What's New at the Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network

Take on a province-wide challenge in health sciences education as the Interprofessional Resource Officer, Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network (SAHSN)

As Coordinator, you will facilitate and support the advancement of Interprofessional education in Saskatchewan.  This province-wide position is based at the SAHSN office on the University of Saskatchewan campus.  SAHSN is a partnership of the Saskatchewan government, universities, SIAST, and health regions to foster excellence in health sciences research and education.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:
This position, reporting to the Executive Director, will work with health science stakeholders to facilitate and support interprofessional education and clinical practice on issues common to all health sciences programs in Saskatchewan.

NATURE OF WORK:
The Resource Officer facilitates and supports interprofessional education for all health sciences programs in Saskatchewan. The IPRO is SAHSN’s lead in interprofessional education support. 

The IHCS is a network of individuals and organizations with an interest in IP health education, practice and policy.  The IHCS activities are directed through a provincial represented multi-sectoral council.  The IPRO works closely with the IHCS council and chairs and is responsible for coordinating all aspects of IHCS activities.  The objectives of the IHCS which in turn directs the work of the IPRO include:

1. Influence the design of provincial framework to support and advance interprofessional education and clinical practice;
2. Support and promote interprofessional education and clinical practice programs to help spread ideas, share resources, and spark new opportunities for collaboration;
3. Support the integration of interprofessional education and clinical practice principles in the health system; and
4. Provide an administrative forum for networking, promoting activities; manage day to day activities, disseminating information regarding interprofessional affairs.                                

The position is based at the Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network (SAHSN) office on the University of Saskatchewan campus. This position is hosted administratively by the University of Saskatchewan.

 SAHSN is a partnership of the Saskatchewan Government ministries of Learning and Health, the province’s universities and technical college (SIAST), and health regions to address common issues in health sciences research and education. SAHSN works to create an environment of excellence among its partners where the education of health professionals, health research and the provision of health services are complementary activities enhanced through interdependent relationships.

STATUS: 0.50 FTE; Term, 12 months with the possibility of extension

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Facilitation of the Work:
Maintain close communication with all the IHCS members and other external groups to identify areas that should be pursued on a collaborative basis. Identifies new initiatives that should be considered by IHCS.
Liaison and Representation:
Maintains close liaison with SAHSN stakeholders to ensure that the activities of IHCS are aligned with Provincial priorities.
Maintains effective contact with similar organizations outside Saskatchewan, both to identify opportunities for future development in Saskatchewan and for inter-provincial collaboration.
Support for the Committees:
Prepare the draft agenda and background documents for meetings
Lead operation by compiling data, formulating recommendations and providing support to the IHCS.
Develop a communication plan to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the different initiatives underway and have opportunity to provide feedback both in written and verbal format.
Administration and Finances:
Develop an annual plan to guide the work, timelines, and budget of the IHCS initiatives
Oversee all financial matters of IHCS including, monitoring expenditures, and preparing proposals for new funding.

 QUALIFICATIONS

 Candidates must have:

• a minimum of a bachelor’s degree;
• three or more years of recent relevant health sciences clinical education experience, obtained in either or both the education or service delivery setting;

Candidates must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following:

• project management skills in projects of comparable complexity in a comparable environment;
• excellent communication skills;
• independence and initiative;
• excellent facilitation and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to develop rapport and trust and to facilitate groups;
• excellent organizational skills (including time management, communication management, and ensuring essential tasks are completed on time);
• an understanding of the current issues in health sciences clinical placements in both the education and health services delivery settings;
• standard office computer skills in keyboarding, use of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and internet browser software;
• good language skills in oral and written English;
• ability to work independently under general direction.

To apply, submit applications by January 16, 2012 to:

Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network
Room 411, RJD Williams Building
221 Cumberland Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK   S7N 1M3
sahsn.office@usask.ca