Specialist, Community Engagement

Human Services – Social Development, Planning and Partnerships

Status: 1 Regular Full-time

Salary Range: $ 89 ,469 - $ 111, 834 per annu m plus comprehensive benefits

Work Mode: Hybrid * see below for more details about this work mode.

Location: 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON

Hours of work: 35 hours per week

• Join our diverse team and be part of our vision. Think big. Channel your creativity. Make a difference. At Peel Region, we can create lasting impact, together.**
  
  

The Social Development, Planning and Partnerships division is looking for a n enthusiastic and seasoned community engagement specialist to join the Community Engagement team. We have an amazing opportunity for a  passionate  person who enjoys  working with the community partners with a focus on poverty reduction and c ommunity initiatives . This is a chance to apply your skills and experience to advocate for equitable solutions that address the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

Who we are: The Social Development, Planning and Partnerships division works collaboratively with community partners and colleagues within the Human Services department to enhance effective service delivery, identify gaps in services and efficiencies, and plan, influence and create solutions that positively impact the residents of Peel. T he Community Engagement team strives to improve t he well-being of residents by ensuring that the needs and assets of the diverse Peel community are reflected and consider ed with in our Human Services program area s . We do this by fostering equity and transparency in decision-making and by amplifying the voices of our diverse community.

The role : T he Specialist, Community Engagement will provide strategic guidance to management and staff on community engagement and emerging community issues in the Region of Peel.  You’ll create and maintain relationships and provide facilitation for a range of community members including residents, community partners , service providers and Region of Peel staff .

Role

What you will do in this role :

• Identify and lead opportunities to engage community, municipal partners, service providers and other stakeholders in a wide range of projects 
• Conduct research, interpret and analyzes complex information related to the community in order to provide recommendations to key stakeholders on topics such as affordability, income and food security, funding, employment, housing and homelessness, and other emerging issues .   
• Provide expert guidance and advice on the development and implementation of programs, policies, and objectives
• Develop and maintain cooperative, collaborative and strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders including community leaders, service providers and internal staff
• Represent the Region of Peel at community tables
• Monitor trends in community engagement best practices, identify risks and opportunities for specialty areas including youth, housing, newcomers, food and income security
• Prepare stakeholder engagement plans, project plans, council reports, briefing documents and other comprehensive reports
• Provide training on effective community engagement and build resources for community engagement best practices
• S hare community engagement information with community partners and stakeholders 
  
  

What The Role Requires

• Post secondary diploma or degree in Human Services or related field (i.e., Community Development, Social Service Worker) with at least five years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• At least two years’ of experience in strategic community engagement and community relations
• In-depth knowledge of community engagement and community development principles and familiarity with frameworks such as asset-based community development, results-based accountability, co- design and collective impact
• Knowledge of the community engagement concepts and strategies, program development, implementation and evaluation
• Broad knowledge of legislation that directs and supports the delivery of Human Services programs and services such as the Ontario Works Act, the Ontario Disability Support Program, the Housing Reform Act, the Day Nurseries Act and the Child and Family Services Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Political awareness and an understanding of the needs and demographics of the diverse Peel population; an awareness of trends and issues which impact the community.
• Extensive experience using Project Management methodologies
• Intermediate computer skills in MS Office, MS Teams, and other virtual meeting tools
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• A bility to build and maintain collaborative and strategic relationships with community, service providers, municipal partners, and other external stakeholder s
• Ability to identify and respond to situations using tact and diplomacy
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills to gather and analyze data
• Strong critical and strategic thinking skills
• Well-developed communication skills, both oral and written and the ability effectively engage with participants who require additional support (e.g., neurodivergent, non-English speaking, newcomers)
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner within a collaborative team environment, managing multiple tasks and shifting/changing priorities
• Detailed-oriented with proven organizational skills
• Demonstrated track record of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusio n through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias
  
  

Nice To Have

• International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) and International Association of Facilitators (IAF) membership or certification is an asset
• Experience working with customer relationship management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce would be considered an asset
  
  

Perks @ Peel and why you will love working for us:

• Comprehensive h ealth, d ental, v ision benefit plan including psychological health
• Automatic enrolment into OMERS pension plan
• Accrue v acation on a monthly basis up to 3 weeks per annum
• 3 p aid personal days and floating holidays
• Flexible hours supporting your wellness and wellbeing
• Annual performance review and merit increases based on performance
• Supportive leadership and a culture of respect and inclusion
• Access to tuition reimbursement and learning and development resources
  
  

Please note: If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to complete a written assessment

Work Mode & Job Location: In this role, you’ll benefit from the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement that prioritizes meaningful in-person connection. A minimum of two days per week on-site is expected, with additional in-person presence as operational needs evolve. This arrangement allows for a blend of in person and hybrid work that adapts to support both organizational priorities and employee flexibility and is subject to change over time.

It's important to note that your off-site work location must be within the province of Ontario. This ensures that we're compliant with all regulations and policies.

The Region of Peel offers job based flexible hours of work that allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities while at the same time ensures business operational needs and customer service expectations are achieved. 

Interview: Our recruitment process will include video conference technology (MS TEAMS).

Kindly ensure to regularly monitor your spam and junk email folders, as important communications regarding your application may be directed there.

If this opportunity matches your qualifications and experience, please apply on-line.

About Us

Peel Region consists of the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the town of Caledon. Peel Region delivers essential services to more than 1.5 million residents and approximately 200,000 businesses.

We’re working to create a community that is safe, inclusive, and accessible. A place where everyone feels they belong and can access the services they need to thrive throughout each stage of life.

Our workforce is 6,700 strong and s ince 1974, we’ve been delivering a wide range of resident focused services. Our services include paramedic services, health programs, long-term care and services for seniors, child care support, garbage collection and recycling, waste water and water treatment, road maintenance, financial assistance, and housing support.

Recognized by Canada's Healthy Workplace Month with the Great Employer Award presented by Excellence Canada, Peel Region is a place where everyone feels they belong. We strive to develop a workplace that values and respects diversity, practices inclusion, recognizes the unique contributions and abilities of all people and facilitates innovative thinking. At Peel Region, people come first. Each employee has an important role within our community and when we work together, it’s impactful. We encourage you to join us in delivering essential services and programs to our diverse community. You won't find a better opportunity than Peel Region.

Additional Information

Peel Region is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected and valued for their contributions, and where everyone is treated fairly and has opportunity to grow and develop. As one of the most diverse regions in Canada, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the population we serve.

Peel Region is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Accessible formats and communication supports are available. Please contact [email protected]

Please be advised, Peel Region uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence via email (i.e., testing bookings, interview dates), it is imperative that applicants check their email regularly. If we do not hear back from applicants, we will assume that you are no longer interested in the position and your application will be removed from the competition.