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Senior Program Consultant - Job Opportunity at Government of Saskatchewan

Regina, CA
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 2, 2025
On-site
CAD 48.85-61.22 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive government employee benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage that exceeds most private sector offerings
Secure pension plan with defined benefits providing long-term financial security
Generous vacation allowance and statutory holidays with additional personal days
Professional development opportunities and educational support funding
Job security and stability inherent in permanent government positions
Flexible work arrangements with one day off every three weeks under SGEU scheduling

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic policy development for mental health and addiction programs across Saskatchewan, directly impacting provincial healthcare outcomes and population wellbeing
Provide executive-level consultation and leadership support to multiple government ministries and the Saskatchewan Health Authority on critical mental health initiatives
Drive short and long-term strategic planning processes that shape the future of mental health services for Saskatchewan's entire population
Conduct comprehensive system performance analysis to identify gaps, opportunities, and emerging trends in mental health and addiction services
Manage complex intergovernmental projects and stakeholder relationships that influence provincial and potentially national mental health policy
Build and maintain collaborative partnerships across multiple government departments and external organizations to advance mental health objectives
Apply advanced research methodologies to evaluate program effectiveness and identify evidence-based solutions for system improvements
Lead committees and working groups that develop quality deliverables with province-wide implementation and impact

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree in a Health field

Experience

Relevant Mental Health and addictions-related policy experience

Required Skills

exceptional leadership skills clear communication, verbally and in writing knowledge of mental health and addiction programs, including specialized services such as child and youth services knowledge of current and emerging issues related to mental health and addictions in Saskatchewan ability to identify and analyze key program area trends, their implications, and system responses ability to apply appropriate research methodologies to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of research conducted by others ability to build collaborative relationships within the Ministry of Health and with other human service ministries and stakeholders demonstrated ability to manage projects, committees, and processes in-depth knowledge of the relevant acts, and regulations, as well as the program area
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Mental health and addiction services are experiencing unprecedented demand across Canada, with governments investing heavily in system transformation and integrated care models. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for innovative service delivery approaches and digital health solutions. There is a significant shift toward preventative and community-based mental health services, moving away from institutional care models. This creates demand for policy experts who can design and implement population health approaches. Indigenous mental health and culturally responsive services are becoming priority areas for provincial governments, requiring specialized knowledge and collaborative approaches with First Nations and Métis communities. Integration of mental health and addiction services with primary healthcare is driving policy development, requiring professionals who understand both clinical and systems perspectives.

Salary Evaluation

The hourly rate of CAD 48.85-61.22 translates to approximately CAD 101,600-127,400 annually, which is competitive for senior government policy roles in Saskatchewan. This compensation reflects the specialized nature of mental health policy work and the significant responsibility for provincial program oversight.

Role Significance

Likely leads a team of 3-8 policy analysts and program coordinators within the Mental Health and Addictions Branch, while collaborating with senior executives across multiple ministries and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
This is a senior-level strategic role with significant influence over provincial mental health policy and service delivery. The position requires independent decision-making authority and the ability to guide policy direction across multiple government departments and external stakeholders.

Key Projects

Development of provincial mental health and addiction strategies that guide multi-year funding and service planning Implementation of integrated care models that connect mental health services with primary healthcare and social services Design of performance measurement frameworks for provincial mental health programs Creation of policy frameworks for specialized services including youth mental health, addiction treatment, and crisis response systems

Success Factors

Deep understanding of healthcare system structures and government policy development processes, combined with the ability to translate complex mental health research into actionable policy recommendations Strong stakeholder management skills to navigate competing priorities across multiple government departments, healthcare organizations, and community groups while maintaining focus on population health outcomes Strategic thinking capability to balance immediate system pressures with long-term transformation goals, ensuring policy decisions support sustainable mental health system development Cultural competency and understanding of Indigenous approaches to mental health and wellness, given Saskatchewan's significant First Nations and Métis population and the emphasis on equity in the role

Market Demand

High demand exists for senior mental health policy professionals as governments prioritize mental health system reform and address growing service gaps. The specialized combination of policy experience and mental health expertise makes this a sought-after skill set.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced policy analysis and development capabilities are essential as this role involves creating complex policy frameworks that must balance evidence-based practice with political realities and fiscal constraints. The ability to synthesize research, stakeholder input, and system data into coherent policy recommendations directly determines success in this position Stakeholder relationship management and collaborative leadership skills are crucial given the need to work across multiple government departments, with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and with diverse community organizations. The success of mental health policy initiatives depends heavily on building and maintaining these complex partnerships Deep mental health and addiction system knowledge is fundamental to providing credible leadership and making informed policy decisions. Understanding of service delivery models, treatment approaches, and population health principles enables effective policy design and system transformation guidance

Beneficial Skills

Project management and change management expertise enhance effectiveness in leading complex policy implementation initiatives and managing system transformation processes across multiple organizations and stakeholder groups Research and evaluation methodology skills strengthen the ability to assess program effectiveness, conduct policy analysis, and contribute to evidence-based decision making in mental health system development Cultural competency and Indigenous health knowledge provide significant advantage given Saskatchewan's demographics and the growing emphasis on culturally responsive mental health services and Truth and Reconciliation implementation

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare opportunity to influence mental health policy at a provincial scale, with direct impact on service delivery for over one million Saskatchewan residents and potential influence on national mental health policy development
The position combines strategic policy development with operational oversight, providing exposure to both high-level government decision-making and front-line service delivery challenges in mental health and addiction services
Given Saskatchewan's unique demographic profile including significant Indigenous populations and rural communities, this role involves developing innovative approaches to culturally responsive and geographically accessible mental health services
The emphasis on intergovernmental working groups provides exposure to national policy development and collaboration with other provinces, offering broader career development opportunities within Canadian healthcare policy

Career Growth

Typical progression to director-level positions occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing senior consultants, while assistant deputy minister roles may be achievable within 5-8 years with demonstrated policy leadership success.

Potential Next Roles

Director or Assistant Deputy Minister positions within Health ministries Senior executive roles in provincial health authorities or healthcare organizations National-level policy positions with Health Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada Leadership roles in major healthcare consulting firms specializing in mental health system transformation

Company Overview

Government of Saskatchewan

The Government of Saskatchewan operates as the provincial government serving over 1.2 million residents, with the Ministry of Health managing one of the largest government portfolios responsible for healthcare delivery across the province. The Mental Health and Addictions Branch plays a crucial role in addressing significant mental health challenges facing Saskatchewan communities.

As a provincial government employer, offers exceptional job security, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to create meaningful policy impact at a population level. Saskatchewan has been investing significantly in mental health system transformation, making this a high-priority area within government.
This role operates at the center of Saskatchewan's healthcare policy development, with influence extending across all regional health areas and direct connection to national mental health policy initiatives through intergovernmental working groups.
Government environment emphasizing collaboration, evidence-based decision making, and public service values. The culture supports professional development and offers opportunities to work on complex policy challenges with significant societal impact, though it may operate at a more measured pace than private sector consulting.
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