• Challenging and rewarding leadership opportunity for an experienced Children's Services professional
• Receive a competitive salary plus comprehensive benefits package from start of employment
• Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of Bruce County, including 2,400 kilometers of pristine coastline

About Bruce County

Bold and beautiful Bruce County... a healthy, caring community of prosperity and innovation. Bruce County is a safe, caring, and prosperous community located in Southwestern Ontario.

Boasting 2,400 kilometers of pristine Great Lakes coastline, Bruce County is within two hours of Ontario's major urban centers and offers a healthy lifestyle free from traffic jams, congestion and a high cost of living. In fact, Bruce County is part of a thriving sub-provincial economy with direct access to major North American markets and exports exceeding $50 billion.  

Bruce County maintains a children-first approach and the Children's Services team plans and manages the local child care system focusing on the integration of government initiatives, inter-agency coordination and the development of new programs and services. 

Hike the path less travelled; breathe in gorgeous sunsets on sandy beaches; surge through forests on two-wheels or splash in a Great Lake! This is our life after work. You will discover a lifestyle that provides endless opportunity for exploration. It will only take you your first day here to realize that this is the explorer's natural playground. Welcome to where we work…

For more information, please visit the Bruce County website.

About the Opportunity

Bruce County is currently seeking a Children's Services Manager to lead members of the Children’s Services Division on a full-time basis. 

Based in Walkerton and reporting to the Director, Human Services, the Manager oversees all services and programs of the Children’s Services Division, including the role of consolidated municipal service manager, fee subsidy, home childcare, preschool resources, early year’s programs and other related programs or initiatives. 

Responsible for the implementation of strategic initiatives, the Manager builds and develops relationships with representatives at various levels of government, and sits on various internal and external committees to enhance the delivery of services.

With six direct reports, including Supervisors, Data Analysis Coordinator, Early Years Coordinator, and Children’s Services Program Assistant, the Manager is also responsible for facilitating regular team meetings and ensuring childcare providers comply with the Child Care and Early Years Act, and related regulations or guidelines. 

Key duties include, but aren't limited to: 

• Reviewing existing needs for childcare and early learning services within the County
• Recommending the application and implementation of provincial and federal funding and initiatives to enhance services
• Working with community partners on local and provincial initiatives, as well as reviewing and implementing changes by the Ministry of Education into programs
• Overseeing directly operated programs such as the early years family support programs, home childcare and special needs resourcing program
• Leading and fostering staff to develop and achieve goals and objectives as established and approved by the Human Services Committee
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the Annual Business Plan as it relates to Children’s Services
• Developing the Children’s Services operating and capital budgets, as well as managing expenditures
• Managing external agreements/contracts related to the delivery of childcare and early year’s services

To qualify for this role, candidates must have a degree in Child Studies, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Public Administration or related field. 

The successful candidate will have at least five years' experience working in the Children's Services field, as well as two years' experience in a supervisory or leadership role.

With direct reports, the Manager must be able to demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities. You will also have proven ability to develop strong working relationships, actively listen to the needs of various stakeholders and meet those needs through effective negotiation, mediation, and collaboration. 

Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft applications, Ontario Childcare Management System (OCCMS) and Onelist is considered an asset. 

Finally, a valid driver's license and the ability to travel is required.  

About the Benefits

Upon joining Bruce County, the successful incumbent will be rewarded with a competitive salary, based on experience, and access to a wide range of benefits at the commencement of employment.

Benefits include:  

• Extended Health and Dental benefits 
• Life Insurance and AD&D 
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• OMERS Pension Plan

If you're looking for a new career challenge where you will be welcomed into a supportive and friendly team culture, apply to join the Bruce County team today! 

The Corporation of the County of Bruce is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.