Policy Specialist

Position Summary
Interior Health is looking for an experienced Policy Specialist to join our team on a full time term basis.

This position offers a flexible work location from within the Interior Health region;

What we offer:
-Employee & Family Assistance Program
-Employer paid training/education opportunities
-Employer paid vacation
-Employer paid insurance premiums
-Extended health & dental coverage
-Municipal Pension Plan
-Work-life balance

Salary Range:
Salary range for the position is $88,990 to $127,923. Interior Health establishes salaries within the minimum and maximum of the salary range based on consideration of the qualifications, experience of the applicant, and an internal equity review of the salaries of other employees.

About the job:
In accordance with the established vision and values of the organization, the Policy Specialist works closely with key parties to create, implement, manage and monitor IH’s Policy Development Framework and organizational policies that support patient and staff safety and care. The Policy Specialist plays an integral role in engaging internal and external partners regarding corporate social responsibility, legislative compliance, and public transparency related to policy development. The Policy Specialist leads a consistent policy process and documentation standards across the health authority. The Policy Specialist works with staff, physician and patient partners, utilizing capacity-building strategies to enhance the skills, resources and commitment required to develop and implement a strong policy development foundation.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides specialized support for evidence-based IH policy development. Leads in the implementation, evaluation and communication of the organization's policy process. Supports both medical and administrative staff in their shared responsibility in the development of policies.

• Develops educational material, standardized tools and templates to assist in the development of organizational policies. Presents these materials to IH programs as required.

• Collaborates with various Interior Health programs providing feedback and support for policy implementation.

• Recommends changes to Interior Health's policy Framework, associated processes, tools, and templates with the aim of embedding best practice with respect to person-centred, cultural safety and inclusive policy development.

• Prepares and communicates all policy process information and education materials to the organization, ensuring all communications are consistent with IH's communication strategy.

• Contributes to the development, implementation and maintenance of the centralized document management system which enables all Interior Health programs access to relevant policy documents.

• Identifies, implements and evaluates quality indicators/metrics to inform continuous improvement in the policy development process.

• Collaborates with other areas of similar expert knowledge both internal and external to the organization to integrate and enforce best practice in the field of policy writing and development.

• In alignment with IH’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, employees shall adhere to all Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures at all times and attend all required training. Employees are responsible to report any identified hazards, unsafe conditions or incidents to the manager or supervisor immediately.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Honouring Interior Health’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).

Qualfications
Education, Training, and Experience
• Masters' degree in a healthcare or legal discipline ideally supplemented by education/experience in policy development.
• Seven (7) years' recent healthcare experience including two (2) years' experience in policy development, implementation and evaluation.
• Clinical experience an asset.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislative and accreditation requirements.
• Knowledge of the healthcare industry.
• Superior organizational skills; demonstrated ability to organize complex and detailed files and working papers.
• Superior writing and verbal communication abilities and independent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency with computer software relating to the Microsoft Office suite, SharePoint, databases and graphics.
• Demonstrated skills in project management and change management methods. Demonstrated ability to identify variances and implement strategies that lead to desired outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions and time constraints.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and access to personal car may be required.