Health System Planning Consultant

Health System Planning Consultant (London-Middlesex)

Quality and Strategy - London, Ontario

Title: Lead Agency Consultant (London-Middlesex)

Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness is proud to be recognized across Southwestern Ontario as a trusted leader in children’s mental health. We are the Lead Agency for Child and Youth Mental Health System planning in London-Middlesex and Oxford-Elgin. We have been serving our community for over 60 years, and supporting children and families struggling with mental health challenges.  

As a registered not-for-profit organization, we are funded by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. We deliver culturally responsive, accessible mental health services to children, youth, and families while providing system leadership and advocating to improve care in our community.  

Position Summary:  

Here we grow again! Are you ready to shape the future of work in a dynamic, people-first organization? Vanier is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Lead Agency Consultant to lead and support strategic planning and implementation for children’s mental health in London-Middlesex counties. This role is ideal for a collaborative professional who is passionate about health system improvement, stakeholder engagement, evidence-based practice, and data-informed decision-making.  

Reporting to the Manager, Lead Agency, Data and Quality, you will be a key member of the Lead Agency team. Your contributions will involve developing and leading large, complex community planning projects, Multi-year service planning, and analyzing programs and services to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, you will play a vital role in building relationships across the health system by collaborating with community agencies, hospitals, primary care providers, and government entities.  

Education/Training/Experience:  

• Master’s degree in health administration, social sciences, health planning, business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a health care and or children’s mental health environment.  

• 5 years’ experience working in a healthcare, government, or community sector.  

• Quality improvement training from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI), certification in LEAN and/or Six Sigma is an asset.  

• Change management training and certification would be an asset.  

• Project Management training; PMP certification would be an asset.  

• Highly proficient with Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, Teams).  

• Expert knowledge of planning and analysis methodologies, enabling effective recommendations.  

• Strong understanding of the current and changing dynamics of the children’s mental health sector and issues.  

• Proven understanding and experience with embedding quality improvement initiatives.  

• Demonstrated financial competence and experience creating funding requests and working with budgets.  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with other staff and to liaise with colleagues across the southwestern region and the province.  

• Must be highly organized and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.  

• Uses information to make informed decisions and provides advice; exercises a high degree of independence and professional judgment in problem solving.  

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.  

• Strong attention to detail; demonstrated integrity and professionalism.  

• Excellent analytical, presentation, and problem-solving skills required.  

• Commitment to incorporating cultural competence and equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into all aspects of work.

Role and Responsibilities:    

Strategic Planning & Implementation  

• Supports the management of complex planning projects and initiatives for transforming children's mental health within the health system.  

• Leads the development of mental health planning for children within the health system to identify system gaps and opportunities for improvement.  

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building  

• Engages with internal and external stakeholders to gather input, assess impact, and build consensus on planning recommendations for system improvement.  

• Leads implementation and quality improvement activities related to healthcare planning to improve children’s mental health services.  

• Communicates emerging community issues and opportunities requiring planning responses using predictive models and community feedback.  

Data Analysis & Reporting  

• Analyze local healthcare system data, community input, and provincial sources to identify service gaps and establish planning priorities.  

• Support annual and quarterly reporting for key business priorities and special projects.  

• Work with the lead agency team to coordinate data dashboards, project schedules, and progress reports to support complex projects.  

Project Management  

• Applies project planning best practice approaches/tools, or validated program planning models to translate vision and program objectives into concrete activities.  

• Conducts environmental scans or needs assessments to inform analysis and design, and community plans.  

• Revises and develops project plans to adapt to changing priorities and conditions, ensuring that targets are met.  

Quality Improvement  

• Promotes continuous quality improvement by leading initiatives such as LEAN and Six Sigma to enhance efficiency and reduce waste, resulting in better quality of care for our clients and their families.  

Clinical Excellence  

• Partners with clinical leaders to effectively implement evidence-based clinical programs and guidelines, ensuring the highest standards of care and improved patient outcomes.  

• Stay informed about best practices and current literature in the field.  

Requirements:  

• A Valid Driver’s License and Access to a Reliable Vehicle  

• 2 Step TB test  

• Vulnerable Sector Check/Broad Record Check  

Schedule:  

• 35-hour work week  

• Monday- Friday  

• After hours and evenings on occasion

Benefits:  

• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)  

• Extended Health Care  

• Dental Plan  

• Vision Care  

• Disability & Life Insurance  

• Employee & Family Assistance Program  

• Starting at 4 Weeks' Vacation  

• Statutory Holidays, including a Float Day  

• Free On-Site Parking

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