Position Summary The Health Policy Advisor (HPA) promotes effective, evidence-informed public health practice at Algoma Public Health (APH), with a particular focus on strategically advancing healthy public policy using evidence, theory, and best practices in planning and evaluation processes. The HPA will use their skills in these domains to turn evidence into action through broader public policy across Algoma.

As part of the Foundations and Strategic Support Team (FASST) at APH, the HPA will support agency-wide objectives within the Effective Public Health Practice Standard of the Ontario Public Health Standards including program planning, evaluation, and evidence-informed decision-making; research, knowledge exchange and communication, and quality and transparency. The HPA also supports work within other OPHS Foundational and Program Standards as required to improve population health outcomes, advance health equity and manage public health emergencies.

Key Responsibilities

- Apply advanced knowledge of population health, determinants of health, health promotion and policy theories and strategies, and evidence-informed decision making to support the work of local public health.
- Collaborate with various specialist positions on FASST to support the OPHS Foundational Standards at APH, including but not limited to supporting APH teams in situational assessment and evidence-generating activities; health communication and knowledge mobilization; community engagement; diversity and inclusion; and healthy public policy development, implementation and evaluation.
- Provide consultation to internal APH teams in a highly self-directed manner.
- Lead literature reviews and build capacity for the research evidence rapid review process.
- Stay abreast of the current policy setting at various levels (local, provincial, federal) as it relates to health both directly and indirectly, keeping relevant teams informed.
- Synthesize complex information into appropriate communication products for diverse audiences, such as policy positions, reports, evidence reviews, briefing notes, backgrounders, resolutions, infographics, and presentations.
- Monitor, identify, analyze and provide strategic recommendations on trends, risks,



and opportunities for the advancement of healthy public policy.
- Liaise with external partners to develop collaborative and strategic relationships that enhance evidence-informed public health practice and advance healthy public policy.
- Attend Board of Health meetings and other community and cross-sector meetings that support the advancement of healthy public policy across Algoma.
- Support capacity building and training opportunities for staff and/or students related to the development, implementation and evaluation of evidence-informed public health interventions, particularly for advancing healthy public policy. This support can include providing health and health equity context to the analysis of local issues, communicating the impacts of local healthy public policies on differential health outcomes for priority populations, and reviewing and providing feedback to municipalities and local planning authorities on regional and local plans for comprehensive health promotion strategies.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

- Master's degree in public health, health policy, health promotion, health science, or related discipline and/or combined relevant experience.
- Experience working in a public health setting is considered an asset.
- Strong understanding of and experience in healthy public policy, public health advocacy, social determinants of health, and the policy process.
- Understanding of the public health system and public health system governance.
- Experience conducting evidence-generating activities to support policy development activities, including demonstrated competencies in literature review, quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, ethics, and critical appraisal.




- Experience in preparing and delivering high quality communication products such as written reports and presentations for diverse audiences and purposes.
- Experience facilitating and supporting knowledge exchange and education sessions.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience in change management, consensus-building, facilitation, and consultation among a broad range of audiences, coupled with political acuity.
- Ability to work in a self-directed, and highly responsive manner, to establish priorities and balance multiple projects.
- Competence in Microsoft Office 365 applications, and in applications which support evidence collection and management (ex. Covidence, Medallia, Endnote, etc.).
- Advanced oral and written proficiency in English is essential. Proficiency in both official languages, as well as knowledge of additional languages relevant to our diverse communities, will be considered an asset.
- Must be reliable and have a good attendance record.
- Ability to travel to various locations throughout Algoma if/as needed for program work.
- Ability to work daytime, evenings, and weekends, if/as needed for program work.
- Requires a valid “G” Ontario Driver’s License and use of a reliable vehicle.
- As a condition of employment, employees must meet immunization requirements in accordance with the APH Immunization policy.
- A current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) with satisfactory clearance is a condition of employment, at own expense.

If you have any questions about this position or are interested in applying, please email: [email protected] Deadline for Application: November 22, 2026 up to 4:30pm A cover letter and current resume must be provided in order to be considered for this position.

Algoma Public Health believes in and is committed to promoting diversity in our workforce and ensuring accessible employment practices, in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. We will work with you to meet your needs.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $83,974.80-$101,901.80 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Health Policy Advisor (Sault Ste. Marie)
🏢 Algoma Public Health
📍 Sault Ste. Marie