADE: 5
SALARY/HOUR:  $44.762 - $52.350 per hour
*Note:  See appropriate Collective Agreement or the Non Union Salary Range for details.
STATUS/LENGTH: 1 Full-Time Regular, Permanent
Job Description ID #: 7586
Deadline: July 6, 2022

Vaccine Verification – As a condition of employment you are required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated or provide proof of valid exemption satisfactory to the employer prior to your start date. You must acknowledge and agree to comply with any future vaccine policy requirements as an ongoing condition of employment at the City of Hamilton.

Reporting to the Manager, Performance, Planning & Evaluation, the Human Services Equity Specialist, will support all activities related to embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into Hamilton’s human services system by utilizing best practices, evidence-based methods with ongoing research and analysis. 

The Human Services Equity Specialist has in-depth knowledge of the history, institutions, policies, and culture that have shaped and impacted the lives and experiences of equity seeking individuals and groups. The Human Services Equity Specialist functions as a subject matter expert, providing expertise and advice to assist early years, housing, and Ontario Works leaders and managers towards the provision of high-quality early years, housing and Ontario Works programs and services that are accessible to all children, families, and individuals in Hamilton.

The principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are central to Hamilton’s Early Years Community Plan (https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/media/browser/2017-09-14/early-years-community-plan-executivesummary.pdf) and Hamilton’s Housing and Homelessness Action Plan (https://www.hamilton.ca/city-initiatives/strategies-actions/housing-homelessness-action-plan)

GENERAL DUTIES
  • Supports all Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work across the Children’s Services & Neighbourhood Development Division.  Supports EDI work across the Housing Services and Ontario Works divisions as required.
  • Responsible for the implementation of the Early Years EDI strategy and the subsequent development of embedding EDI into policies and procedures in the EY sector.  Responsible for embedding EDI into policies and procedures in the Housing and Ontario Works sector as required.
  • Plays lead staff role on the Equity and Engagement Advisory Group; works with committee chair to develop agendas, priorities, membership, etc.
  • Works independently and with internal and external community partners in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of human services activities related to EDI in the community.
  • Prepares recommendations for improvements to human services, that may have an impact to staff resources, skill requirements including organizational changes.
  • Develops recommendations and strategies related to the development and enhancement of EDI activities across the human services sector with City and external organizations.
  • Fosters relationships and provides advice to internal management, government partners, external agencies and planning bodies to advance the EDI goals of the three Divisions.
  • Develops recommendations for EDI improvements to early years, housing and Ontario Works services in the community.
  • Promotes teamwork and provide direction to cross-functional teams, provide clearly defined goals and objectives, provide advice to staff related to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion.  Works collaboratively with project teams consisting of internal and/or external stakeholders
  • Performs key project management functions - such as coordinating, organizing, monitoring, and controlling project components, project planning, activity planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, progress reporting and program evaluation components.
  • Prepares oral and written reports and presentations to management, City Council, and community partners.
  • Maintains confidentiality of personal information and other records, as required.
  • Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager, which are directly related to the normal functions of the job as defined.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • A University degree or College Diploma in social sciences, social work, project management, public policy, human services or a related discipline with equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
  • Demonstrated progressive relevant work experience in leading, influencing and implementing strategic EDI initiatives, and programs.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the systemic barriers that prevent equitable participation in the workplace for Indigenous and racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2S+ communities, and women.
  • Previous experience working to advance equity, diversity and inclusion within large organizations or work with representative equity seeking agencies or communities.
  • Experience in leading, influencing and implementing strategic EDI initiatives, and programs for an organization in the public, private, or not for profit sector, including group process and meeting facilitation experience.
  • Experience in issues related to racism, discrimination, oppression, and human rights.
  • Strong understanding of equity, diversity & inclusion principles, best practices, and applicable legislation such as: the Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving capacity related to the complexities of working with multiple stakeholders and the ability to relate well to a culturally diverse population.
  • Knowledge of federal, provincial and local initiatives and policies relating to early child development, housing, and social assistance is an asset.
  • Proven organizational and time management skills including the ability to work with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, facilitation skills and presentation skills.
  • Competence with the current suite of Microsoft productivity tools, including PowerPoint, Excel and Word. Familiarity with Visio, Microsoft Project, web-based and statistical software and applications an asset
  • Demonstrated competence in project management, process improvement, change management and program evaluation.

This salary is based on a preliminary evaluation and is under review. This position may be re-evaluated within six months of the filling of this position.

NOTE: Preferential consideration will be given to qualified candidates that self-identify as a member of an equity seeking group. Candidates from these groups are strongly encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their cover letter, in a transparent manner, as part of the application process.

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE