Longitudinal Family Medicine Policy Analyst, Physician Services

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians.  Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we are committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, continuing care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we need leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

More specifically, the Physician Services Branch is responsible for the development and maintenance of physician related insured medical service programs by providing broad strategic leadership and developing guidelines and procedures for fee-for-service and alternate pay physicians. The Physician Services Branch is also involved in negotiations with Doctors Nova Scotia.
 

About Our Opportunity

As the Longitudinal Family Medicine (“LFM”) Policy Analyst within Physician Services you will work with the LFM Manager on policy development, program implementation, and evaluation/monitoring of the new LFM primary care payment model.  As one of the most innovative, accountable and data driven primary care remuneration strategies in the country, you will be part of our continuing commitment to evolve our understanding and remuneration of primary care services in Nova Scotia.

Working collaboratively with stakeholders and directly with physicians you will perform operational program implementation tasks as well as be part of accountability evaluation and monitoring.  You will provide research, analysis, and project management support to program evolution, done in concert with providers. Your work will be time sensitive and often require you working in a confidential capacity with sensitive information in support of LFM and other Physician Agreement and Clinical/Academic Funding Plan initiatives.
 

Primary Accountabilities

More specifically, in this position you will:

Develop and use formal processes and tools to develop policy documents, reports and recommendations and provide input into strategic decision-making related to LFM accountability and program development. Through a relationship focused orientation with key stakeholder groups, ensure sound policy development and alignment of departmental priorities with government objectives and commitments reflects all perspectives of a problem.

Undertake research, develop, and analyze policy options and make recommendations on the evolution of the LFM model as well as additional support to other branch program areas as required.

Work independently and with the LFM Manager to complete operational level email communication in response to queries from physicians and stakeholders as the program policy evolves which will also include contract amendments as clinical needs and program changes require.

Provide project management support to designated projects and initiatives that requires understanding of departmental and government issues and priorities.

Prepare submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board (e.g. memorandums to Executive Council, Reports and Recommendations to Executive Council, requests for Legislation, presentations to Issues Committee).

Support the department's corporate preparation of the annual accountability report, monitoring and documenting achievements, measuring outcomes, business plan tracking.

Provide policy advice and prepare, coordinate, and assure quality control for divisional briefing materials and briefing binders for the Minister, Deputy and Premier.

Undertake environmental scanning to identify emerging trends; respond to requests from other jurisdictions; researching best practices; and, promoting involvement by staff at all levels of the division in identification of strategies to ensure departmental goals are realized.
 

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this position, you hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as social science, public administration) as well as several years of progressive experience in policy development, reporting and program monitoring/evaluation.  

Experience in a fast paced operational project management environment is a key asset.

Knowledge of research methods, statistics, and public policy is required through demonstrated experience in evidence-based decision making. A sound knowledge and understanding of government processes will also be key in this position.

You are able to interpret, communicate and report information both verbally and in writing which is essential to this role. You excel at synthesizing information from a variety of sources including statistical reports and taking into consideration competing interests when providing analysis and recommendations.  You are adept at managing multiple projects and possess excellent organizational skills as well have experience working independently and in a busy team environment. You excel at balancing competing priorities and deadlines as well as possess excellent skill in establishing productive positive relationships with representatives of non-governmental and governmental organizations (both interdepartmentally and inter-jurisdictionally).

Proficiency with a variety of computer software programs – including Microsoft Word, Excel, database programs, and PowerPoint is also required and may be tested.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Conceptual Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Outcome Focus, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
 

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
 

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Work is done in a comfortable office environment.
 

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.