Manager, Health Services

Primary Purpose: The Manager is responsible for oversight and excellence in all aspects of patient care services, in portfolio, within the Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC), to support the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) mission of excellence in patient care, student learning and discovery.

Nature of Work:  Reporting to the VMC Directors this position is a member of the VMC Management team who is directly responsible for managing operations and strategic direction to the assigned areas of specialty. This position works closely with the leadership team in the VMC, clinicians, interns, residents, student services and strategic business. The manager works collaboratively with the other Health Services Manager. A high level of adaptability is required for critical decisions, continuous planning, balancing multiple projects and managing competing deadlines. A high level of adaptability is required for continuous planning, dealing with multiple projects, and competing deadlines.

Located at the WCVM, the VMC is a premiere 24/7 emergency referral and primary care center that provides quality care and specialized services for a wide range of animal species. The VMC admits over 17,000 cases annually, including referral cases from veterinarians across Western Canada.  The environment is fast paced and dynamic, therefore the Manager must be able to balance competing priorities and projects. The incumbent will be required to deal with sensitive and emotional situations that require tact and confidentiality.

Accountabilities

Care Services:

• Currently supporting large animal and pharmacy teams; however it is expected that this position operates with a teamwork mentality and a requirement to support the other VMC Managers will arise on occasion. As this is a dynamic work environment, portfolios are subject to change.
• Establish and maintain evidence-based leading practice in all patient care standards.
• Serve as a clinical resource lead to all hospital services;
• Primary lead for VMC Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPAC) including surveillance, and act as the Chair for IPAC Committee; Collaborate with VMC leadership, WCVM leadership, Faculty, and Strategic Business Advisors.

Teaching & Mentoring:

• Collaborating closely with the Associate Dean Clinical Programs and Student Services to ensure clinical services align with 4th year teaching schedules.
• Ensuring and measuring skill development in clinical teaching, within RVT staff, for teaching DVM students and Veterinary Technology students.

People Resources

• Collaborate with other managers to ensure recruitment, orientation, and training of staff are complete in a thorough and timely manner.
• Manage coaching, disciplinary action, and development activities with staff to build and maintain a productive and effective team.
• Attend job fairs and other recruitment initiatives where Veterinary Technology or Animal Health Science programs are taught;
• In collaboration with other VMC Managers, manage hiring and distribution for Christmas and summer students.
• Advise direct reports on policy, new initiatives, and emerging challenges, with other managers.
• Participate in strategic planning and people planning;
• Collaborate with other VMC Managers for recruitment, retention, and training for volunteer services with other managers.
• Promote and nurture a culture of diversity, collegiality, and acceptance with the VMC, WCVM, and university.

Administration

• Responsible for the monitoring of resources and management of area budget including contributing to annual budgeting processes.
• Responsible to help ensure a safe and healthy work environment, including sharing responsibility for OH&S including introduction of safety measures and equipment, and supporting the local safety committee.
• Collaborating with management team and University supports to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Be engaged self-development and continuous learning in areas of supervision, management and leadership.

Qualifications

Education:

Post Secondary Education is considered an asset.

Clinical experience in a veterinary medical setting or health care setting would be considered an asset. Combinations of experience and education that provide a history of proven leadership will be considered and evaluated by the Director team.

If you feel this position suits your skills and abilities, please apply with a cover letter explaining how your background will lead to success within the role.   

Experience: Minimum five years of proven successful experience in a leadership role, preferably within the veterinary or health care field.  Experience in hospital or clinic management would be considered an asset. Must have experience working in and promoting a diverse and inclusive environment.

Skills:

• Demonstrated aptitude for leadership; ability to lead, engage, manage, and support others. Ability to evaluate and direct the work of others.
• Knowledge of the University, WCVM and VMC policies/procedures with the ability to make sound decisions within the framework of these policies.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal communication (verbal & written) skills.
• Possess and display initiative, tact, diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of a hospital environment.
• Effective management, organizational, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and confident decision-making. Ability to set priorities and align goals with strategic plan.
• Possess and display initiative, tact, diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Proven proficient computer application skills.
• Highly motivated, demonstrating leadership in a flexible and collaborative manner.
• Demonstrated ability to think and act systematically and strategically while exercising diplomacy and creativity in resolving issues.
• Demonstrated ability to make evidence-based decisions with a commitment to quality.

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30: Please note that this is a 24/HR clinic, and the ability to support staff outside of regular hours is a requirement.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.00
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,830.00 - 112,200.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Managerial
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 3
Posted Date: 4/11/2024
Closing Date: 4/24/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus