About the Job:
The Director Quality, Safety and Privacy Officer is responsible for advancing client safety, service quality, organizational performance, privacy protection, risk mitigation and data-driven decision-making through an integrated approach to continuous improvement. The role is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership for quality improvement, client safety, accreditation and privacy initiatives across SHIP.
As a valued member of the senior leadership team, this role leads quality improvement activities to promote a culture of quality and client safety using evidence to improve client outcomes and developing quality improvement efforts within the organization, including leading, coaching and building capacity of cross-functional teams.
This position oversees all activities related to the implementation of, and adherence to, the organization’s privacy program and ensures operational procedures are in compliance with relevant privacy laws. The individual will manage expectations of organizations and employees about how information is collected, used, accessed, and disclosed.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Quality
- Leads quality improvement, client safety and accreditation strategies
- Operationalizes quality, client safety, accreditation and experience priorities by partnering with operational and clinical leaders to embed improvement initiatives into day-to-day operations
- Provides strategic leadership and accountability for the client safety portfolio, including serious event review, organizational learning and system-level improvement
- Leads accreditation readiness activities and supports achievement of Accreditation Canada standards and Required Organizational Practices
- In conjunction with program managers and directors develops, implements, and monitors quality improvement initiatives and maintains the Quality Dashboard
- Develops and encourages alignment between departments to ensure consistent and appropriate organizational direction through structured data and documentation
- Directs process improvement by identifying and implementing changes in work process that produce measurable improvements
- Uses Quality Improvement methodologies and practices (i.e. Plan-Do-Study-Act, 5s, Risk Assessments, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, , Lean Six Sigma)
- Works with peers and CHHO to develop, monitor and evaluate services, systems and organizational structures to ensure efficient and effective delivery of quality of services
- Assists and supports programs in developing appropriate metrics, key performance indicators and policies and procedures
- Provide RFP/Proposal/Contract feedback regarding quality/privacy/indemnity issues
- Supports the response to client, family and other relevant stakeholders for the Opinions, Complaints and Compliments process
- Coordinates and liaises with legal counsel for client complaints and other such legal matters
Privacy
- Develops, updates and provides information regarding records management policy statements, privacy policies and procedures
- Maintains policies and procedures related to Personal Health Information (PHI) access and use; ensures strict adherence by all staff with access to PHI
- Ensures personal health information and confidential information of staff, clients, partners and potential web-site visitors is maintained through the application of current policies and procedures that reinforce privacy protection
- Conducts privacy audits
- Receives and investigates actual or suspected information security and privacy incidents and breaches
- Responds to and investigates complaints about privacy practices
- Provides feedback regarding documentation compliance issues to management and staff
- Evaluates the organizations existing policies and procedures for Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) compliance by performing PHIPA risk assessments
- Collaborates with management and legal counsel to identify and address privacy policies and procedures that require improvement
- Communicates with individuals regarding their right to inspect, amend, and restrict access to their PHI.
- Serves as the internal subject matter expert on PHIPA, maintaining current knowledge of PHIPA laws and regulations, and any other applicable federal and provincial privacy laws or regulations
- Reports on changes in applicable laws and regulations and provides training as needed
Other
- Participates in internal and external committees as required
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Vision, Mission and Values
- Performs additional duties as required/delegated
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in social sciences, health sciences, law, healthcare administration or in a related field, a combination of education and experience will be considered
- 3-5 years leadership experience in quality, safety, privacy or other relevant healthcare leadership
- Proven ability to translate strategy into operational practice and sustainable improvements.
- Expertise in quality improvement, client safety, accreditation, and evidence-informed healthcare practice.
- Experience leading client safety programs, including serious event reviews, safety investigations, organizational learning, escalation pathways, and executive reporting.
- Strong systems-thinking, problem-solving, and change leadership capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to build credibility and influence from frontline teams through to executive leadership and Board stakeholders.
- Strong facilitation, collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Compassionate, emotionally intelligent leadership style with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations
- Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
- Ability to lead with cultural humility and apply inclusive approaches to decision-making and service delivery.
- Strong analytical and research capabilities with the ability to interpret complex information, identify trends, and support evidence-informed decision-making.
- Advanced understanding of healthcare systems, health service operations, policy development, accreditation requirements, and the broader healthcare environment.
- Certification in quality improvement methodologies (i.e. Six Sigma Black Belt, Internal Quality Audits) is considered an asset
- Demonstrated knowledge of and/or direct experience with Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), their associated regulations and with Freedom Of Information/Privacy Office administrative operations, Office of the Privacy Commission of Ontario
- Demonstrated knowledge of project management, quality improvement, and change management tools and approaches used in healthcare and community care settings
- Experience in undertaking information privacy impact assessments, Threat Risk Assessments or equivalent experience in the analytical review of privacy and security policies and procedures
- Superior written and oral communications, interpersonal, customer-service and conflict resolution skills
- Proficient in MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
- A vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate insurance coverage
Reporting Function:
The Director Quality, Safety & Privacy Officer reports to the Chief Health & Housing Services Officer. They are responsible to oversee daily operations and have the authority to manage staff accordingly. They work with both internal and external partners and interact with all levels within the organization.
They are a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team, clients and organization.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- Day shifts (8:30am - 4:30pm | Monday – Friday) with the ability to work excess/overtime hours where required
- Able to work well with internal and external clients
- Able to drive, walk (site locations) regularly
- Able to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
- Computer screen use (multiple screens if applicable) for prolonged periods of time
- Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
- Travel by vehicle to community sites for client support as required
Ship Values:
- Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional
About UsServices and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.
Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.
Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.
Accessibility
“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before October 15, 2026
Why Work For Us?
Work-Life Balance
SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization
Our Vision
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives
Our Mission
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness
Our Culture
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.
Our Commitment
People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:
- Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
- Comprehensive Health Plans
- Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
- 12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
- 10 Paid Vacation Days
- 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
- Generous Parental and Family Leave
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Travel Allowances
- Employee Assistance Program
- Company Culture to be Proud of
- Possibility to Create a Real Impact
35+
Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families
5,000+
Clients and Residents served annually
20+
Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario
500+
Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Non-Union | 37.5 hours per week
