Access & Flow Leader, Mh&sus

Salary range: The salary range for this position is CAD $50.86 - $68.21 / hour Why Fraser Health?:
Fraser Health is the second largest health system in Canada with over 45,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers, and is the largest of five regional health authorities in British Columbia, providing hospital and community-based health services to nearly 2 million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

All new hires to Fraser Health must have full COVID 19 vaccination (have received a full series of a World Health Organization “WHO” approved vaccine against infection by SARS-COV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines). Please note this applies to all postings, and individual medical exemptions must be approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

Detailed Overview:
The Access & Flow Leader is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the delivery of access & flow services across Mental Health & Substance Use Services (MH&SUS), primarily on weekends and/or as assigned. Provides leadership and direction to designated staff at Fraser Health (FH) MH&SUS assigned sites including Patient/Client Care Coordinators and/or Charge Nurses, and leadership to external health care agencies, regarding timely patient placement to and from FH MH&SUS sites. Assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of patient placement within applicable site(s) and surrounding regional/provincial health care facilities; makes critical decisions and solves complex problems which impact patient care and safety in accordance with established policies & standards of quality and patient care. Collaborates with other service providers and acts as a resource regarding access and flow issues. Facilitates alignment/realignment of staffing resources; provides timely and autonomous decisions regarding bed utilization and appropriate patient placement (access); ensures patient safety protocols are followed and staffing issues are addressed in accordance with collective agreements /administrative policies. Implements appropriate policies and procedures and provides guidance to health care teams regarding admission requirements and criteria; notifies the Manager/AOC of any actual or potential problems for resolution; maintains communications with staff, families and physicians on issues relating to patient placement, bed utilization and related information. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with site medical and clinical healthcare providers, management and administrative personnel; addresses and facilitates resolution of customer service/client relations issues. This multi-site position performs duties at MH&SUS assigned sites and requires travel to and/or work at various site Emergency departments within Fraser Health.

**Responsibilities**:

- Directs Patient Care Coordinators (PCCs) and/or Charge Nurses and coordinates appropriate patient placement and/or discharge needs.
- Facilitates timely patient placement at designated FH acute sites; coordinates patient placement activities by assessing current and projected capacity, prioritizing and expediting critical issues requiring immediate action; evaluates potential staff implications to ensure optimal flow of patients between various units on any given shift. Reports back to MH&SUS / Site Administrator On-Call (AOC) managers for preparation for regional access and flow meetings.
- Accountable for the optimal use of patient care resources; ensures that appropriate resources are available, including staffing and equipment, to provide safe care, by activities such as assesses workload/staffing needs, allocates staff and authorizes the use of overtime, and consideration of contingency staffing plans. Liaises and collaborates with Staffing Services to ensure optimal staffing levels are maintained and the use of overtime is effectively monitored. Identifies opportunities for improved utilization of resources. Advises AOC / Manager as appropriate.
- Consults with Patient Transfer Network (PTN) and community resources as required to identify appropriate care for patients by developing and maintaining an understanding of available services at external health care facilities and agencies, determining appropriate contacts, and transfers and discusses bed availability and resources on a patient-to patient basis.
- Screens higher level of care referrals for appropriate service level match, including those from other health authorities for Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) beds; liaises and communicates with clinical/medical/operational leadership regarding referral screening and outcome if required, and provides direction to applicable staff regarding patient transfer to the appropriate site/unit.
- Assesses critical situations and makes decisions on course of action, including bed utilization, authorization of bed openings, and higher level of care referrals. Liaises with and notifies MH&SUS Administrator on Call (AOC) of actual or potential problems which may have safety