Social Researcher

Job purpose

 Be part of an excellent organization!  CDCD has a full-time contract position available for a Social Researcher, until the end of December, 2022 with the strong possibility of an extension.   This position is responsible for conducting research, analyzing policy and producing social reports in order to develop positions and strategies on major social, employment and civic issues.

 Company Overview

The Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for over 50 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.

 Duties and responsibilities

Research

·         Through sound research methodologies, conducts quantitative and qualitative research projects and carries out advanced data analysis as directed;

·         Assists the Team Lead, Community Development to establish the Durham Region Social Research Steering Committee;

·         Conducts local and Region-wide research upon request from CDCD and its

·         stakeholders, upon direction and approval from the Manager; Leads the development and implementation of local research;

·         Provides training to increase local and city-wide research capacity of staff;

·         Assists Community Development team to develop funding proposals for the overall agency;

·         Develops effective strategies to communicate research findings;

·         Conducts and responds to requests for Custom Research

·         Must have applied experience of working within Community Data Program, Beyond 20/20, and other data visualization platforms

·         Familiarity with planning and developing research projects

·         Ability to execute various research methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative data analysis

·         Must have familiarity with Statistics Canada terminology

·         Has familiarity with Canva and Pictograph

·         Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research findings for public use

 Policy Analysis

·         Assist in the development of social policy and legislation by all levels of government;

·         Analyzes, synthesizes, interprets and disseminates key elements of current and proposed government policy legislation;

·         Analyzes and reports on current and future impacts of government policy using clear language principles;

·         Develops Durham Social Planning Council position on government social policies for review by the Executive Director;

·         Ensures local perspectives are incorporated into all policy analysis and Social Reporting

  Social Reporting

·         In collaboration with the Community Development Team and the Durham Region Social Research Steering Committee, develops mechanisms to report on the quality of life in communities throughout Durham Region;

·         Develops appropriate publications using clear language principles;

·         Ensures that all Social Reports are disseminated appropriately (e.g. translation);

·         Presents findings of social reporting as appropriate;

·         Conducts custom reporting on labour market, civic, employment and other social issues as directed;

·         Provides in-service training to all appropriate staff on social development and policy issues;

·         Assists in interviews and evaluation of research policy project staff where appropriate.

·         Develops and maintains effective technological supports (e.g. desktop demographics, databases, statistical programs).

Policies and Practices

 Â·         Develops a working knowledge of social research and planning policies and procedures so as to perform the job proficiently;

·         Assists in the implementation of social research and planning policies, and contributes to the development of new procedures as appropriate.

·         Familiarity with network-building principles and approaches

·         Ability to navigate complex relationships with multiple stakeholders

·         Experience working with various formal and informal non-profit structures

·         Performs other duties as assigned

  Qualifications

 Â·         3 to 5 years related experience preferred; graduate level education in social research, urban policy development and analysis, or a discipline appropriate and relevant to the work of social planning and research;

·         Experience leading coalition/network-based policy advocacy and/or working in the non-profit, public, or post-secondary sectors on data, evaluation, or applied research-related projects (Durham/Ontario preferred) (minimum 3-5 years);

·         Solid track record as a collaborative leader, with experience launching and sustaining new initiatives

·         Comfortable with organizing and hosting various online and in-person forums, discussions, and presentations

·         At least 2-4 years of experience writing experience, preference of drafting both research, grants and reports  Knowledge of the Durham Region and its municipalities, as well as other GTA

·         Demonstrated competencies in working with and sustaining social planning council processes, projects and collaborative actions is a definite asset;

·         Demonstrated high quality written and verbal communication skills.

·         Demonstrated skills in conducting advanced research and analyzing social and economic policy;

·         Demonstrated competence in both qualitative and quantitative research design and methodology;

·         Demonstrated competence in both primary and secondary research methods;

·         Computer competency in word-processing, communications programs, use of the Internet for research, and additional programs for statistical research and analysis;

·         Demonstrated ability to oversee and guide research projects;

·         Capacity to interpret impacts of public policy on community using clear language;

·         Knowledge of public policy frameworks of senior levels of governments;

·         Knowledge of social, economic and cultural conditions of the Durham region;

·         Previous experience in working effectively as a member of a diverse team;

·         Capacity to incorporate local data into broader context;

·         Participates in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities

·         Excellent oral and written communications skills, knowledge of a second (or more) language and culture an asset.

 Â·         Ability to supervise placement students and volunteers as directed;

·         Ensures that workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act

Personal Attributes

 Â·         Promotes social change and works from an anti-oppression, equity and inclusion framework

·         Professional demeanor, with excellent communication skills

·         Strong work ethic, integrity and ability to instill trust

·         Must have a high level of integrity and ability to work with confidential and sensitive information

·         Maintains flexibility and performs under pressure with tight deadlines

·         Team player who is positive, professional and experienced in working with atrisk clients

·         Highly organized with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines

·         Responds to stressful situations in a calm, collected and professional manner

·         Strong decision-making ability and keen attention to detail

·         Must be proactive, resourceful, and possess the ability to resolve complex client concerns

 Additional Qualifications

 Â·         A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings is an asset

·         Successful candidate must provide an acceptable criminal record search prior to commencing employment

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a covering letter stating salary expectations, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfil the position requirements. 

Please submit applications by September 21, 2021