Risk Management Specialist

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Director, Risk Management, the Lead, Risk Management, is responsible for providing leadership, facilitation and supportive direction in the development and ongoing monitoring of risk management. Identifies and analyzes risk issues including data management and business projection analysis. Provides expertise, guidance and advice to program staff on areas of risk management, including risk analysis, new guidelines, and interpretation of corporate policy for the designated program area.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Leads program staff including designated area managers and directors in developing, implementing, and evaluating risk indicators to improve quality outcomes and performance; prioritize quality initiatives based on program functions, needs and performance measurement system.
• Proactively educates, guides, and advises program staff on risk analysis, risk management program, regulatory issues, new statutes and/or guidelines, corporate policy interpretation and safety, quality, and risk management activities. Leads risk analysis of risk issues that arise in the day to day operations of the designated program area.
• Provides consultative guidance and support as a subject matter expert to organizational committees, planning, operational and implementation groups.
• Ensures timely reporting of liability events to Health Care Protection Program through the Patient Safety Learning System (PSLS). Maintains data management in PSLS to for comprehensive reporting at the request of the Director or designate.
• Completes business analysis of data to provide a variety of reporting metrics including but not limited to workload projections.
• Participates in Critical Patient Safety Event Reviews and Quality Reviews as directed by the Director, Risk Management, using proven incident investigation tools such as root cause analysis, failure modes effect analysis etc. and, external authority reviews, as applicable ensuring properly constituted reviews are established (section 51 of Evidence Act, solicitor-client privilege).
• Monitors external legal expenses and reports of variances, providing remedial action and recommendations.
• Coordinates legal interviews and consults with external legal counsel and staff in preparation of litigation.

Qualifications:

A level of education, training and experience to a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Health Administration, a related health discipline or other relevant area and a minimum of five years of experience in the program area. Additional experience in leadership and quality and safety would be considered an asset.

Knowledge and expertise in Quality Management, Performance Improvement, Patient Safety and Accreditation standards preferred. Working knowledge of legal, ethical, and clinical issues associated with standard of care practices, and Accreditation Canada requirements. Working knowledge of evaluation techniques and methodologies including statistical analysis methods, risk assessments and presentation of information. Knowledge of and experience in interpreting and applying legislation related to the program area. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with a global perspective to incorporate the organization’s systems and strategies when developing viable solutions to program problems; ability to collect and analyze data and produce reports. Demonstrated ability to assemble and synthesize complex information and make succinct recommendations and, strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills involving the use of administrative, operational, financial and research data. Familiarity with research methodologies and relevant databases of published literature. Strong planning and project management skills; skill in managing several projects simultaneously. Ability to self-manage and work both independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated aptitude for details and accuracy. Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment including various word processing and spreadsheet software. Skill in conducting critical literature searches using on-line resources. Knowledge includes an advanced level of clinical expertise related to the program area. Strong interpersonal skills including tact, judgment, reliability, and respect to facilitate team work and interdisciplinary and interjurisdictional coordination. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Occasional travel may be required.