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Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers  (NOC 4164)
Southern Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, develop policy and implement or administer programs in areas such as consumer affairs, employment, home economics, immigration, law enforcement, corrections, human rights, housing, labour, family services, foreign aid and international development. They are employed by government departments and agencies, industry, hospitals, educational institutions, consulting establishments, professional associations, research institutes, non-government organizations and international organizations or they may be self-employed.

Aboriginal issues lobbyist, child welfare policy analyst, community social development officer, consumer advisor, home economist, housing policy analyst, human rights officer, international aid and development project officer, labour policy analyst, policy analyst, immigration, policy consultant, employment equity, program consultant, community policing, social policy researcher, social services planner, social survey researcher (except statistician).

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The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
  • Social policy researchers develop social programs, social legislation, or proposals based on demographic, social and economic analysis and the evaluation of pilot projects.
  • Home economists conduct research, advise consumers on the selection and proper use of food products, textiles and other consumer goods and teach household management skills. They may also provide consultative services in the areas of development and promotion of new food products, retail buying, social program administration and small business endeavours.
  • Housing policy analysts identify and assess economic, demographic, and social developments and report on their implications for housing policy.
  • International aid and development project officers plan, organize and administer foreign aid and international development policies and programs.
  • Social survey researchers develop questionnaires, co-ordinate and conduct surveys, analyse data, and compile and interpret statistics on social issues and policy areas.
  • Social services planners conduct research, develop social programs, assess, coordinate and develop awareness of existing social services, and ensure that duplication of services is avoided. They may also work with land use planners to determine the impact of major land use plans for transportation, housing and recreational facilities projects.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Bridgewater, Digby, Lunenburg, Shelburne, Yarmouth

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers in Southern Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers in Southern Region as well as in the rest of the Nova Scotia.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Southern Region Fair 2011-09-12

Currently the chances of qualified Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers finding employment are considered to be fair in the local area. Employment potential is fair locally because although there are advertised opportunities and demand due to turnover, there are generally qualified people to fill employer needs. Most opportunities tend to be contract work that originates from a provincially or federally funded department or agency. Employers are looking for candidates with strong people, computer and presentation skills.

In addition to employment opportunities locally, opportunities may exist in other areas of the province or in other regions of the country. People who are able to work elsewhere may want to research opportunities for this occupation in other labour markets within Nova Scotia and across the country. The future employment outlook for Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers in Nova Scotia is expected to be fair over the next 5 years.

Additional information on Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers (opportunities in other areas, training, who hires, current job openings, statistics and other information), is available on other parts of this web site.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.