Advisor, Information Access

The Coordinator, Freedom of Information manages Freedom of Information (FOI) requests for the Provincial Health Services Authority and member agencies. The Coordinator recommends information access policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance with the Act and participates in the development and delivery of freedom of information education and awareness initiatives for staff and clients.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Coordinates all corporate freedom of information requests for the Provincial Health Services Authority and member agencies. This includes receiving written applications for information and conducting a preliminary assessment of the application to determine whether it is clear, complete, and addressed to the correct public body; logging accepted requests and preparing acknowledgement letters; coordinating the collection of records with the appropriate staff; determining how complex and time consuming the request will be and preparing fee estimates when appropriate; reviewing records and leading the line by line review with the appropriate manager to determine whether there is anything that cannot be disclosed as set out in the Act; and preparing records for disclosure and recommending severing of information.
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures related to the processing of freedom of information requests. Reviews existing policies and establishes guidelines to ensure consistent policy development. Develops entries for the policy manual by analyzing previous case files, legal opinions, Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner mediation files, Information and Privacy Commissioner Orders and judicial reviews.
• Provides direction to PHSA program areas and member agency staff regarding procedures for routine disclosure of information.
• Develops and delivers education and training programs and leads awareness initiatives to educate/train staff, clients, and external customers on the requirements of the Act. Participates in the development and delivery of a corporate-wide information access and privacy education and training program in conjunction with the Information Access and Privacy team.
• Prepares reports, updates, and briefings on progress of the corporate information access program and privacy program and current freedom of information issues as requested.

A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management or other relevant discipline plus five (5) years related experience. Completion of the Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate Program is an asset.

Demonstrated communications, leadership, facilitation and coaching skills. Advanced analytical and problem solving skills. Knowledge of federal and provincial privacy legislation and requirements. Knowledge of requirements of accreditation standards relating to confidentiality. Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact with tact and diplomacy with staff at all levels within the organization. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and deliver education and training programs. Demonstrated ability to adapt and work effectively in a changing environment. Knowledge of electronic information systems and information management processes. Demonstrated expertise in the area of information access and privacy concepts, tools, and methods. Advanced proficiency with desk-top software including Excel, Access, Word, and Internet/Intranet use.