Policy Analyst, Substance Use and Addiction

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a provincial association committed to improving services and support for individuals with mental illnesses and to the promotion of mental health in Ontario.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced individual to join our team as a Policy Analyst to steer our substance use and addiction portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Public Policy, this Analyst will investigate trends and opportunities, coordinate projects, manage a community of practice, review legislation and public policy, direct advocacy, and recommend policy options for CMHA Ontario to contribute to the advancement of health systems development and mental health promotion in Ontario. The Analyst will collaborate across other policy areas including health system transformation, housing and the social determinants of health, justice and equity. Experience in the field of substance use and addiction is a requirement.

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare clearly articulated written analyses, briefing notes, reports, submissions, and presentations, and provide policy advice and direction to provincial committees, working groups, CMHA Ontario staff and leadership.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends and identify themes in mental health, substance use, addictions, harm reduction, the health care system and clinical studies.
• Identify options and monitor health system performance with a focus on the planning of services and supports for people with substance use and addiction issues.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of statistical sources related to mental health, substance use, and addiction and participate in the development of knowledge transfer resources.
• Support primary research and surveys, as well as analyze, synthesize, and report secondary data that support the policy functions of the organization.
• Provide education on substance use, addictions, harm reduction, and the addictions treatment system.
• Support CMHA Ontario, as well as our CMHA branches across Ontario, on substance use and addiction issues and steer the Substance Use and Addiction Community of Practice.
• Provide support to other internal and external communities of practice.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders in the mental health and addictions sector.

Skills and Experience

We are seeking an experienced individual with a Graduate degree in public policy, social work, health systems development, or a related field, with expertise in substance use and addictions. The following qualifications are required:

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in policy analysis, health services research or health system development.
• Practical work experience in mental health, substance use and addiction, or broader community and social services sector.
• Familiarity with key concepts of mental health promotion and social determinants of health.
• Familiarity with provincial directions in health care reform, substance use and addiction services and treatment in Ontario.
• Advanced knowledge of the mental health and addictions sector, specifically issues impacting on people living with substance use and addictions issues.
• Experience in social marketing, program planning and developing and evaluating health promotion resources.
• Experience working in multi-sectoral partnerships and liaising with non-governmental organizations and government agencies and knowledge of the public policy environment in Ontario.
• Experience managing projects and managing multiple tasks within established timelines in a team environment.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Initiative/Self-Starter Attitude
• Professionalism/Work Ethic/Confidentiality
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Interpersonal Communication
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Adaptability

Salary

Hiring Rate: This position pays between $84,815.88 and $87,340.94 per annum, based on a 35-hour work week.

The salary grid for this role ranges between $84,815.88 at Step 1 and $95,379.87 at Step 5. The initial salary offered for this position is anticipated to fall between Step 1 and Step 2 of the salary grid as posted above as the hiring rate.

The successful candidate will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes pension through HOOPP, life, health, and dental insurance, exclusive paid time-off and opportunities for professional development.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, regular (permanent) position working standard office hours (currently 35 hours/week). This position is based in Toronto, Ontario and may require regular travel. We are currently operating within a hybrid model, with colleagues working from the office at least 3 days/week and from home up to 2 days/week.

This position is also a desk job with extended periods of sitting, reading, telephone interaction, and working at the computer. This position involves some moderate lifting, shipping, and handling. Attendance at various meetings throughout the workday/workweek will be required; meetings may occur on short notice, depending on the circumstances.

This position is within the OPSEU Bargaining Unit.

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to maintain and submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.

The Canadian Mental Health Association celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings professional and lived experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you.

Workplace and candidate accommodation is available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process upon request. To request accommodation, please contact us at [email protected]

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.

Deadline to apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume online via BambooHR by end of day Friday, November 27, 2026. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest.

Application Requirements

Please ensure your cover letter begins with:

• Two brief paragraphs outlining your work experience, including years of work, other than in a student research assistant capacity:
  • In mental health, substance use and addiction, or broader community and social services sector, and,
  • In policy analysis, health services research or health system development.