Job Description

Article Flag: Mandatory Vaccination Please Note:
As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

Summary:
Within the context of a patient, client and family centred model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care, promotes a safe, respectful, and civil working environment for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Communications Specialist serves as a key member of a communications team responsible for providing advise and communication services for organizational initiatives that support the mission, visions, values and strategic directions of Providence Health Care, as well as strengthen our relationships with the communities that we serve.

Qualifications / Skills and Education:
Education
Completion of a university degree in communications, journalism or other related field, plus three (3) to five (5) years experience in organizational communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills and Abilities
Effective communication skills including written, verbal, critical and strategic.
Effective interpersonal skills to deal with others at all levels of the organization, as well as external contacts.
Ability to contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of operational and strategic communication plans.
Familiarity with media, digital media and media relations.
Independent initiative, sound judgment and well developed decision\xe2\x80\x93making abilities.
Effective organizational, project management and time management skills including the ability to work to deadlines.
Ability to work independently and as part of a high performance team.
Skill and proficiency in organizational electronic communication technology, desktop publishing and web-based technology practices.
Ability to carry out the duties of the position with a high degree of ethical and professional behaviour.
Ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning under stressful situations.
Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Develops and executes internal and external communication strategies to support facility and organizational initiatives.

Evaluates the impact of communication strategies against measurable objectives and adjusts strategies to maximize impact.

Liaises between corporate facilities and representatives of the media and the community to ensure open and timely response to enquiries, respecting patient/resident/employee rights of privacy.

Proactively promotes facility-specific programs and services to the community through the traditional media, digital strategies and other marketing strategies.

Develops, manages and implements plans to respond to emergency situations in order to facilitate effective communications with employees, physicians, media and families of patients and residents.

Carries the 24/7 media pager as needed.

Researches, writes, edits and produces diverse communication materials such as articles, newsletters, bulletins, social media-specific content, web publishing, news releases, speeches, briefing notes, brochures, pamphlets, backgrounders, special features, presentations and other materials, in collaboration with other Communication team members, on issues of importance to both internal and external stakeholders.

Helps develop and carry out PHC\xe2\x80\x99s comprehensive digital media strategy.

Work with operational staff and leadership to develop event plans for campaigns, conferences and lecture series and assist with the communication functions of event execution

Participates as a member of various committees throughout the organization to provide and collect information regarding communication issues.

Shares knowledge with fellow team members and others internal and external to the organization for the purposes of communication, high performance teamwork and continual quality improvement to support an innovative culture and a learning organization.

Participates in the implementation of quality improvement programs to ensure services are provided in the most efficient and effective manner by ensuring standards are aligned with the organization\xe2\x80\x99s mission and strategic plan and the standards set by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA).

Maintains an awareness of new developments and trends in corporate communications through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.

Performs other related duties as assigned.