Communications Officer – Permanent Part-Time (0.5 FTE)

Kemptville District Hospital is seeking a Communications Officer to join our growing team!

Why should you work at KDH?

• Competitive wages based on central and local collective agreements
• Excellent benefits with medical, dental and vision plans for full-time employees (extended healthcare and/or dental care available for part-time employees)
• HOOPP Pension program
• Reimbursement for recertification of BCLS, ACLS, and TNCC
• Internal cross-training opportunities
• Regular meetings with managers to engage and provide feedback
• Recognition programs
• Long service awards
• Employee discounts through corporate partnerships
• Small rural community hospital with a wide variety of services that has a big impact on regional programs
• 20 minutes south of Ottawa on the 416 going against traffic = easy commute
• Rural living with all the amenities of city life

Key Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP:

• Communicates and promotes the vision, mission, values and goals of the Hospital to internal and external stakeholders;
• Participates in strategic planning and resource planning;
• Facilitates the effective integration of the strategic plan within the incumbent’s department;
• Effectively leads and manages change processes within the incumbent’s department;
• Manages financial resources, ensures expenses stay within policy guidelines, and implements cost-saving measures for their department;
• Develops and promotes a climate that fosters and supports cooperation, team work, commitment, creativity and critical thinking directed at improving patient and family centred care and experience. Also promotes empowerment, accountability, membership in professional associations and recognition of staff at all levels;
• Promotes coordination and collaboration with Canadian Accreditation Standards;
• Provides input into Senior Leadership Team decision-making and planning;
• Provides input into formulation of corporate level policy and direction by providing data and information to senior leadership and board members;
• Develops and implements policies and processes in cooperation with and for approval by the CEO;
• Attends special events and activities organized by the Hospital or runs on its behalf and maintains a record of activities;
• Utilizes project management principles and practices to ensure project goals, methods, activities and outcomes on behalf of the Hospital;
• Participates in committees as required;
• Ensures that staff and themself adhere to KDH’s commitment to Patient and Family Centred Care principles whose core concepts are dignity and respect, information sharing, participation and collaboration.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION PLANNING:

• Collaborates with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and implement annual communication strategies aligned with the hospital’s mission, vision, and goals and designed to help KDH achieve its strategic objectives;
• Identifies key communication objectives and target audiences to tailor messaging appropriately;
• Continuously assesses the effectiveness of communication strategies and makes adjustments as necessary’
• Ensures elevation and consistency of the KDH brand through effective brand management.

MEDIA RELATIONS:

• Serves as the primary liaison between the hospital and media outlets;
• Drafts press releases, statements, and media advisories to announce significant hospital news, events, or initiatives;
• Coordinates media inquiries and interviews, ensuring accurate representation of the hospital’s activities and positions;
• Prepares KDH leadership for interviews by developing and discussing key messages, potential Q&A, etc.

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:

• Produces Health Matters magazine two times per year to help achieve hospital and KDH Foundation objectives;
• Develops and implements advertising campaigns on request;
• Provides communications assistance to KDH Auxiliary, Patient and Family Advisory Committee, Board of Directors and KDH departments on request;
• Develops and implements communication plans for special projects such as Accreditation;
• Produces brochures/flyers/signs on request.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:

• Develops and manages internal communication channels to foster transparency, engagement, and alignment among hospital staff;
• Produces newsletters, memos, and other internal communications to keep staff informed about organizational updates, policies, and events;
• Utilizes the KDH SharePoint site for internal communications;
• Organizes staff meetings, town halls, and other open forums to facilitate dialogue and feedback mechanisms.

DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT:

• Oversees the hospital’s digital presence, including the KDH website, social media platforms, and email newsletters;
• Creates compelling and relevant content for online distribution, adhering to brand guidelines and industry best practices;
• Monitors online conversations and engages with stakeholders to address inquiries, feedback, and concerns;
• Promotes engagement of internal stakeholders via social media recognition of KDH roles/departments.

CRISIS COMMUNICATION:

• Develops crisis communication protocols and procedures in coordination with the CEO and senior leadership;
• Acts as a spokesperson during emergencies or crisis situations, providing timely and accurate information to internal and external stakeholders;
• Implements strategies to mitigate reputational risks and maintain public trust during challenging circumstances.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

• Cultivates relationships with community partners, advocacy groups, and local stakeholders to promote collaboration and support hospital initiatives;
• Represents the hospital at community events, conferences, and meetings to raise awareness and enhance public perception.
• Participates on external committees with community partners such as the Ottawa West Four Rivers OHT and the OHA.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Demonstrates ongoing commitment to all Occupational Health & Safety and WSIB legislation and regulations hereunder and ensures that all managers are in compliance with Occupational Health & Safety legislation, safe work practices, policies and procedures.
• Is fully knowledgeable of their responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations (Sections 25 & 26) and the Hospital’s Occupational Health & Safety program and works in compliance with these provisions in order to create an environment which is conducive to health and safety.
• Accountable for the health and safety of all workers under their supervision ensuring that they work in compliance with established safe work practices, policies and procedures, by conducting safety information sessions and training to employees, observing employee safety practices, and recognizing positive safety behaviour.
• Responsible for performing workplace inspections as required.
• Ensures that thorough investigations are conducted and documented on all workplace incidents reported by their employees.
• Demonstrates commitment to patient, resident and staff safety. They protect their own health and safety by working in compliance with:
  • The Occupational Health & Safety Act (section 28);
  • Safe work practices;
  • Policies and procedures as established by the hospital.
• Attends hospital Health & Safety In-Services, when provided, and addresses any unsafe conditions/procedures.
• Supports Client / Patient Safety by:
  • Promoting a safe and comfortable environment. All health care providers should feel safe and comfortable asking questions or discussing the client’s needs and best interests. Everyone should feel equally responsible for the client’s safety and care;
  • Promoting and supporting a blame-free environment and encouraging reporting through the Risk Incident Management Software, which is used to identify client safety risks, cause and changes/resolutions;
  • Suggesting and supporting changes including monitoring implemented changes to ensure effectiveness and elimination of client safety risks;
  • Promoting multidisciplinary communication. Creates and support an environment for communicating knowledge and sharing experiences that are geared toward minimizing the risk to client safety;
  • Providing and making available resources and tools that are aimed at minimizing the risk to client safety.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred;
• Proven experience in communications, preferably in a healthcare or hospital setting;
• Experience developing and implementing communication strategies and developing communication materials;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages for diverse audiences;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders;
• Proficiency in media relations, crisis communication, and digital/social media management;
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Suite applications, SharePoint, and social media platforms;
• Experience with WordPress or other website content management system;
• Experience with Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and/or Illustrator
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on achieving measurable results;
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive information;
• Ability to work effectively in an environment that can be fast-paced with multiple priorities and accountabilities;
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and navigate complex organizational environments;
• Ability to understand financial implications of functioning of one’s department.

Starting Wage:

$56.12 per hour (commensurate with experience)

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Kemptville District Hospital recognizes that bias and discrimination are barriers to the equitable treatment of individuals and groups in our society. Fostering an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our people, perspectives, policies, and programs will help to achieve our mission. We are committed to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of all staff and team members who respect and reflect the diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of Canada’s population. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where our team feels empowered to bring their whole self to work every day.

Please note: In order to work in a healthcare facility, the Public Hospitals Act 1990, Regulation 965 requires all employees to provide proof of up-to-date immunization/vaccines for the following diseases: Tuberculin Skin Testing (TB), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chicken Pox), Hepatitis B, Tetanus/Diphtheria (DTap), Influenza (during flu season) and three COVID shots. This proof must be provided to our Occupational Health Office in order to be cleared to work.

Submit your resumé and covering letter by mail, fax or email to:

Mail:
Manager, Human Resources/Labour Relations
Kemptville District Hospital
2675 Concession Rd., PO Box 2007,
Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0
Fax: 613.258.7853
Email: hr@kdh.on.ca
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