Health Promotion & Research Analyst (Public Health)

The Role

Leads and develops projects, including research, planning, and evaluation activities in a multi-stakeholder environment; prepares recommendations using evidence-based research and qualitative and quantitative evaluation mechanisms to further develop and enhance programs and policies, subject to management approval where appropriate.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates and conducts research and evaluation projects. Provides expertise in research and evaluation methods. Designs methodology for data collection and develops data gathering tools to facilitate quantitative and qualitative data collection. Conducts data analysis planning and approach to formulate explanations; coordinates and leads groups to implement evaluation plans; and compiles results and recommendations for management. Advises staff and community groups on valid sources of information related to public health.
• Collaborates in project management or leads project teams, including project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation activities at the program, divisional, or departmental level. Applies project management principles and best practices; prepares work plans for management approval. Anticipates issues and opportunities and mitigates risks. Collaborates with consultants as appropriate. Coordinates and conducts training of staff and external partners, as required.
• Develops and implements data tracking systems to track program activities. Generates reports, conducts analysis, and interprets key findings to present to staff, management, and other key stakeholders.  
• Facilitates or leads project teams in planning public health initiatives. Compiles evidence-based information and local data on public health issues, including identifying the effects of determinants of health (biological, social, cultures, economic, physical) to provide context and inform approach. Conducts risk analysis, research, and evaluation of health effects. Facilitates multi-stakeholder consultation to develop policy and program options and recommends approach based on evidence, legislation, and policies. Formulates performance measures and outcome indicators in consultation with manager and other staff. Supports the implementation of departmental initiatives, as needed.
• Leads health promotion initiatives using evidence considering the determinants of health and health equity. Identifies and prepares recommendations to address population and public health issues; monitors and evaluates implementation. 
• In consultation with management, Health Communications and other staff, coordinates and implements health communication campaigns using various mediums, including the media, and community networks. Provides health information (e.g., health status, demographic, statistical, programmatic, scientific information) to target audience (e.g., professional, community groups, general population). 

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepares and presents reports for Regional staff, as well as departmental, Council, Standing Committees, external agencies, and the public. Writes other information documents, briefs, fact sheets, and articles on a range of public health issues per program assignment. Develops budgetary components of funding proposals in collaboration with community partners, and drafts funding proposals on behalf of the department and community partners and groups. 
• Participates in, supports, and advocates for policy development with community partners. Identifies and assesses the implications of policy options (e.g., health, economic, administrative, legal, social, environmental, political, and other factors) and provides policy advice on public health issues. Acts as a resource regarding the policy making process and facilitates community involvement/ engagement in policy development. 
• Supports networks and coalitions to promote inter-sector collaboration on health issues. Recruits community partners and stakeholders (e.g., schools, businesses, associations) and builds and maintains relationships with same. Develops and leads community engagement strategies and consultation, including sharing knowledge, tools, expertise and experience, to build community capacity. Documents community issues and prepares budget forecasts to implement proposals. Obtains commitments from participants and decision-makers.   
• Cultivates awareness of political and social context of Waterloo Region as it applies to public health initiatives to inform program planning and evaluation activities.
• Contributes to team and organizational learning to advance public health goals and maintain organizational performance standards. 
• Coordinates shared financial contributions from/distributions to multiple partners (community groups, provincial government) for specific projects, with management approval.  
• Participates in the department’s Emergency Preparedness Plan.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of  research, planning, and evaluation; health promotion strategies; policy development approaches; risk assessment; and community development/capacity building, acquired through a Masters level degree in a related field plus 1 year of accumulated experience in program evaluation, policy analysis, and planning, -OR- equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Knowledge of the Department’s mandate, issues, programs and services, and relevant acts/ legislation (e.g., Health Protection & Promotion Act, Ontario Public Health Standards, privacy). Understanding of public administration, government processes, municipal government structure, and stakeholder needs and interests. 
• Ability to apply public health sciences to practice and use evidence and research to inform health
  policies and programs. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, research ethics, theories, and principles of public health (health promotion, community health planning, and program evaluation). Skill in statistical analysis.
• Ability to analyse health, political, socioeconomic, and financial factors when planning programs, and exercise sensitivity and diplomacy to balance various factors, including community process, departmental considerations, and research best practices. Ability to disseminate research findings in an accurate, timely, and meaningful manner.
• Project management skills (principles, procedures, and practices) to plan and organize multi-stakeholder projects. Analytical and problem solving skills to determine, plan, and develop project objectives. Research skills and ability to critically appraise and use evidence.
• Communication, human relations, group facilitation, and team building skills to work effectively with stakeholders and support project teams; build community capacity; promote public health initiatives; 
  facilitate meetings; present and disseminate information of a scientific nature to lay and professional 
  audiences; exchange information with other public health professionals; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and critically appraise research and reports. Ability to write and compile reports and documents which involve project plans and research finding, and content used in fact sheets and information for public and staff, for manager approval. Ability to develop policies and procedures for manager approval.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office; information and document management systems; internet-based searching; and qualitative/quantitative data analysis software to use and interpret data. 
• Ability to meet deadlines and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to occasionally alter work day to conduct meetings outside regular working hours.
• Ability to travel to various locations within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and project the Region’s values.