LEAP - Professional Advocacy Officer

British Columbia Nurses' Union; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 88,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Columbia Nurses' Union seeks a LEAP Professional Advocacy Officer for a full-time role in Burnaby. This position involves day-to-day administration of the LEAP program, providing essential advocacy support to union members, and maintaining relations with healthcare regulatory bodies. The ideal candidate will have relevant educational backgrounds, strong conflict resolution skills, and the ability to navigate complex advocacy scenarios within the nursing profession.

Qualifications

• Education in labour relations, law, or nursing.
• Exceptional conflict resolution skills.
• Advocacy experience with understanding of mental health and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provides consulting and case management for union members.
• Researches and prepares cases for representation.
• Maintains knowledge of legislative requirements and advocates for system improvements.

Skills

Conflict Resolution

Advocacy

Communication

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Education

College or University education in labour relations, law or nursing

Job description

The BC Nurses' Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 48,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.

Job Title : LEAP Professional Advocacy Officer

Regular Full-Time

Posting # : USW-020-25

Bargaining Unit : USW 2009

Pay Grade : 104,548.80

Starting : May 2025

Posting Period : May 6th to 22nd, 2025

Position Overview

Responsible for day-to-day administration of the Licensing, Education, Advocacy, and Practice (LEAP) program.

Key Responsibilities

Provides consultative, advisory, advocacy and case management services to Union members with professional practice issues; liaises and coordinates activities with other bodies such as the BC College of Nurses and Midwives ("BCCNM") and the Health Professions Review Board ("HPRB"). Advocates for fair and due process for members with practice complaints; registration matters and fitness concerns.

• Investigates and researches individual members' cases involving professional practice issues including complaints to the college. Support members with fitness concerns to access medical assessment and intervention programs.
• Researches case histories, legal precedents and applicable legislation, prepares cases for representation and makes submissions to regulatory bodies.
• Establishes relationship with regulators and other interested parties. Advocates for system improvements.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable legislation, standards of practice, bylaws and regulations.
• Provides regular verbal and written reports, develops policy submissions, etc., as directed by the Director.
• Maintains and updates case files in accordance with policies.
• Administers LEAP in a manner consistent with program principles.

Provides information, interpretation, support, and instruction to staff, Council, stewards and members on matters related to LEAP.

• Ensures that stewards know how to access LEAP services and that they are aware of trends with respect to regulation of healthcare professionals.
• Provides assistance in developing training programs, as assigned.
• Facilitates workshops and makes presentations to Council, stewards, members, and staff.

Serves as union's in-house expert and staff lead on LEAP matters, and works with other staff and departments collaboratively.

• Collaborates with LROs and other departments and provides technical expertise on LEAP matters.
• Provides input into the operational plan and collaborates with team members to ensure successful implementation of the plan. Oversees the work of and provides direction to assigned support staff.
• Refers and / or escalates out-of-scope issues to appropriate BCNU resource(s).
• Participates in team meetings and projects.
• Orientates new staff as required.

Oversees the work of and provides work direction to assigned administrative staff.

• Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel.
• Delegates work appropriately to administrative staff.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful applicant must have :

• College or University education in an approved labour / industrial relations, law and / or nursing program or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Exceptional conflict resolution skills, preferably with formal training at institutions such as the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
• Demonstrated ability and recent progressive experience in an advocacy position with a thorough understanding of substance abuse, mental health issues, legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated written and verbal advocacy skills.
• Ability to interpret the Health Professions Act, Standards of Practice, college bylaws and regulations. Good knowledge of nurses' employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing practice.
• Good verbal, written and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with Lawyers, Physicians, Managers, Government and Regulatory Personnel, Council and Labour Relations personnel. Demonstrated ability to write submissions, and medical legal requests.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with members, elected officers and co-workers.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team.
• Knowledge of privacy legislation.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Dealing with Ambiguity
• Composure
• Functional / Technical Skills
• Learning on the Fly
• Negotiating
• Presentation Skills
• Knowledgeable about Relevant Legislation / Jurisprudence / Regulations / Bylaws / Standards of Practice
• Advocacy
• LEAP Provisions and Appeals
• Member Focus
• Timely Decision Making
• Delegation
• Informing
• Political Savvy
• Teamwork
• Managing Diversity
• Compassion
• Problem Solving
• Decision Quality
• Priority Setting
• Strategic Agility
• Time Management

Why BCNU?

BCNU values, respects and protects diversity. We take pride in representing a diverse membership and staff. We offer an inclusive and supportive workplace with opportunities for career development and professional advancement as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package.

If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we'd like to hear from you!

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