Research and Innovation Specialist in Ottawa, Ontario at Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

Reports to: Director, Health Services Quality and Modernization

Vacancy Reason: Existing Role - Replacement

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) changes lives by bringing people and knowledge together to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs on society. We partner with organizations and diverse communities to improve the wellness of people living in Canada. A non-governmental organization with a national focus, CCSA envisions a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use.

CCSA acknowledges that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are the holders of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. We respect the power of the Indigenous ways of knowing and of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge, and we commit to learning about and incorporating this knowledge into our work with proper guidance.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Quality and Accountability, the Research and Innovation Specialist (RIS) is responsible for developing relationships with partners and synthesizing various forms of evidence to get the right information into the right hands at the right time. The RIS leads and proactively seeks opportunities for multi-faceted knowledge mobilization (KM) initiatives that will advance CCSA’s priorities to achieve desired change in programs, policies and practice. The RIS conducts research and integrated KM, including developing and disseminating innovative approaches to evidence-based research and product dissemination, as well as transforming evidence and experiences into training and implementation that strengthens knowledge, change and supports among various audiences. This role establishes strategic partnerships and buy-in from a range of collaborators to achieve these changes and works collaboratively with other divisions in CCSA.

This position profile is designed to provide an overview of the main responsibilities for the role. Other responsibilities not identified in this position profile may be assigned based on the person’s experience and operational requirements.

• Occasional high-intensity concentration
• Occasional exposure to psychological challenging conditions, such as deadline pressure, interpersonal conflict or extended work hours for which no additional compensation is provided
• Mental Agility: Regular mental attention required to alternate, flex or adapt one’s attention to handle simultaneous multiple urgent demands and/ or perform detail-oriented work with regular interruptions
• Frequent communication with internal and external contacts
• Work performed in an office setup or from home (hybrid/remote as applicable) environment, with occasional on-site presence and extended hours during events
• Physical demands are minimal; no sustained physical exertion is required

CCSA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. As an organization, we are committed to ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and all equity-deserving groups are fully represented, including women, people of colour, people with disabilities and people who members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

CCSA is dedicated to learning from and supporting people with lived and living experience of substance use health. We encourage people with lived and living experience of substance use to apply to join the CCSA team.

CCSA promotes the rights of all people with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its related Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. CCSA will make appropriate accommodations on request. Please inform CCSA in advance of a request for accommodation during the recruitment process by emailing hiring@ccsa.ca.

At CCSA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions. While mandatory eligibility questions may be used to confirm minimum requirements, all applications are reviewed and all hiring decisions are made by our hiring team, ensuring that each candidate is thoughtfully and individually evaluated based on their overall qualifications and experience.

If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resumé. Located in Ottawa, CCSA works within a flex-hybrid model. The successful candidate must be willing to be onsite to attend in-person activities as required. We thank all applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

No agencies please.