Environmental Services Consultant

Reporting to the Director, Operational Quality, this role is responsible for partnering with operational leaders in LTC Homes and Retirement Communities across the Resident Care Division (the “Division”) to enhance clinical and operational excellence. The Environmental Services Consultant will be a collaborative facilitator focused on continuously improving Environmental Services within LTC Homes and Retirement Communities through proactive mitigation of environmental safety issues with implementation of quality improvement initiatives resulting from the analysis of quality and safety data.

This role will also work in partnership with the Corporate Quality & Risk team and other corporate departments to ensure the successful design and implementation of operational standards and best practices, and continuous learning opportunities resulting in high quality outcomes and exceptional resident and staff experience.

This position is located in Alberta and will require travel within Manitoba.

Accountabilities

In partnership with the operational leaders in the Resident Care Division; Consultants in Operational Quality & Resident Experience; and Corporate Quality and Risk team members, the Environmental Services Consultant will have the following accountabilities, which will be carried out primarily in the assigned LTC Homes and Retirement Communities (i.e. ,80% of time is in the assigned homes):

Quality & Safety

• Supports the design and implementation of environmental service standards across the Division in alignment with best practices and applicable legislation/regulations
• Support safety incident processes and practices in the form of audits; interviews with staff; and participation in root cause analyses; analysis of resident/staff-related risk and safety trends; and implementation of action plans across the Division

Training & Education

• Contributes to the design and implementation of standardized education and training curriculum that will optimize the roles related to environmental services.
• Fosters a culture of continuous quality improvement in alignment with the operating models across the Division by sharing best practices.
• Teaches and trains new, existing, and returning staff (e.g., front line environmental services staff) and leaders (e.g., Support Service managers) on policies and standard operating procedures including but not limited to environmental services and any other regulatory and quality assurance standards for LTC homes and Retirement Communities.
• Leverages adult education methodologies to meet the diverse learning needs of staff and leaders in the Homes/Communities.
• Facilitates knowledge translation and exchange across the Division.
• Promotes a just safety culture and a continuous learning environment through non-punitive approaches to learning from errors.

Continuous Quality Improvement

• Identifies, co-designs and supports the implementation of continuous quality improvement initiatives across the Division that will result in safe, reliable, and effective resident care and staff experience with a focus on environmental services.
• Participates in the development of and leads the implementation of quality improvement initiatives that align to Extendicare’s strategic quality priorities.
• Collaborates with Homes/Communities to foster and hardwire a culture of performance excellence through in-person role modeling, coaching and mentoring of staff and leaders.

Quality Assurance, Compliance & Performance

• Monitors quality, safety, and enterprise risk management practices across the Division to ensure implementation and sustainability of Extendicare’s quality and resident safety framework
• Provides implementation support for quality assurance processes, practices, and action plans including, but not limited to, those related to Accreditation and federal/provincial regulations; and
• Creates, shares, and discusses performance results related to quality and experience indicators to drive data-informed decision making.
• Provides support for operational decision making related to improving the experience for residents and staff in the following ways:
• Reviewing housekeeping, laundry, pest control and general waste management systems, processes, and procedures in Homes/Communities, including making recommendations and providing support for improvement.
• Observing the condition of the physical environment and collaborating with the leadership of the Homes/Communities and the Engineering Department to address any identified opportunities for improvement/risk mitigation.
• Ensuring environmental services and practices align with applicable Occupational Health and Safety legislation and Extendicare policies

Qualifications:

• Post Secondary Education in Environmental Services or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in progressive positions, preferably in LTC Homes and/or Retirement Communities
• Experience in design and construction, architectural plans, and cleaning principles/methods
• Experience in implementation and evaluation of infection control standards and processes
• Experience with quality improvement theory, methodologies, and science
• Experience in project coordination and change management in relation to advancing the quality of environmental services
• Experience with data analysis to determine performance improvement opportunities
• Ability to understand and apply legislative, regulatory, and quality assurance frameworks related to environmental services in LTC Homes and Retirement Communities
• Experience partnering with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal skills in consensus-building, negotiation, and conflict resolution
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Passion for safety, culture change and service excellence
• Ability and commitment to regularly travel across assigned provinces (i.e., 80% of role is in the Homes/Communities); occasional travel may be required to Manitoba.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable Vehicle required.

What Extendicare has to offer:

At Extendicare, we believe that working as a team creates an environment that allows us to reach our potential. We value each employee, encourage equal opportunity for growth and recognize achievement. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• Continuous mentorship, support for life-long learning and growth opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement and career growth within the organization
• A rewarding and meaningful work experience where you can enrich your life and the lives of others through your work.
• Employee Family Assistance Program.
• Robust benefits package.

Extendicare is a leading provider of care and services for seniors throughout Canada. Through our network 123 owned and operated long-term care homes, as well as our home health care operations serving more than 10,000 patients annually, we provide people with the care they need wherever they call home. Our qualified and highly trained workforce of 22,000 individuals are united by a dedication to quality care and by our vision for a future where everyone in Canada has access to the care and support they need to live their best lives.

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