Come work as a Freedom of Information Advisor with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Reporting to the Chief Privacy Officer, the Freedom of Information Advisor assists the Chief Privacy Officer in performing the duties of “Head” under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The Freedom of Information Advisor coordinates and processes corporate FOI requests for Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), provides support to staff in complying with FIPPA and, on behalf of the organization, participates in mediations and inquiries with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC).

In processing FOI requests the Freedom of Information Advisor liaises with staff in other departments within VCH, including Communications, Risk Management & Client Relations, Employee Engagement, Health Records, Community Care Facilities Licensing and other areas. The Freedom of Information Advisor also works collaboratively with the FOI offices at the other BC Health Authorities, other public bodies, and branches within the BC Government to achieve FOI standards and goals.

As a Freedom of Information Advisor with Vancouver Coastal Health you will:

• Participate in activities to foster information access and privacy awareness within VCH.
• Work with the FOI Intake Officer to receive and respond to routine requests for information and FOI requests for corporate records.
• Upon request, provide support to Health Records, Employee Engagement and other departments in release of information matters.
• Assist in implementing a proactive disclosure program for corporate records.
• Coordinate with staff on FOI requests and provides support and advice to staff in complying with obligations under FIPPA.
• Communicate with FOI applicants and members of the public to answer inquiries and provide assistance in release of information matters.
• Administer processes for receiving and tracking FOI files including requests, consultations from other public bodies and appeals to the OIPC.
• Investigate and take action on complaints received from applicants and members of the public regarding access to information.
• Cooperate with the OIPC, relevant government agencies/branches and internal staff in compliance reviews and investigations.
• Maintain current knowledge and awareness of FOI and privacy laws, case decisions, trends and issues.

Education & Experience

• Undergraduate Degree from a recognized University with a minimum of two (2) years’ recent, related experience or a minimum of five (5) years’ directly-related work experience.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Demonstrates experience with and knowledge of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Ability to organize, review and analyze the contents of large numbers of corporate records with excellent attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of confidentiality and ability to exercise discretion and tact in dealing with staff and members of the public.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to negotiate and problem solve in conflict situations and to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and skills in decision-making.
• Demonstrates ability to prioritize workload in order to meet legislative and internal deadlines.
• Ability to understand legislation and case law and to apply legal principles to information in records.

As per the current Public Health Orders, as of October 5, 2023, all employees working for Vancouver Coastal Health must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have received a single dose of the most-recent, updated COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

Why Join Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH):

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2024.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.


***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.