Consultant Child Services (City of Toronto)

CONSULTANT CHILD SERVICES
Job ID: 27046
Job Category: Community & Social Services
Division & Section: Children's Services, ChildSvcs West District
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary, 1 Temporary (18 months) and 4 Temporary (24 months) vacancies
Salary: $104,340.60 - $122,595.20, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: Non-Union
Closing Date: 13-Jul-2022

Job Summary
Reporting to a Director District Operations, within the context of the Children's Services Service Plan, the District Consultant is responsible for a portfolio of Children’s Services programs within a specified functional or geographic area in the City of Toronto. The District Consultant's focus is on quality, financial accountability and the local implementation of service planning and program priorities. In this role, the Consultant will also support the implementation of the Early Learning & Child Care Plan also known as Canada Wide Early Learning Child Care System (CWELCC).
 
Major Responsibilities:

•  Manages a Children’s Services portfolio within an assigned functional or geographic area ensuring a range of accessible services for children and families. Ensures service targets are met as outlined in Council approved Children's Services Service Plan
• Evaluates, monitors and provides direction to agencies with a service agreement in accordance with Council approved policies and provincial legislation; ensures services to children are developmentally appropriate and of high quality
• Ensures compliance with service agreements, legislative requirements and ensures continuous service improvements through negotiation of action plans
• Ensures financial accountability through analysis and approval of agency business plans, operational budgets, capital funding requests and audited financial statements.
• Establishes service rates and grant amounts, identifies overpayments and negotiates recoveries from operators
• Ensures that project expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations. Contributes to the unit’s budget by developing budget submissions for a specific functional area
• Manages project teams that initiate, develop and implement policies/programs. Recruits the project team and develops project plan/timelines; ensures effective teamwork, communication, high standards of work quality and organizational performance
• Oversees assigned projects ensuring effective teamwork and communication, high standards of work quality and organizational performance and continuous learning. Monitors staff as assigned, including; work scheduling, training/development, evaluating staff performance and handles labour relations matters
• Develops and implements detailed plans and reports and recommends policies regarding program specific requirements.  Coordinates development of key Divisional reports regarding program specific requirements
• Conducts research, designs, develops and manages planning, information management and program support and business tools to ensure integrated services for children and families
• Manages contentious issues/serious occurrences, and public/political issues regarding services to children, ensuring follow up documentation, corrective action and implementation of preventative strategies
• Responds to media enquiries, prepares media materials and briefing notes
• Liaises and negotiates with provincial staff, other municipalities, elected officials and community groups regarding the interpretation and application of policy, and provides technical advice on the City’s Quality Framework, policies and guidelines
• Manages and provides advice and support to The Early learning and Child Care Forums, other community networks and political sub-committees
• Represents the Division on cross divisional and intergovernmental initiatives and represents the unit in Divisional initiatives regarding information dissemination, policy/research issues and service planning
• Prepares briefing materials and information for committee reports
• Plans, manages, and presents at community events
• Represents the Corporation and the Division in a variety of community initiatives and collaborates with child care operators, other child/family service agencies, Boards of Education, municipal/provincial politicians and staff to ensure local service planning and delivery meets the needs of children, families and community

 
Key Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary education in relevant field (e.g. Early Childhood Education, Social Services, etc.) or an equivalent combination of education combined with relevant experience.
2. Extensive experience and knowledge in the development of programs and delivery of services for children and families through applied knowledge of child and human development theories.
3. Considerable experience in the evaluation of programs and services in a human services environment with respect to quality assurance, risk management and best practices to ensure performance outcomes, service objectives and program priorities are met.
4. Considerable experience in financial analysis as it pertains to budgeting, financial forecasting and analysis, interpretation of audit/financial statements and program compliance requirements.
5. Considerable experience in supervision and the ability to train and coordinate the activities of staff along with the ability to effectively handle day to day labour relations matters.
6. Experience developing, interpreting, implementing and ensuring compliance with agency service agreements, or other legal agreements, program policies and guidelines.
7. Excellent analytical skills with the ability to effectively identify problems, propose solutions and follow through with the implementation of decisions.
8. Thorough knowledge of the legislation and policies governing the planning, funding and delivery of child care, and other programs and services for children and families.
9. An in-depth understanding of not for profit and corporate governance, items such as developing by-laws, financial requirements and creating an organizational structure.
10. Knowledge and skill in community engagement with the ability to establish effective working relationships with a variety of community service and support agencies, politicians and other levels of government utilizing strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
11. Proficiency using Microsoft Excel, Word and Power Point, and the ability to utilize database software. Knowledge of the Children's Services Information System is an asset.
12. Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to develop and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences.
13. Familiarity with Ontario Statutes, including Occupational Health and Safety Act, Child Care and Early Years Act, Labour Relations Act, in addition to other relevant legislation governing child care.
14. Ability to travel to multiple sites across the city in a workday.
15. Possession of a valid Driver's Licence and access to a vehicle is preferred.
16. While all qualified applicants will be considered, lived experience as an Indigenous person, a Black person, or a member of an equity-deserving group is a strong asset.
17. Advanced written and verbal French language skills, in order to communicate effectively in English and French with internal and external stakeholders is a strong asset.

To view the full job description and requirements, click on link:  CONSULTANT CHILD SERVICES (toronto.ca)

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.
Accommodation
The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.