Quality Advisor and Evaluation Associate

Competition 2333

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $76,135 to $95,184. This position has an initial appointment of one year with the possibility of extension.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC)

Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) is a pan-Canadian and international program of applied research. It functions in an integrated knowledge translation or partnered model. We have long-standing relationships with stakeholders, end users, policy makers, and our citizen advisory group. TREC is a complex research program in the Faculty of Nursing of the University of Alberta. We currently hold active grants from national and provincial granting agencies and the Government of Alberta. Our team comprises a variety of staff, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, Research Assistants and trainees. We also work closely with investigators and collaborators across Canada and around the world. Decision makers at the senior regional health level and in provincial government are also members of our team

Position Summary

The Quality Advisor & Evaluation Associate will lead the facilitation, and execution of a province-wide intervention project with managers working in continuing care homes (nursing homes) on a quality improvement and change management project. They will facilitate and support intervention activities (i.e., curriculum development, regular group coaching sessions, individual coaching sessions, on-site visits, virtual workshops) for managers as they plan local improvement projects in their continuing care homes. The Quality Advisor & Evaluation Associate will guide managers in the development of aim statements, implementation plans, team assembly and developing local measurements for their selected improvement projects.

The Quality Advisor & Evaluation Associate will also be available for additional individual and group facilitation and coaching to the topic groups and to individual homes as the project unfolds. They will prepare communication and activity materials, support TREC staff in facilitation activities, collect data, conduct ongoing evaluations of the intervention, and disseminate findings.

Duties 

Coordination, facilitation, and execution of intervention activities

• Develops and refines the curriculum for the intervention in collaboration with senior researchers and the assigned postdoc
• Develops virtual workshop plans and timelines in consultation with the research team
• Develops, coordinates and leads virtual coaching sessions and workshops
• Guides participants in the development of aim statements, PDSA cycles, local measurements, team and relationship management, and change management strategies for improvement projects
• Using advanced methods and protocols, coaches and advises the topic teams and individuals and their teams as needed
• Prepares communications and activity materials
• Responsible for ensuring that intervention and data collection protocols are adhered to and for ensuring research/data standards are complied with.
• Keeps detailed records of all work and evaluations of outcomes, in specifically maintains a regular (daily if necessary) quality advisor diary.
• Arranges and facilitates additional coaching sessions as required
• Monitors and assesses the ongoing progress of intervention activities
• Summarizes, analyzes and organizes data for publication. May co-author or co-present dissemination products.
• Some travel to various LTC facilities may be required

Support and Training

• Support and train TREC staff and trainees related to the intervention
• Lead relevant meetings and training events, and follow up with participating managers
• Supervision of research assistants by providing training and guidance

Writing and Reports

• Leads the coordination and report writing for internal and external use
• Prepares publications, posters, presentations, and technical briefings reporting on the intervention
• Assists in the preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in health, education, social sciences, or other related discipline, or equivalent
• Experience in quality improvement initiatives and implementation
• Practical experience in change management
• Experience with coaching and consultation
• Familiarity with the IHI Breakthrough Series Model of improvement
• Demonstrated highly effective organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated skills in data collection, measurement, evaluation, bottom-up quality improvement methods, and change strategies
• Demonstrated skills in facilitation and coaching techniques, collaboration, problem solving, and time management
• Must be proactive, creative, and able to work both independently and as part of a team 
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid Driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the continuing care sector is an asset