Job Title: PROGRAM STANDARDS & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Job ID: 43688

Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research

Division & Section: Parks, Forestry & Recreation, PFR CR Community Recreation, Quality Assurance and Compliance Unit

Work Location: North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St, Toronto, M2N 5V7

Job Type & Duration: 1 Temporary, 18 months

Salary: Wage Grade 6.0, 86,500.00- 108,459.00

Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 Hours per Week

Affiliation: Non-Union

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: 16-JAN-2024 - 30-JAN-2024

Job Description

The Program Standards and Development Officer for the Quality Assurance and Compliance Unit, reports to the Manager, Community Recreation and is responsible for working with Senior Management in the development, implementation and advancement of quality programs, operating program standards, and compliance/ accountability framework including procedures, tools, checklists, quality assurance and quality checks, and training and development for the Branch. The incumbent will develop and conduct area specific training (virtual, in person on through the ELI platform) for a variety of Community Recreation staff on a variety of compliance topics. This Officer will provide leadership and support to Division, Branch projects, and functional service teams in addition to supporting the Branch in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standards, procedures, training, performance measures and new program development. The PSDO also conducts on site compliance visits planned and unplanned at a variety of Community Recreation Facilities on a regular basis.

Major Responsibilities:

The competencies associated with this position include but are not limited to the following:

Leadership and Project Development

• Leads and manages assigned projects, ensuring effective teamwork and communication, high standards of work quality and organizational performance and continuous learning.
• Leads and manages project teams of management and union staff to develop program standards, new service directions, operational policies and guidelines, with responsibility for project team budgets, expected outcomes and performance management.
• Provides advice to the General Manager and the Parks & Recreation Directors to build a culture of inclusion and contributes to the promotion and integration of diversity and inclusion affecting the Branch & Division.
• Undertakes and helps implement service harmonization for parks, recreation, and facility operations.
• Resolves conflicts and manages internal issues with district staff and external issues with the public, community groups and private companies with business relationships affecting the Branch & Division.
• Coordinate teams and Committees; Compliance; Issue Management; Divisional Reporting and Communication and Public Relations.
• Develops or assists with marketing / communication plans and public awareness campaigns for new initiatives and service harmonization projects.
• Ensures Branch & Divisional interests are represented appropriately on various corporate and external initiatives, task forces and committees.

Research and Analysis

• Conducts research and data analysis into assigned area ensuring that such research takes into account developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other levels of government.
• Researches and prepares reports, briefing notes and presentations for the Branch & Division's Senior Management Team, Councillors and Standing Committees, and community meetings.
• Manages the collection, storage and documentation of various data required by the Branch, including: tracking and analysis of socio- economic, environmental and industry conditions and trends; developing data collection protocols and templates for tracking and compiling data on Branch programs, assets and services.

Policy and Procedure Development and Quality Assurance

• Develops and implements detailed plans and recommends policies regarding program specific requirements.
• Improves the Branch's operating performance and quality assurance through the development and implementation of service efficiencies, operational and service standards, financial cost savings, standardization of policies, researching and evaluating service delivery systems, development of alternative revenue generation projects and harmonized operational policy and procedure manuals for use by district staff (e.g., part-time staff, volunteers).
• Ensures the quality and consistency of service standards in all operating districts through the development, monitoring and evaluation of program standards, policies and service directions (e.g., risk management initiatives, orientation of staff to new diverse and equity service standards).
• Develops and monitors the Branch service and strategic plans for core service areas and age groups (e.g., recreation strategies for children, youth and seniors, Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan).
• Develops, coordinates and leads or facilitates training opportunities for District staff (e.g., High Five Initiative, Compliance, mandatory training in CLASS/ELI and various equity, diversity and inclusion training workshops,).
• Develops requests for proposals and specifications for alternate service delivery for specific service areas.

Financial Management

• Ensures that the project expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Contributes to internal and external partnerships and grant opportunities for the Branch and/or Division, including: preparing grant requests/reports/applications, making presentations to committees, strategy development, monitoring funding allocations to ensure funds are used appropriately.

Applicants are required to demonstrate in their resume/cover letter that their qualifications match those specified below.

Key Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function, combined with relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Considerable experience in the delivery and management of recreation services, including program development, performance measurement and ensuring quality of service standards.
3. Considerable experience leading teams on projects, i.e. community/government based projects, Recreation Service Teams, city-wide or district-wide branch/divisional projects, events and initiatives.
4. Considerable experience in researching, developing and writing reports and correspondence for the consideration of Senior Management and/or Council.
5. Ability to effectively use human relations competencies, including networking, customer service, communications, interpersonal skills and problem solving.
6. Ability to lead the development and implementation of business process reviews and be a change management champion.
7. Proficiency in the use of current office and workplace technology and other computer applications relevant to the position (e.g. statistical analysis, databases, desktop mapping, research, graphics, etc.).
8. Knowledge in the areas of health and safety and labour relations legislation, collective agreements and corporate standards and practices.

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 .