Director, Human Services Planning & Program Support
Halton Region is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value, welcome and respect the unique perspectives and contributions of all individuals. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit), Black and racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Accommodations are available at any point upon request for candidates participating in the selection process.
You make a positive difference in people’s lives because you provide high quality customer centered services. You operate within a highly ethical environment and will be accountable for going the extra mile, listening to your customers, creatively meeting needs and always being respectful to those you serve. As a result, you will be part of a qualified and strategic team recognized widely for caring, excellence, integrity, inclusiveness and flexibility.
As an employer of choice, Halton Region recognizes the many benefits of hybrid work arrangements, including flexibility and improved work-life balance for our employees. This position is eligible for the Hybrid Work Program, with a minimum requirement of three (3) days per week onsite.
Posting ID: 5367
Department: Social & Community Services
Division: Human Srvs Plan&Program Support
Pay Range: $175,055 - $218,818
Job Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Work Location: Halton Regional Centre - 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville
Employee Group: MMSG
Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy
Posting Date: July 9, 2026
Application Deadline: July 24, 2026
Job Summary
The Director, Human Services Planning & Program Support (HSP2) provides strategic leadership in the planning, integration, and performance of human services across the Social & Community Services (SCS) department and broader community system. This role is responsible for advancing data-driven strategies, overseeing community investment funding, ensuring program accountability, and leading innovation and transformation initiatives that improve outcomes for residents.
The Director serves as a trusted advisor to SCS senior leadership, balancing policy direction, fiscal stewardship, and service excellence while navigating complex political and stakeholder environments.
Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership, System Planning and Performance
- Lead the development and execution of integrated human services strategies—including community safety and well-being planning, Building Safer Communities, and related social service initiatives—ensuring alignment with Halton Council priorities, corporate strategies, legislative requirements, and evolving community needs.
- Drive system-level planning to enable coordinated, equitable, and sustainable outcomes across municipal departments and community partners.
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and Council to inform long-term policy, service transformation, and community investment decisions.
- Translate legislative, demographic, and socio-economic trends into forward-looking strategies and service models.
- Anticipate and mitigate strategic risks, ensuring service continuity and protecting organizational reputation.
Program Accountability, Compliance, and Risk Management
- Ensure program integrity through oversight of eligibility, appeals, revenue recovery, and records management systems.
- Maintain compliance with legislation, regulations, policies, and funding agreements.
- Balance compliance requirements with outcome-focused service delivery and continuous improvement.
Business Transformation and Innovation
- Lead transformation initiatives that improve service delivery, efficiency, and client experience.
- Embed innovation practices that support experimentation, learning, and adaptive responses.
- Build organizational capacity to adopt new ways of working while ensuring accountability and continuity.
Stakeholder, Political, and Community Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, senior leadership, ministries, community partners, unions, and the public.
- Represent the division on high-profile and sensitive issues with credibility and professionalism.
- Lead partnerships that advance service integration and community outcomes.
- Demonstrate strong political acumen in complex governance environments.
- Data, Analytics, and Performance Insights
- Champion the use of data, analytics, and evaluation to inform planning, investments, and policy decisions.
- Establish performance measurement frameworks that translate complex data into actionable insights.
- Promote a culture of evidence-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Enhance service accessibility, equity, and quality through data-driven strategies.
Emergency Social Services Leadership
- Lead emergency social services planning, readiness, and response coordination.
- Ensure vulnerable populations receive timely and appropriate supports during emergencies.
- Strengthen organizational and community resilience through preparedness, training, and post-incident evaluation.
Financial Stewardship and Resource Management
- Provide strategic oversight of the divisional operating budget, ensuring fiscal sustainability.
- Align financial and human resources with service demand and Council priorities.
- Ensure strong financial controls, cost containment, and value optimization.
Organizational and Workforce Leadership
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee succession planning, performance management, and labour relations.
Skills & Qualifications
- University degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or a related human services field (Masters degree preferred)
- PMP, PROSCI, Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) certification is an asset
- Extensive senior public sector leadership experience, with an emphasis on multi year strategic plans and a proven ability to align Council priorities, population needs, and equity-focused approaches within integrated human services systems
- Proven ability to lead transformation and organizational change initiatives.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and political acuity.
- Strong proficiency in data analytics, performance measurement, evidence informed decision making and program evaluation
- Experience managing large, complex budgets and publicly funded programs, including the oversight of funding models (grants, contribution agreements, outcomes-based funding) and partnership governance
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding municipal, provincial, and federal legislation, regulations, and policy frameworks impacting human services planning, delivery, and compliance.
Working/ Employment Conditions
Important information about your application:
- In accordance with requirements in Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Halton Region will accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition representative of the nature of the accommodation(s) you require.
- Please submit your application online. We will accommodate individual needs for applicants with disabilities and others who are not able to apply online. If you experience any issues with submitting your application, please contact HR Access at 905-825-6000 extension 7700.
- Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date specified on the posting.
- We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
- Personal information collected through the job application process will only be used for the purpose of determining qualifications for employment.
- If selected for an interview, you will be contacted by email and/or phone. Please ensure the contact information provided on your resume is up to date and that you check your email and voicemail regularly.
Halton Region serves more than 650,000 residents throughout Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. We are committed to delivering high quality programs and services that make Halton a great place to live and work. We engage great people who contribute to meaningful work that makes a positive difference in our community. At Halton, you are encouraged to grow and succeed in your career and are recognized for your accomplishments and contributions. As an employee, you will be part of a progressive, service focused and award winning employer with a diverse and inclusive work environment.
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