Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. Friends of Ruby offers Youth Mental Health services, a Youth Drop-In Centre, and a Transitional Home. The Centre provides access to barrier-free counselling and therapeutic groups, case management and a drop-in space with hot meals, community, and comprehensive programming. The Home provides transitional and emergency housing, mental health, and life-skills to support youth moving towards independent living.    

Friends of Ruby recognize that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract and develop incredibly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applicants from the 2SLGBTQIA+, Allies, BIPOC and ACB communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the role. 

Position Summary

The Quality Improvement (QI) Specialist, reporting to the Manager of Knowledge and Design within the Strategic Initiatives department, plays a pivotal role in enhancing organizational performance through meticulous analysis and implementation of QI initiatives. Leveraging expertise in change management, quality improvement, implementation science, knowledge translation, and project management, the QI Specialist collaborates with stakeholders to scrutinize existing policies, processes, and workflows, identifying areas for enhancement and implementing solutions. By employing data-driven methodologies and change management practices, they drive the development and execution of strategies aimed at optimizing care, safety, and efficiency. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with multiple stakeholders to analyze and review current state of policies, processes, and workflows.
• Use data to assess and identify opportunities for improvement, facilitate group discussions, develop, and implement changes using appropriate change management methodologies.
• Analyze, develop, and disseminate new knowledge regarding care and safety, QI, risk reduction, and improving data driven decision-making.
• Facilitate the identification, development, implementation, and monitoring of QI initiatives enabled by expert working knowledge of improvement methodologies and project management strategies.
• Define, design, and implement safe and efficient clinical and/or operational systems to mitigate risk.
• Assist in the selection and analysis of quality-related performance indicators to monitor organizational, program, and/or unit level performance to ensure alignment with strategic direction.
• Collaborate with clinical programs to implement recommendations that improve client and staff safety by completing safety reviews, investigating safety incidents, analyzing data, identifying trends, and implementing recommendations.
• Develop and implement organizational and service-related documents, including but not limited to policies, procedures, manuals, forms, workflows, briefings, program charters, and other documents as needed.
• Apply a systems-focused approach to achieve optimal results in quality, safety, reliability, efficiency, and productivity.
• Lead QI initiatives and projects that enhance client safety, satisfaction, and trust in FoR care, while reducing risk.
• Builds organizational capacity for improvement through coaching and mentoring, and shares knowledge of patient safety principles legislated standards and quality. improvement methodology. (e.g., reliable design, Human Factors, PDSA, root cause analysis, FMEA, lean, value stream mapping).
• Foster a culture of continuous QI, safety, and risk reduction.
• Promote a “just culture” environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Health Sciences, Health Administration, Health Policy or Health Management or a combination of Project Management and/or Lean Certification.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of work experience in quality and safety, preferably in a health or social services context.
• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FIPPA) and Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
• Experience in QI science (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, High Reliability), Human Factors engineering, Service design, Change/risk management, Project management and Statistical analysis required.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize QI tools and methodologies.
• Ability to review and analyze data and ability to generate written and verbal reports.
• A champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & ARAO, including but not limited to:
  • Ability to navigate and communicate effectively in diverse environments.
  • Understanding of the broader social and cultural contexts that impact DEI efforts.
  • Understanding of equity issues and a commitment to promoting fairness and equality.
• Strong self-direction and collaborative skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to develop trusting, credible relationships.
• Experience in negotiation, facilitation, problem solving, decision-making, critical thinking, analysis, organization, and time management required.
• Ability to deal with multiple complex issues and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong mediation and conflict resolution skills and ability to remain third-party neutral.
• Ability to adapt to an evolving work environment and tolerate ambiguity.
• Demonstrated computer skills using MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.).
• Experience conducting quality assurance and establishing systems to improve data integrity.
• Experience with the non-profit or social services sector, specifically housing and/or mental health is an asset.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check program.
• Legal eligibility to work in Canada.
• Working on a hybrid model, 3 days per week onsite, in downtown Toronto. The current hybrid model may be subject to change, considering business needs and responsibilities.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional organizational needs, including evening and/or weekend work.
• Ability to travel to other community-based settings as required.

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by the Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the People and Culture team of any accommodation you may require during the interview process.