Strategic Project and QI Specialist at York Hills Centre for Children Youth and Families

Aurora, Ontario, Canada -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

10 Jul, 26

Salary

80000.0

Posted On

11 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Project management, Quality improvement, Strategic planning, Change management, Data analysis, Equity, diversity and inclusion, Lean, Six sigma, Program evaluation, Accreditation, Leadership, Facilitation, Communication, Research, Documentation, Microsoft 365

Industry

Mental Health Care

Description

STRATEGIC PROJECT AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST (Posting #1450) ABOUT US York Hills is a children and youth mental health agency that offers a wide range of mental health services, supports and partnerships providing meaningful and evidence informed/based treatment to children, and youth, aged 0 to 18 years, and their families. To learn more about us, including our mission, vision and values please visit our website https://www.yorkhills.ca/ [https://www.yorkhills.ca/] BENEFITS * Full extended health and dental, life insurance, EAP, LTD and RRSP plan. * Generous paid time-off includes vacation and sick days. * Commitment to employee development through internal and external training and development opportunities. ABOUT THE ROLE Employment Status: Permanent Full Time Salary Range: $76,000 - $80,000 Location: 402 Bloomington Road, Aurora, ON. This position will require travel within York Region. Hours of Work: Thirty-five (35) hours/week. Number of Vacancies or Evergreen Role: 01 POSITION Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Quality Improvement, the Strategic Project and Quality Improvement Specialist is responsible for coordinating project management (PM) and supporting quality improvement (QI) initiatives that align with the organization’s strategic goals and priorities. The role supports planning, monitoring, implementation, and evaluation of projects to ensure deliverables are achieved withing established timelines and available resources. Working collaboratively across programs and services, the specialist supports the advancement of continuous quality improvement practices across the organization and oversees projects aligned with York Hills’ strategic plan. The specialist contributes to the integration of equity, diversity and inclusion into project planning. Works closely with leaders, managers, and cross-functional teams to support organizational improvement efforts. A LOOK AT YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: OVERSEE PROJECTS ALIGNED WITH YORK HILLS’ STRATEGIC PLAN, AND ONGOING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES * Lead the planning and scoping of projects to ensure clear goals, timelines, and deliverables. Identifies any risks or issues at scope for leadership review. * Project manages York Hills’ equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, ensuring that project goals, processes, and outcomes reflect and support the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. * Conduct analyses using data-driven methodologies to determine project feasibility. * Support the proactive fostering of inclusive communication by using EDI-informed practices. * Manage project activities throughout the lifecycle, including the recommendation of allocation of resources, scheduling, documentation, budget, and other factors necessary for success. * Organize project teams into suitable workgroups and guide the teams throughout their efforts to achieve deliverables. * Implement structured change‑management processes to support smooth transitions for all participants. Establish, implement, and follow a formal change management program. * Establish and deliver mechanisms for tracking project progress and reporting via a formal communications plan. * Reallocate resources across multiple projects where necessary; identify and resolve any resource allocation discrepancies. * Produce regular reports on the progress of projects; deliver these reports to the Director of Quality Improvement and Strategic Initiatives. * Identify and resolve conflicts collaboratively with leaders, within project teams and associate work; create contingency plans to mitigate risk. * Conduct project debriefs to identify areas for improvement; make recommendations based on findings. * Support York Hills employees in effective employment of project management skills. Develop resources and provide training. Continuous Quality Improvement (QI) Coordination * Champion a comprehensive quality improvement program, leveraging methodologies such as Lean/Six Sigma to strengthen organizational processes and service quality. * Partner with cross-agency teams to identify root causes of performance issues, develop effective solutions, and track improvements using defined indicators. * Facilitate, guide, and support leaders and teams in the planning, coordination, and execution of quality initiatives. Support managers in implementing best practices. * Use change management, project management, EDI best practices and QI practices to support teams through change initiatives. * Promote knowledge transfer by embedding sector best practices and lessons learned into organizational processes. * Support the development and maintenance of data management processes aligned with QI initiatives. * Maintain knowledge around emerging practices and innovative programs across the province, including networking, as required * Carry out literature reviews and research evidence-informed program models. * Support the Director in key accreditation activities across programs and services, engaging leaders and ensuring clear planning and communication as needed. * Other duties as assigned. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: * University degree in health administration, Business Administration, public health, social sciences, social work or related field (Master’s degree preferred) and/or a combination of relevant education and experience. * Certification in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher), and/or Project Management is an asset. * Minimum 3 years’ experience with project management (PM) within a non-profit setting * 3 years of experience in quality improvement, accreditation, or program evaluation in health, social services, or related sectors. * Ability to meet the needs of a diverse client base, through knowledge of and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency practices. * Sound knowledge of best practices and treatment modalities common in Children’s Mental Health would be an asset. * Demonstrated experience participating in accreditation processes and quality improvement initiatives. * Strong leadership skills, with experience supporting staff or project teams. * Excellent analytical, facilitation, and communication skills. * Knowledge of Ontario’s child and youth mental health sector is an asset. * Exceptional communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills. * Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment, exercising professional judgement in conflictual and stressful situations. * Sound writing skills and ability to complete documentation in an accurate and timely manner. * Excellent organizational and administrative skills. Ability to identify learning needs and seek consultation and support through supervision. * Demonstrated computer literacy and strong familiarity with Microsoft 365 suite of tools. * Must be fluent in English, speaking, writing and reading. Fluency in other languages is an asset. * Experience in quality assurance, outcomes measurement, and data-driven decision making. * Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations such as child and youth mental health, Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable legislation. * Ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines. * Exposure to quality improvement software and cloud-based applications is an asset. * Awareness and appreciation for the dynamics of equity issues (diversity, equity and inclusion), especially as it relates to gender, ethnicity, race, and economic status. * Identification with the strategic mission, vision and values of the organization including inclusion, collaboration, people centered, knowledgeable, and courageous. * Must possess a satisfactory vulnerable sector Police Record Check. Don’t check all the boxes? We encourage you to apply anyway. NICE TO HAVES: * Applicants with fluency in another language are encouraged to apply. * Fluency in American Sign Language. ON-BOARDING REQUIREMENTS: * Police Vulnerable Sector Screening Check (VSS), within the last 180 days * Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable motor vehicle. * Completion of a Driver’s Abstract. * Proof of automobile insurance. HOW TO APPLY: York Hills is strongly committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the populations we serve. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including applicants from all cultures, racialized communities, abilities, diverse sexual and gender identities and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. York Hills is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace. We believe in cultivating a selection process and employment environment without discrimination or harassment, that is inclusive and barrier free. York Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer and in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, should you require a code-protected accommodation, through any stage of the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used in the applicant screening process by our applicant tracking system (ATS) based on job-related criteria. Our recruitment team reviews all applications and decides which candidates will move forward in our process. We encourage you to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to this role within your application. Please submit your cover letter and resume to our online portal [https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d83141fd-7aa8-44c6-9601-a2a79b936093&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP⟨=en_CA] by April 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those under consideration will be contacted.

Responsibilities

The specialist coordinates project management and quality improvement initiatives to align with organizational strategic goals. They facilitate cross-functional collaboration, manage project lifecycles, and implement data-driven improvements across mental health services.