Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide research, analysis and data collection to support the unit in the management of eHealth accountability for the delivery of eHealth agenda in Ontario. To assist with financial/program analysis, quality control of documents and updating/reporting of risks as part of the strategic fiscal cycle and due to changes in priorities and agreement amendments. To support liaison with internal/external stakeholders on accountability, financial and performance issues. To prepare documents that support the branch's strategic policy and eHealth program priorities.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Working in a branch that manages accountabilities, legislative obligations and a dedicated liaison function to facilitate interactions between internal ministry, eHealth agencies and external partners and interest groups to enable provides to fulfill their eHealth related mandates in support of the government's eHealth agenda and priorities, this Position:

1. Provides research and analysis and drafts technical content pieces to support the development of operational policies, program guidelines, protocols, processes, procedures, funding agreement templates, tools and communication materials in support of accountability agreements/Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) by which eHealth Ontario and other eHealth agencies are obligated to deliver contracted services.

2. Provides research, analysis and support for the eHealth program evaluation including: participating in the reviews and assessments, results reporting, trends analysis and drafting of recommendations for alternatives/program improvements. Provides information/advice and support to relevant ministry staff and agencies throughout the evaluation process.

3. Reviews/assesses government/ministry eHealth strategic directions, existing agreements, available templates, existing government accountability requirements, fiscal guidelines in consultation with colleagues in branch/division and agencies, and assists in the development of performance measures and risk assessment techniques to achieve desired results.

4. Provides analysis and support for eHealth input into financial processes by identifying approved plan and budget for each partner, reviewing program financial expenditures and identifying anomalies, reviewing projections and trending for program financial requirements, reviewing financial and requests for in-year budget changes and liaising with FMB to ensure that approved changes are reflected in payment schedules.

5. Monitors, updates and reports on risks based on TB/MBC submissions, quarterly financial and performance reporting, Results-Based and Infrastructure Plan submissions and new/changing agreements. Prepares reports for the review of Senior Program Consultant and/or Manager on findings, including identifying emerging issues and financial/non-financial impacts on existing business/financial activities and developing recommendations on how to address them and revisions to policies/procedures

6. Provides response to general/routine inquiries, complaints and request for information on operational policies, protocols, procedures processes; refers complex technical issues to more senior staff. Provides background research, information and drafts responses and presentations to issues that are received from stakeholders, general public and the media.

7. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues in branch/division, eHealth agencies and external stakeholders and participates in projects; liaises with central agencies (e.g. Treasury Board/Ministry of Finance, OCCIO and SCM in MGS, MEI) to discuss/address a variety of issues associated with performance measures and risks components of submissions (e.g. Quarterly Reporting, Progress Reports). Represents the Branch, as required, on intra and inter-ministry committees/projects and participates in cross-functional working groups.

8. Assists in the preparation of a variety of reports, supporting documentation and/or communication materials and in the preparation of briefing notes/other materials in support of management decision making.

Knowledge :

Position requires knowledge and understanding of research tools (e.g. evidence development processes and strategies), policy development and program evaluation techniques to research and draft technical content of operational policies, protocols, guideline documents, templates, processes, procedures in support of the eHealth agenda in Ontario. Good understanding of the provincial external health sector environment (e.g. role of LHIN, businesses of crown agencies, health care delivery system and operations, health systems management, health industry in general); government/ministry mandate, objectives and strategic directions; and new initiatives with respect to eHealth, divisional program and operational policies, health related legislation and regulations (e.g. Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), CFMA) to ensure that the development of operational policies, program changes, protocols, accountability agreements, MOU, templates, processes and guidelines are within the broad context of the government's/ministry's eHealth agenda. Knowledge of financial administration/analysis, risk assessments and techniques to conduct financial analysis, assess performance/financial results reports and assist in the development of performance measures and risk assessment techniques. Research and analytical skills to conduct the research, monitoring, analysis and assessment of performance/financial data and other research findings to provide background research in operational policy, program guidelines, protocol and best practice development methods. Good communication, interpersonal and consultation skills to provide advisory services to ministry staff and agencies, liaise effectively with central agencies, work effectively on projects and to present and promote recommendations within the ministry. Oral and written communication skills to respond to inquiries, complaints and requests, prepare reports, analyses and summaries and correspondence. Organizational, planning and coordination skills to set priorities, meet timelines and show initiative, flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Ability to work independently and as part of a team/work group. Proficiency in computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, e-mail, intranet/internet) to prepare presentations, briefing and other materials.

Judgement :

Responsibilities are carried out under the general supervision of the Manager, Accountability Management and within the broad framework of eHealth government/ministry agenda, commitments and priorities, ministry legislation, policies, guidelines, procedures and protocols. Position has access to Senior Program Consultant for technical advice/resolution of problems. Position exercises judgement in conducting research and analysis of various accountability management, financial and agreement change issues impacting operational policies, protocols, guidelines, templates, processes and best practices. Judgement is exercised in developing information-gathering techniques.

Accountability - Programs :

Accountable for providing project leadership and expertise in the development of operational policies, guideline documents, protocols and best best practices in support of a strong accountability framework between the ministry, eHealth Ontario and other eHealth agencies; for coordinating and/or participating in critical business analysis and financial reviews in support of negotiations and for monitoring/addressing financial and performance issues related to deliverables by health providers. Accountable for delivering a liaison function and managing effective interactions between internal/external stakeholders in support of eHealth agenda and priorities.

Accountability – Personnel :

n/a

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Conducts spending and financial analysis related to deliverables by health providers, identifies financial problems and pressures and develops options/alternatives to address them

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Errors in judgement, ineffective policy recommendations and issues analysis, failure to consider impacts and implications and ineffective program evaluation would have an adverse effect on achieving the government/ministry's eHealth agenda, objectives, public commitments which could result in shortages of funds for programs, criticism by stakeholders and lost opportunities for cooperative work, loss of credibility in the government/ministry agenda, and ultimately, the disruption or delay in implementing services to clients through lack of coordination with plans initiated in other branches.

Contact - Internal :

Frequent contact with unit/ branch/ division management and colleagues to provide research and data findings and to support the development of operational policies, protocols, guidelines and best practices. Contact with colleagues in other ministries to gather data, remain current on eHealth initiatives and maintain liaison with key stakeholders to work collaboratively on issues and projects.

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with eHealth Ontario, other eHealth agencies and other stakeholders (e.g. Canada Health Infoway) to respond to inquiries and requests regarding the interpretation and application of fiscal guidelines, templates, government accountability requirements, including protocols, operational procedures and guidelines, to conduct research and gather data.