Access & Privacy Advisor

This position is responsible for processing requests under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act to comply with legislated timelines and applicable legislation, delegations, policies and FOIP framework. This position also provides advisory services on access, privacy, and security requirements to assist Sturgeon County to comply with legislation. This position develops and delivers training sessions and other resources and services to promote awareness and understanding of FOIP to Sturgeon County and the public. 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Processing Requests Under the FOIP Act (45%) 

• Processes access requests for records in the custody or under the control of Sturgeon County. 
• Appropriately applies exclusions, exemptions, and exceptions to disclosure. 
• Clarifies requests with applicants; undertakes and documents adequate searches for records; develops fee estimates; consults with third parties, departmental staff, other public bodies, and legal counsel when required; identifies issues and reviews recommendations with the Manager, Legislative Services.

Providing Advisory Services on Access, Privacy, and Security Requirements in Compliance with Legislation (25%) 

• Understands and interprets FOIP, guidelines and practices, relevant Orders and Court decisions, to provide advice in relation to FOIP. 
• Monitors and provides consultative services to other departments in information requests as well as coordinates and responds to sensitive/in depth requests. 
• Provides advice and guidance on the collection, use, protection, and disclosure of personal information to internal and external customers pursuant to the FOIP Act. 
• In cooperation with employees, works on internal privacy compliance reviews to determine if FOIP privacy requirements (collection, use, disclosure, protection, retention, and correction) are met. Provides direction and recommendations to achieve compliance. 
• Collaborates with stakeholders to write and review Privacy Impact Assessments. 
• Assesses and analyzes with employees, alleged contraventions of privacy breaches, seriousness, and likelihood of harm; makes recommendations on reporting, remediation, mitigation, and prevention strategies. 
• Reviews internal forms, provides advice and maintains the County’s Personal Information Bank. 
• Monitors decisions of the Information & Privacy Commissioner and shares pertinent decisions, legislative changes and provides direction for required changes with corporate impact and strategic direction. 
• Liaises with the IM Team Lead to provide direction on contracts/agreements, research agreements and personal information sharing agreements so that security and confidentiality measures comply with the legislated requirements. 

Promoting Awareness (10%) 

• Develops, communicates, and maintains guiding documents and best practices with respect to access and privacy requirements and security measures to protect privacy interests. 

• Develops orientation and training material and delivers sessions to all levels of employees about the interpretation and application of the FOIP Act.
• Participates in FOIP Network meetings.

Other Related Duties (20%) 

• Establishes work priorities, ensures deadlines are met, prepares reports and correspondence. 

• Adheres to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System. 

• Performs the duties of an Information Management Contact for the department. 

• Provides back-up support for the Legislative Advisor.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE 

Required:

• In-depth knowledge of access to information and privacy principles and legislation, specifically the FOIP Act.

• Completion of Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate.

• Post-secondary certificate or diploma in Records and Information Management.

• Interpersonal skills to work effectively and professionally with staff, members of the FOIP community, and the public.   
• Strong research, analytical, and interpretive abilities in order to provide sound advice, interpretation, and guidance on the FOIP Act. 
• Ability to analyze legal issues, including problem solving skills and ability to provide outcomes and solutions. 
• Computer knowledge and competencies, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point, Rapid Redact, and Adobe. 
• Effective written and verbal communications, including contributing, preparing, presenting reports, guiding documents, and training materials. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally verbally and in writing, including being adaptable, receptive, and timely when communicating with others. 

• Effective conflict and problem resolution skills. 

• Well-developed organizational and time management skills in order to work independently or in a team setting. 
• Minimum of 5 years related experience working with the FOIP Act.

Assets:

• Certified Information Access and Privacy Professional (CIAPP) designation.

• Subdivision and development appeal board clerk designation.

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