PLEA Community Services is currently seeking an Excluded Full-Time Accreditation Specialist for our Administration team located in Port Coquitlam, BC. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This position is excluded from BCGEU membership.

The Accreditation Specialist assesses, plans, and implements the agency's quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives to ensure continued compliance with accreditation standards. The employee will provide subject matter expertise to leadership and staff on all aspects related to CARF and Imagine Canada accreditation standards. The Accreditation Specialist also collaborates with Executive Leadership to ensure effective assessment and outcomes measurement of programs across the organization.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet departmental needs.

Closing date for Internal Applications: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in social services, business/commerce or related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively more responsible quality management and improvement experience.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual's diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do:

• Under the guidance of their supervisor, lead the agency's involvement in the accreditation process. Act as a liaison between the agency and accreditation representatives and surveyors. Coordinate preparation for the site surveys and ongoing reporting requirements with the leadership team.
• Maintain the agency's databases and drives related to its demonstration of the accreditation standards. Coordinate the updating of documents as necessary with members of the leadership team.
• In collaboration with agency leaders and staff, provide leadership in planning, developing and implementing strategies and initiatives aimed at:
• Ensuring PLEA's practices comply with and/or exceed all accreditation standards.
• Promoting and supporting a culture of continuous quality improvement.
• Improving program/service provision and client/staff safety.
• Reducing agency risks.
• Under the guidance of their supervisor, lead the quality improvement process and service evaluation through data collection, analysis, and reporting. In conjunction with program leaders, develop and implement improvement plans for areas as identified.
• Contribute to the development and review of policies, training, procedures and other guidelines related to accreditation standards. Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders, as needed.
• Align/integrate improvement efforts within the agency, with both leadership and staff. Identify and assess quality improvement needs related to the integration of quality improvement methodology, evidence-based systems, and tools within everyday work processes.
• Consult with Management team on program specific quality audits. Propose improvements to methods, systems and procedures. Coordinate and analyze agency quality improvement surveys and prepare related reports for the agency and relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and support on accreditation matters. Ensure internal compliance with accreditation standards; and coordinate submissions and filings for accreditation bodies.
• Conduct research/assessments to determine efficiency and effectiveness of agency policies and programs. Propose improvements to methods, systems and procedures to business functions.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring, and revision of policies and procedures relating to QA and QI in conjunction with senior leadership.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure the training agenda is comprehensive and relevant to the organization's needs. Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to keep the training plan updated and aligned with agency goals.
• Demonstrate expertise in outcomes measurement by utilizing data and performance indicators to assess program effectiveness and recommend evidence-based improvements aligned with accreditation standards.
• Contribute to literature reviews to stay informed on best practices, accreditation requirements, and emerging trends, ensuring that the agency's quality assurance and improvement efforts are evidence-based and up-to-date.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.

What You Will Bring:

• Strong interpersonal communication, facilitation and leadership skills, including the ability to coordinate others working on a variety of projects.
• Excellent attention to detail, including the ability to spot errors and missing details.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas and prepare professional, comprehensive written materials.
• Proven planning, organizational, analytical, time and general management skills, including the capacity to identify and analyze operational needs, and develop plans and priorities.
• Ability to foster effective working relationships with colleagues throughout the agency, other organizations, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals' social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions and be held accountable for results.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to their portfolio.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, database systems and web-based conferencing tools.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

PLEA offers a comprehensive set of benefits and perks! These include:

• Four (4) weeks of vacation annually.
• A benefits package and enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan (effective on your first day!)
• A physical activity fund.
• Training and development dollars.
• A number of agency-sponsored social events, including a summer barbeque, annual holiday party, and a team day each year.

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 or 7N B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work on an ongoing basis in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicants' credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.