Health Information Act (HIA) Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

The Health Information Act (HIA) Policy Advisor plays a key role in supporting the development, interpretation, and application of health information policy. Working under the general guidance of the Senior Manager, Health Information Act (HIA) Policy, this position contributes to the effective administration of the Health Information Act by providing research, analysis, and expert policy advice to internal and external stakeholders. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build productive relationships across the health sector.

The job responsibilities include:

1. Policy Analysis & Legislative Interpretation

• Interpret the Health Information Act (HIA) and develop policy options, amendments, and guidance materials.
• Conduct background research and engage custodians, health service providers, and stakeholders to support policy development for Alberta Netcare.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, recommendations, and briefing materials for senior leadership.
• Identify and evaluate complex policy issues affecting the public, stakeholders, and government departments.
• Review Alberta health legislation and regulations for alignment with the Health Information Act (HIA) and recommend modifications.
• Assess provincial and federal legislation for impacts on Alberta’s health information initiatives.

2. HIA Administration, Research & Help Desk Support

• Serve as a primary contact for the Health Information Act (HIA) Help Desk, responding to inquiries from custodians, affiliates, stakeholders, and the public.
• Maintain the Health Information Act (HIA) Help Desk database and produce required reports.
• Provide policy advice to ensure compliance with the Health Information Act (HIA) across a broad range of health and related legislation.
• Maintain awareness of Alberta Netcare, Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) Orders, Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), Access to Information Act (ATIA) and federal privacy legislation as they relate to health information policy.
• Support the development of Health Information Act (HIA) training and guidance materials.

3. Working Groups & Committee Support

• Support working groups such as the Health Information and Data Governance Committee.
• Maintain terms of reference, membership lists, and SharePoint sites.
• Prepare agendas, background documents, presentations, and meeting documentation.
• Identify and resolve policy issues arising from committee activities.

4. Cross‑Ministry Policy Support

• Support cross‑government initiatives impacted by the HIA, such as information sharing initiative and Open Government/Open Data.
• Identify cross‑government issues and develop policy options, including legislative amendments, new policy documents, or training materials.
• Participate in working groups on initiatives with significant policy implications (e.g., identity management).
• Prepare correspondence for the Deputy Minister and Minister as required.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:

https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Systems Thinking

• You understand that no decision exists in isolation.
• You naturally explore interrelationships, emerging trends, and long‑term impacts to ensure the organization moves toward its goals.

• Seek insight into the implications of different options and pathways.
• Analyze long‑term outcomes with a focus on organizational goals and values.
• Identify potential unintended consequences before they arise.

Building Collaborative Environments

• You create spaces where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.
• You know that strong teams outperform individuals.
• Leverage the diverse skills and knowledge of colleagues.
• Demonstrate genuine curiosity and appreciation for others’ perspectives.
• Facilitate open, respectful communication and conflict resolution.
• Recognize and celebrate contributions across the team.

Drive for Results

• You are committed to achieving and exceeding expectations.
• You plan thoughtfully, act with accountability, and work seamlessly with others to deliver outcomes that matter.
• Develop plans informed by experience and evidence.
• Hold yourself and others accountable for high‑quality results.
• Partner with teams and stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Consistently aim to surpass performance expectations.

Creative Problem Solving

• You approach challenges with curiosity and a continuous‑improvement mindset.
• You gather insights widely and explore new methods to elevate performance.
• Ask thoughtful questions to fully understand problems.
• Identify new ways to improve processes, results, and team activities.
• Explore different work methods and share learnings from successful projects.
• Collect diverse data and perspectives to make informed decisions.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards
University graduation in a related field plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

The following experience is required:

• Strong understanding of information access and privacy legislation, including Health Information Act (HIA).
• Experience in policy research, analysis, interpretation, and development.
• Effective leadership and facilitation skills, including the ability to coordinate work groups and present information using various mediums.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

 
The following experience is considered as assets:

• Certificate in Information Access and Protection of Privacy.
• Experience working within the health system or on health‑related policy files.
• Experience contributing to legislative‑level policy development.
• Experience with related privacy legislation including Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), Access to Information Act (ATIA) and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Hours of work are 08:15 AM to 04:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Full-time permanent position and temporary position for 18 months working 36.25 hours per week.

If a security screening is required:

• Final candidates may be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required to assess your writing skills.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 – June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.