Program Assistant, Public Health - Jobs in Niagara, ON

Job Description

Important Notices & AmendmentsNiagara Region’s Public Health Department is hiring Program Assistant(s). Program Assistant(s) may assigned to support one of the following areas:Pandemic Response (including mass immunization clinics)Chronic Disease and Injury PreventionOrganizational & Foundational StandardsClinical ServicesEmergency Medical ServicesEnvironmental HealthFamily HealthWhen supporting the COVID response in Pandemic Response/Mass Immunization, Program Assistants are scheduled for 8:30am – 7:30pm shifts on a rotating schedule to cover a 7-day per week operations (i.e., Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun, Wed, Thurs), including holidays and weekends. This schedule is subject to change. Otherwise, Program Assistants typically work Monday – Friday, days..Temporary DurationWe have multiple vacancies across our Public Health Divisions, the vacancies are both temporary with approximate durations ranging from 6 to 18 months, and also permanent.About UsServing a diverse urban and rural population of more than 430,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.Job DescriptionJOB SUMMARYResponsible to the program leadership this position will support staff to ensure the efficient functioning of the assigned division area. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the Program Assistant, Public Health provides administrative and technical support to assist in the delivery of programs and services in a fast-paced and challenging environment. In order to meet the program demands and priorities, while ensuring the efficient functioning of the assigned program, this role self-schedules their workload, creates records in appropriate electronic databases, supports program events/clinics where required, including evening hours and in a variety of community settings and maintains inventory of program materials and supplies. The role is required to act in accordance with relevant legislation, codes of ethics and applicable health procedures and policies and provides front line customer service to diverse clients and their families, health care providers, partnering agencies and internal staff.QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATIONCollege Diploma – Office Administration – Executive College diploma or Health Services College diplomaOR a post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Public Health or Health Science relatedKNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE2 years recent related work experience (e.g. Public Health, health service or clinical setting experience dealing with medical and/or health terminology).Previous experience with program specific Ministry software/databases would be an asset.Previous experience and/or training in medical transcription an asset.Awareness of the Social Determinants of Health & priority populations would be an asset.SKILLSExcellent communication and interpersonal skills to respond to the diverse needs of internal and external clients in a fast-paced and challenging environment.Proficient written communication skills including the ability to communicate ideas effectively via e-mail, synthesize discussions and take minutes at meetings.Proficient ability to develop and produce health correspondence, documents, reports and financial records and record retention.Requires accuracy and attention to detail in creating medical and legal documents.Advanced proof-reading and grammar skills.Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and the various office equipment.Proficient ability to develop and/or format materials and documents in accordance with Niagara Region standards.Record/data management knowledge including file management and using databases.Previous experience with Intranet (e.g. SharePoint).Time management skills with ability to manage and reprioritize work with demands, interruptions/distractions under tight timelines with confidential material.Ability to work both independently and to function effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.Strong problem solving skills to assist stakeholders and clients navigate the various program related processes.Works with team to identify and implement opportunities for continuous quality improvementsIn addition to the Knowledge & Skills Above:In Mass Immunizations and Pandemic Response:When supporting Mass Immunizations and Pandemic Response, Program Assistants are scheduled shifts on a rotating basis to cover 7-day per week operations, including holidays and weekends. This schedule is subject to change.The Pandemic Response Program Assistant supports the COVID response by managing and actioning COVID laboratory results for cases and outbreaks, sending referrals to the assessment centres, transcribing notes and case information for Ministry reporting, data entry into the Ministry data base, providing information to the public regarding acquiring test results, updating outbreak website and providing administrative support.The Mass Immunization Supplies Program Assistant supports the COVID response by ordering and maintaining supplies needed to operate the community clinics, and by preparing inventory tracking systems in addition to various clinic signage and resources. Must be able to be on your feet for long periods of time and lift heavy boxes in order to pack for and set up at the various clinics at sites located across the Niagara Region.In Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention:

• Work collaboratively with other Divisional Program Assistants to provide administrative support to four unique teams who oversee a diverse array of topics/focus areas including:

Substance misuseInjury preventionWorkplace healthMental health and suicide preventionHealthy eatingPhysical activity, active transportation and the built environmentHealth equity and outreachYouth engagementTobacco prevention, cessation, protection and enforcementFamiliar with Tobacco Enforcement legislation (e.g. Smoke Free Ontario Act)In Clinical Services (Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Infectious Disease, Mental Health or Sexual Health:Understanding of medical terminology, health services, reportable diseases, medication/vaccine terminology and accurately enters health information into databasesPrevious experience and/or training in medical transcription (Mental Health Program only)Providing customer service to individuals seeking assistance with complex and sensitive inquiries such as sexual health, adolescent issues and vulnerable populations in a professional mannerMaintain a valid Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificateIn Environmental Health:Previous experience using provincial databases such as Hedgehog, Panorama, IPHIS, LRMA, and PHO Private Water Site would be an assetWork collaboratively with other Divisional Program Assistants to provide administrative support to a team of 5 managers, 5 Team Lead Public Health Inspectors, 2 Health Promoters, and 29 Public Health Inspectors who oversee a diverse array of topics/focus areas including:RabiesFood Safety/Farmers Markets/Special EventsPersonal Service SettingsInfection Prevention and ControlCongregate Settings (Long-term care, retirement homes, group homes)Temporary Foreign Worker HousingVector borne diseaseSchools/childcare settingsSmall Drinking Water SystemsRecreational Water/BeachesDrinking Water/Private WaterHealth HazardsIn Family Health:Understanding of medical/dental terminology, health services, medication/vaccine terminology and accurately enters health information into databasesPrevious experience and/or training in medical transcriptionIn Organizational & Foundational StandardsPrevious experience in Medical Office environmentAbility to travel to satellite offices on short noticeWorks collaboratively with other Divisional Program Assistants to provide admin support across Public HealthRecord Management experience an assetSPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons
• Must be able to work flexible hours including evening hours, notice of shift changes will be provided in accordance with the collective agreement
• Vaccinations as recommended in department policy IX-040

Closing StatementUncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.