ABOUT US
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.
WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.
- Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
- Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
- Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
- Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
Program and Policy Associate Analyst – (New Graduate)
Launch Your Career with Purpose: Join Our Policy Team!
Are you a recent graduate ready to make an impact? We’re looking for a collaborative, curious, and driven individual to join our Community and Health Services team through our New Graduate Program. This role is part of our Social Services branch and offers the opportunity to work within the Projects and Program Policy Strategy team rotating through and supporting three Divisions – Homelessness Community Programs, Ontario Works, and Children’s Services. This is a rotational opportunity, where you’ll gain hands-on experience working with several different teams over a 12- 24-month period. It’s a unique chance to explore your interests, build a strong foundation, and contribute to meaningful work that directly benefits our community. Candidates must have completed their graduation in 2024 or later, aligning with the requirement of graduating within two years prior to the start date.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a team that values innovation and continuous learning
- Work on real projects that make a difference
- Share your ideas and help shape the future of public service
- Grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment
If you're motivated by impact and excited to help build a better future, we want to hear from you!
Please note that York Region values both flexibility and collaboration. This role follows a hybrid model, based out of our head office in Newmarket, offering the best of both worlds—working remotely and connecting in person to foster teamwork and innovation.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Conducting research, analysis, and policy analysis in support of operational policy, program projects, process development and evaluation under the guidance of an experienced policy practitioner to acquire operational policy, program and process development knowledge and skills, and an awareness of the functions and interrelationships of operational policy, and program and process development within the region
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
- Reviews, researches and processes operational policy, program and process development and evaluation requests or assigned files in accordance with social services policies, directives, guidelines and procedures, and reports any findings of significance.
- Conducts extensive literature reviews, environmental scans including gathering, synthesizing, analyzing and reviewing qualitative and quantitative information to support policy and program development.
- Supports the branch by performing various research and analysis tasks related to policy development, service delivery, and records management.
- Interacts with clients, project teams, colleagues and supervisor to exchange information, discuss and confirm requirements.
- Provides input and recommendations for changes to social services procedures and generates statistics and reports.
- Develops awareness of regional social services objectives, priorities and operating context through professional development activities and work assignments.
- Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
- Participates on committees, work groups, and projects, as assigned.
- Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
- Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- Successful completion of a master’s degree, honours degree, undergraduate degree, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field, and has graduated within two years to the expected start date (May or September 2026)
- A minimum of less than one year of student professional experience, such as co-op or internships, within the past two years is required; additional experience may be considered.
- Strong academic performance and demonstrated record of community involvement/leadership.
- Demonstrated experience with Community and Health Services-based technical systems.
- Working knowledge of research principles and public policy.
- Working knowledge of related practices including legislation, best practices, and planning.
- Working knowledge of data functions and processes and related regional practices.
- Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy and organizational skills and ability to communicate with tact to individuals at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to exercise discretion and judgement when handling confidential and sensitive controversial information.
- Strong attention to detail, ability to multitask and work in fast paced environment with multiple and competing deadlines.
- Demonstrated analytical, mathematical and research skills to analyze trends and data.
- Demonstrated research, writing, editing and presentation skills.
- Ability to demonstrate the Region’s core competencies.
- Ability to use MS Excel and MS Office Suite, including virtual platforms for conducting meetings and/or presentations.
- Ability to develop relationships and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.
- Ability to travel to offsite locations, as required.
- Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.
Application Process
The program is open to start dates in May or September 2026 depending on the graduation date of the successful candidate.
- Start Date: May 2026 or September 2026
- Applications Open: September 2025
- Application Deadline: October 2025
- Interviews: October – November 2025
- Offers Extended: December 2025
