Freedom of Information Advisor

at  Fraser Health

Salary range: The salary range for this position is CAD $38.12 - $54.80 / hour Why Fraser Health?:
Fraser Health continues to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers, are you someone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others?
Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations. Our team of 43,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.
We have an exciting Full Time opportunity for a Freedom of Information Advisor.
This position is remote, based in British Columbia only. Candidates must be living in the province of B.C.

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:

• Healthcare experience will be highly regarded.
• Experience and working knowledge of BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, relevant OIPC orders, cases, trends and issues.
• Effective stakeholder engagement, communication, collaboration and management skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in the area of information privacy and/or information access concepts, tools, and methods.
• Use of investigative and analytical skills to research, analyze and interpret data and information from a variety of disparate sources, with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and work effectively in a changing environment.
• Proactive and solution orientated.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload in order to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in using computer information systems, databases and electronic information management.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications and databases.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Advisor is a specialist role in Fraser Health that works within the Information Access & Privacy Team by overseeing and responding to FOI requests while making recommendations and assessing for Fraser Health. The Advisor advises senior leaders, staff and provincial stakeholders in understanding the requirements of provincial privacy legislation, as well as developing internal and external confidence that personal information at Fraser Health is accessed and disclosed in a responsible manner and in compliance with policy and legislative requirements, while enabling patient care and health service delivery. In addition, the Advisor represents Fraser Health in formal processes with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) for BC, and prepare files for formal inquiry, in collaboration with Legal Counsel.
The Advisor operates in a complex healthcare environment with multi-site and provincial responsibilities. The work involves extensive review and analysis of detailed information, including highly sensitive and confidential information, and the responsibility to make recommendations regarding steps required to handle such information in accordance with legislation and policy. The Advisor is a subject matter expert for Fraser Health programs ensuring that privacy is an enabler of patient care. The nature of the position requires involvement in the review of confidential projects and highly sensitive information that may have implications for Fraser Health if not handled appropriately.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitates, drafts and supports the completion of the formal FOI process including but not limited to calls for records, meeting legislated timelines, and discussions with applicants, application of legislation and redaction of information from complex files (including contracts, health records, email communications) and legislated consultations with third parties outside of Fraser Health. Reviews and evaluates whether access and disclosure of information complies with BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act requirements.
• Manages all FOI files, guiding and supporting clinical areas in assessing risks and identifying solutions. Escalates complex files to the Legal Counsel with appropriate recommendations on compliance with legislation.
• Provides advice to, consults with, develops and maintains relationships with program areas, partners and stakeholder groups on the application of freedom of information principles, policy and legislation.
• Conducts research, and makes recommendations, regarding emerging freedom of information trends, best practices, and regulations and identifies their impact on projects and operations.
• In collaboration with the Team, works with provincial stakeholders in the development and delivery of a provincial service which fosters a culture of information sharing, reasonable and authorized access and privacy awareness within Fraser Health.
• Administers FOI tracking and timelines, analyses data and prepares reports, statistics, updates, and briefings on the progress of the Fraser Health FOI privacy program for presentation to key stakeholders.
• Communicates with applicants to answer inquiries and provide assistance with freedom of information related concerns.
• Works collaboratively with provincial stakeholders and privacy offices at BC Health Authorities to manage freedom of information matters of joint concern. Works collaboratively and participates in Provincial Working Groups to ensure consistency and harmonization where possible.
• Works closely with Fraser Health program leads, Team members, Risk Management, Communications, Human Resources, Information Technology and Legal Counsel in relation to freedom of information matters.
• Works with the OIPC and other relevant government agencies/branches on Fraser Health FOI Matters.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Qualifications: Education and Experience
A minimum level of education, training and experience equivalent to Bachelor Degree in Health Administration, Law or another related discipline (i.e. Business or Computer Science, Human Resources) and 5-7 years recent related experience. Completion of an Information Access and/or Protection of Privacy Certificate Program is an asset (i.e. CIPP/C, CIPT, CIPM, or CAPPA).
Competencies
Demonstrates the leadership practices of the Fraser Health Leadership Framework of Clear, Caring and Courageous and creates the conditions for people to succeed.