Opportunities Senior Policy Analyst

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. 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.

About Our Opportunity

As a Senior Policy Analyst with Physician Services you will work with a dynamic team on policy development implementation and evaluation/monitoring. You will provide research analysis and project management support to designated projects and initiatives including working in a confidential capacity as it relates to preparation for and support of Physician Agreement and Academic Funding Plan negotiations with Doctors Nova Scotia.

You will develop and use formal processes and tools to develop policy documents reports and recommendations and provide input into strategic decision-making.

Primary Accountabilities

Reporting to the Manager Fee For Service the Senior Policy Analyst provides leadership project management negotiation support and subject matter expertise to guide the strategic and operational direction of the Physician Services Branch and the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW). This role focuses on the FFS physician remuneration model including oversight of the Physicians Billing Manual and support to the multiparty Fee Committee.

The Analyst leads complex policy initiatives from start to finish including working groups and committees that support the implementation and management of the Physician Agreement particularly in areas related to funding allocations and physician service fees. The role involves advising leadership on sensitive and complex issues related to physician compensation and negotiations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain expertise in FFS physician remuneration fee schedules and audit processes to support program development and decision-making.
• Provide strategic and operational support to the Fee Committee collaborating with DHW branches physicians Medavie/MSI Doctors Nova Scotia and other jurisdictions to improve accountability and cost-effectiveness.
• Analyze billing trends patterns and code-specific costing; liaise with Medavie MSI on payment audit and appeal processes.
• Support corporate reporting including the annual accountability report business plan tracking and outcome measurement.
• Prepare and coordinate briefing materials for senior leadership including the Minister Deputy and Premier.
• Draft policy briefs memoranda and presentations on complex issues; ensure alignment with departmental priorities and commitments.
• Lead or contribute to submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board including legislative requests and issue briefings.
• Conduct legislative reviews jurisdictional scans and economic research to inform policy decisions and compensation agreements.
  Lead jurisdictional reviews to support negotiations and policy development including recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes.
• Promote stakeholder dialogue identify emerging trends research best practices and contribute to divisional strategies.
  Engage regularly with physicians Nova Scotia Health Authority/IWK Doctors Nova Scotia Medavie Blue Cross and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia as well as provincial/territorial counterparts to support strategic objectives.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this position you hold a bachelors 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 project management research methods statistics and public policy is necessary as is 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 as have experience working independently and in a busy team environment. You excel at balancing competing priorities and deadlines as well as possess excellent skills 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.

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 and experience to the education requirement will be considered. Applicants relying on experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement 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

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. You will have daily contact with various internal and external client partners. The scope of this role requires strong abilities in multi-tasking balancing multiple priorities meeting frequent deadlines and making time sensitive recommendations.

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.