Rural Health jobs

SUMMARY OF DUTY

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Primary Care (DPC) provides strategic and operational leadership for the planning, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Primary Care Health Services across the Athabasca Health Authority (AHA). The Director is accountable for ensuring that services are safe, culturally responsive, accessible, integrated, and aligned with AHA’s strategic priorities, applicable legislation, professional standards, and community needs, including:

· Emergency Medical Services

· Primary Health Care

· Home Care

· Diagnostic Services, Laboratory and X-ray

· Pharmacy Services

· Special Care Aides

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the DPC contributes to organizational strategy and is accountable for program leadership, workforce planning, operational performance, policy development, budgeting, risk management, quality assurance, and the establishment of consistent standards of care. The Director provides effective oversight of multidisciplinary teams and service contracts, builds productive relationships with communities and government partners, and represents AHA at provincial and interjurisdictional tables related to Primary Care Health Services.

The DPC models and advances AHA’s Vision, Mission, Principles, and Strategic Plan; promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement; and ensures all responsibilities are carried out in accordance with AHA policies, service standards, the Code of Ethics, and the Confidentiality Agreement.

· Strategic and operational leadership: Translate AHA’s strategic direction into measurable program priorities, annual operating plans, service standards, and performance objectives.

· Service delivery and quality: Oversee the delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of primary care programs, with a focus on client safety, quality, access, continuity of care, and culturally responsive practice.

· People leadership: Lead, support, and hold accountable managers and multidisciplinary teams through clear expectations, effective communication, performance management, professional development, and succession planning.

· Financial and resource stewardship: Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, monitor expenditure and service pressures, and allocate human, financial, and physical resources responsibly.

· Governance, compliance, and risk: Ensure programs comply with applicable legislation, accreditation requirements, professional standards, contractual obligations, and AHA policies; identify and address clinical, operational, and organizational risks.

· Partnerships and community engagement: Build respectful working relationships with First Nations leadership, community members, service providers, regulatory bodies, and federal and provincial partners to strengthen coordinated care.

· Performance and reporting: Use data, community feedback, and quality indicators to evaluate outcomes, guide decisions, and provide timely reports and recommendations to the CEO and Senior Management Team.

· Emergency and organizational support: Participate in emergency preparedness, incident response, and other organizational priorities as assigned by the CEO.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

· Mandatory: Current or eligible registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Saskatchewan; a Master’s or Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent .

· A minimum of five to seven years of progressive leadership and management experience in primary health care, including responsibility for programs, people, budgets, and service quality.

· Demonstrated experience working with publicly funded health services, First Nations communities, and federal or provincial government partners. Experience in northern, rural, or remote Saskatchewan is a strong asset.

· Demonstrated cultural humility and the ability to support respectful, culturally safe services in Dene and other First Nations communities.

· Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain effective relationships with employees, leadership, communities, and external partners.

· Advanced critical thinking, sound judgement, and demonstrated competence in complex problem-solving, decision-making, facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

· Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage organizational change, establish clear accountability, and achieve measurable results in a complex health care environment.

· Strong knowledge of quality improvement, patient safety, risk management, policy development, financial stewardship, and health service planning.

· Ability to travel and work flexible hours as required to support AHA communities and service operations.

· A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and the ability to travel as required.

· A satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Pay: Up to $170,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person