Nurse Consultant

About the role

The Nurse Consultant position provides specialized public health nursing, immunization and vaccine preventable disease (VPD) subject matter expertise, in alignment with the strategic priorities of Public Health Ontario. The Nurse Consultant position will be supporting immunization and vaccine preventable diseases including public health guidance and consultations on immunization, VPDs and vaccine safety. Key Responsibilities- Provide specialized nursing subject matter expertise in the planning and management of a sound, innovative science-based program and provide input into developing and implementing public health strategies in the field of vaccine preventable diseases and immunization Leads and contributes to the development, dissemination, delivery and evaluation of a range of initiatives including educational and professional development programs, best practices, tools, protocols, guidelines and resources to build capacity across the health care continuum in support of immunization science, as well as a comprehensive and systematic approach to identify, reduce and mitigate the risk and incidence of vaccine preventable diseases. Assist with the review of scientific and technical literature and provide advice and field support to internal and external stakeholders. Respond to inquiries from stakeholders on a wide variety of relevant issues and provide timely guidance and advice based on current evidence and best practices. Provide scientific advice or technical support as part of PHO program evaluations to assess the effectiveness of programs and public health interventions. Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications and technical reports to communicate trends, investigative findings and the broader public health community as appropriate. Keep abreast of the latest research and developments in immunization and vaccine preventable diseases within PHO and at other institutions. Represent PHO and promote its mandate and strategic initiatives through presentations and other activities. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge and Skills- Thorough professional nurse subject matter expertise and knowledge of vaccine preventable disease prevention and control and immunization best practices and standards. Knowledge of the operations and authority of the various local stakeholders in the immunization system, with a thorough understanding of relevant regulations, and regulatory trends related to public health and public health nursing, acute care, and long-term care. Excellent knowledge of and expertise in vaccine preventable diseases or immunization including understanding of current theory, research and public health surveillance and epidemiology Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and relationship building skills, ability to interact well with all stakeholders, maintain effective linkages with all levels of contacts; proven ability to work as a collaborative team member with a track record in developing professional networks/partnerships. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide subject matter expertise in an assigned content area to both internal and external stakeholders (e.g. public health unit staff, health care providers in different healthcare sectors to inform decision making, clarify protocols and support issues resolution). Strong knowledge of and skills in critical appraisal and evidence-based research methods to synthesize relevant sources of information, translate scientific evidence and apply it to public health practice Ability to facilitate groups, deliver formal learning/training sessions and presentations using adult learning techniques within a variety of settings for professional staff. Good oral communication skills with an ability to initiate and model positive change. Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in nursing and current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario is required. Three to five years' nursing experience in a vaccine preventable disease or immunization program area in a public health setting is required. A Masters' degree in public health (i.e. MPH), nursing or related discipline is preferred. Attributes and Competencies- Highly organized, with an ability to determine priorities and plan activities while performing a variety of different responsibilities with conflicting deadlines, particularly to determine the importance and urgency of issues and to respond effectively to fluctuating workload demands in a fast-paced environment. Strong written communication and editorial skills to prepare briefing notes, reports, letters, presentations, educational sessions and a wide variety of other materials. Strong oral communication, facilitation and presentation skills to facilitate groups, deliver formal learning/training sessions and presentations within a