Temporary LEAP - Professional Advocacy Officer FT USW-035-26

Position Overview

Responsible for day-to-day administration of the Licensing, Education, Advocacy, and Practice (LEAP) program.

Key Responsibilities

Provides consultative, advisory, advocacy and case management services to Union members with professional practice issues; liaises and coordinates activities with other bodies such as the BC College of Nursing and Midwives (“BCCNM”) and the Health Professions Review Board (“HPRB”). Advocates for fair and due process for members with practice complaints; registration matters and fitness concerns.

• Investigates and researches individual members’ cases involving professional practice issues including complaints to the college. Support members with fitness concerns to access medical assessment and intervention programs. 

• Researches case histories, legal precedents and applicable legislation, prepares cases for representation and makes submissions to regulatory bodies.

• Establishes relationship with regulators and other interested parties.  Advocates for system improvements.

• Maintains current knowledge of applicable legislation, standards of practice, bylaws and regulations.

• Provides regular verbal and written reports, develops policy submissions, etc., as directed by the Director.

• Maintains and updates case files in accordance with policies.

• Administers LEAP in a manner consistent with program principles.

Provides information, interpretation, support and instruction to staff, the BCNU Council Board, stewards and members on matters related to LEAP.

• Ensures that stewards know how to access LEAP services and that they are aware of trends with respect to regulation of healthcare professionals.

• Provides assistance in developing training programs, as assigned. 

• Facilitates workshops and makes presentations to the BCNU Council Board, stewards, members, and staff.

Serves as union’s in-house expert and staff lead on LEAP matters, and works with other staff and departments collaboratively.

• Collaborates with LROs and other departments and provides technical expertise on LEAP matters.

• Provides input into the operational plan and collaborates with team members to ensure successful implementation of the plan.  Oversees the work of and provides direction to assigned support staff.

• Refers and/or escalates out-of-scope issues to appropriate BCNU resource(s).

• Participates in team meetings and projects.

• Orientates new staff as required.

Oversees the work of and provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.

• Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.
• Delegates work appropriately to administrative staff.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful applicant must have:

1. College or University education in an approved labour/industrial relations, law and/or nursing program or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
2. Exceptional conflict resolution skills, preferably with formal training at institutions such as the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
3. Demonstrated ability and recent progressive experience in an advocacy position with a thorough understanding of substance abuse, mental health issues, legislative and regulatory requirements.
4. Demonstrated written and verbal advocacy skills.
5. Ability to interpret the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), Standards of Practice, and college bylaws and regulations.  Good knowledge of nurses’ employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing practice.
6. Good verbal, written and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with Lawyers, Physicians, Managers, Government and Regulatory Personnel, Council and Labour Relations personnel. Demonstrated ability to write submissions and medical legal requests.
7. Demonstrated ability to work well with members, elected officers and co-workers.
8. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team.
9. Excellent time management skills.
10. Knowledge of privacy legislation.
11. A willingness to travel throughout the province, carry a valid driver's license, and access to a vehicle to attend off site BCNU business when required.