Position Type:
Permanent
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Closing date:
2025-05-29
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Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medavie Health Services (MHS) that manages and operates ground ambulance, air medical transport and the medical communications operations in Nova Scotia through a performance-based contract with the provincial government's Emergency Health Services (EHS) Operations division and the Department of Health and Wellness. As well, EMC operates TeleHealth/811 medical communications for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island for the Department of Health.

We access all communities in Nova Scotia in a timely and efficient manner with our fleet of more than 180 ambulances and support vehicles operating out of 60+ stations. We respond to 165,000+ calls annually across the province, which are actively managed through the EHS Operations Medical Communications Centre, the hub of all emergency (911) and non-emergency (hospital transfers) medical calls.

The EHS Operations LifeFlight program provides even greater accessibility by responding to patients on scene or through inter-facility transports by our critical care team via helicopter, fixed wing, or ground ambulance.

In addition, paramedics in Nova Scotia participate in various programs both urban and rural such as community-based paramedic programs, collaborative emergency centres, and emergency preparedness and special operations, to name a few.

There are lots of opportunities waiting for you in Nova Scotia. Apply now to learn more about our service and available positions.

PURPOSE / SUMMARY

Reporting to the EMC Manager of Performance Improvement, the Quality Improvement (QI) Supervisor will be responsible for providing leadership to Quality Improvement Paramedics and leading QI initiatives in collaboration with EMC and EHS partners, with a focus on improving clinical quality, patient safety, and patient experience.

The QI Supervisor will utilize a Continuous Quality Improvement framework and ensure data and evidence informed decision-making. The QI Supervisor oversees quality assurance of EHS ground services and Integrated Health Programs whereby findings are utilized for measuring quality improvement and performance of the EHS system. The position also supports EHS program and initiative evaluations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize knowledge and expertise in quality improvement science to recommend, initiate and execute improvement efforts within the organization, with a focus on clinical quality, patient safety, and patient experience.
• Co-lead continuous improvement projects and initiatives with business owners in collaboration with internal and external partners using a quality improvement framework inclusive of QI tool application, working group facilitation, data collection and analysis, testing of initiatives, knowledge dissemination, formal presentation of results and evaluation of initiatives as necessary.
• Participate in program and initiative evaluations to inform areas for improvement within the organization.
• Work in close collaboration with the EMC research program for mutual goals, including translating research and quality evidence into practice, policy changes and decision making.
• Participate in researching and establishing acceptable performance benchmarks.
• Participate in committees and working groups as needed and provide clinical quality and quality improvement expertise for other organizational programs or initiatives.
• Direct oversight and supervision of QIPs (Quality Improvement Paramedics) including delegation of workload, priority setting, monitoring and scheduling.
• Provide mentoring and leadership to QIPs, engage in performance management and appraisal as required to ensure continuous improvement
• Provide opportunities for QIPs to collaborate with organizational partners to engage in and promote quality improvement activities
• Identify training and development needs and coordinate professional development activities for QIPs
• Lead the clinical auditing program for EHS ground-based services and integrated health programs. Duties include oversight of auditing processes; development of clinical auditing methodology and tools; conduction of quality control and provision of feedback to auditors; and integration of audit results into the organizational quality improvement framework.
• Coordinate the development, implementation and maintenance of system performance indicators and reports to meet contractual and corporate obligations as required.
• Work closely with the EMC Data Management team to create and verify data extracts and visuals to inform performance reporting; enable and inform quality assurance; inform quality improvement initiative strategies and outcomes; or to share with internal or external partners for healthcare research and improvement projects.
• Participate in the accreditation process and ensure the continuous quality improvement program meets accreditation standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is typically based in an office environment. The position requires resilience and emotional fortitude due to the nature of QI/auditing duties in a prehospital healthcare setting. Light physical effort, such as sitting, standing, and walking required. The employee may need to lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Occasional travel within Nova Scotia may be required, which will require the employee to drive during their work hours.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in paramedicine, health, sciences, engineering or business-related discipline required or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Completion of an accredited clinical professional program required
• Master's degree in health or an administrative field an asset (e.g. Master of Health Administration, MBA or other)
• Paramedicine degree or diploma a strong asset
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in a healthcare leadership role or quality improvement required
• Experience in continuous improvement, project management and research methods are strong assets
• Experience in data analytics a strong asset
• Experience as a front-line paramedic or other healthcare provider is a strong asset
• Experience in patient safety or risk management an asset
• Current licence or the ability to gain licensure as a paramedic or other healthcare provider within Nova Scotia required
• Certifications in QI, LEAN methodology, Change Management, Program Evaluation or related fields an asset

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Collaboration: Able to demonstrate effective communication and professional conduct with groups including external partners, internal leaders and direct reports; manage group dynamics; listen actively; provide appropriate feedback; and adapt to audience needs and preferences
• Leadership: Able to motivate and lead staff in a dynamic environment
• Effective Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication, with strong presentation and facilitation skills required.
• QI Knowledge: Knowledge of Quality Improvement science and methodologies
• Data Literacy: Able to analyze complex data sets, identifying patterns, trends and gaps within the data.
• System Analytics: Ability to analyze and understand complex systems to improve performance.
• Technology: Proficient in the use of computers and information systems, including Microsoft Office Suite, is required.
• Professionalism and Privacy: Handling sensitive employee, operational, and patient information with upmost sensitivity and protection of confidentiality is essential.
• Clinical Judgment: Strong clinical decision making and documentation skills
• Organizational Skills: Attention to detail and proficient in time management, including the ability to develop and implement project plans and manage competing priorities
• Dedication: The ability to persevere and navigate complex and conflicting perspectives, timelines and priorities to ensure success of project outcomes
• Knowledge of Emergency Medical Services system design and management is a strong asset
• Knowledge of information technology; healthcare technology and applications and human resources practices an asset
• Familiarity with provincial privacy legislation is an asset.
• Familiarity with project management methods is an asset.
• Knowledge of IUOE 727 bargaining unit contract and processes an asset
• Languages: English; Other languages an asset; French preferred

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. We are committed to building an inclusive team that represents a variety of backgrounds, cultures, races, perspectives and skills. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, African Canadians, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities. Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify.