The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is seeking expressions of interest from freelance multimedia journalists to tell the tales of Alberta’s rural communities as they strive to meet the health-care needs of their diverse populations.
About RhPAP
Established in 1991 by the Government of Alberta, the Rural Health Professions Action Plan, or RhPAP, is a collaborative partner and trusted advocate for rural Alberta communities trying to achieve greater access to health care. With staff located throughout Alberta, RhPAP is helping rural Albertans build strategies to attract and retain health professionals in their communities.
- RhPAP enables practising rural Alberta physicians to acquire continuing medical education and locum coverage to support time away.
- RhPAP funds educational opportunities for rural health professionals and multi-disciplinary health-care teams.
- RhPAP initiatives such as Skills Events provide rural health-care exposure for high school & post-secondary students.
- RhPAP provides accommodations to rural family medicine resident physicians from both of the province’s medical schools, as they develop their skills in rural communities.
- RhPAP provides nursing students with rural accommodations to support their rural health–care learning.
- RhPAP is a respected rural voice to the provincial government on issues related to rural health workforce and physician resource planning.
- RhPAP has an influential board of directors with broad-based representation from across Alberta.
Qualifications
The ideal candidates will be based in the rural and remote regions of Alberta, outside of Calgary and Edmonton. Having a passion for rural life and telling Alberta stories is a must. Knowledge of the issues surrounding health professional attraction and retention within rural Alberta communities is an asset. It is critical that candidates be sociable and able to build relationships within the diverse rural communities served.
The successful candidate must possess:
- Superior writing skills, excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and an ability to write long– and short-form print stories
- Demonstrated proficiency in photography and video and a knowledge of multimedia reporting
- An understanding of layout and a working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
- The ability to shoot and edit video for online stories and access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, or iMovie
- Computer and social media savvy, with an understanding of social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
- Access to a smart phone and ability to share stories instantly through multiple social media platforms
- A valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and their own DSLR camera with HD video capability or higher
- The flexibility to work evenings and weekends
- The ability to work independently and to immediately file stories online and update as necessary under the direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications
- A diploma or degree with experience in Communications, Journalism, and/or Digital Communications and Media, is desired
Please note: Candidates with demonstrated proficiency in video storytelling will receive first consideration.
These are part-time contract positions, with preference being given to freelancers based in rural Alberta. Work will be occasional or casual as needed, with the potential to receive one or more assignments per month, as required by RhPAP. Please note: this statement does not constitute a guarantee of work. These positions are strictly part-time, with the possibility that no work may be forthcoming in any particular month. Contracts will be for one year with the option of renewal. We will be accepting applications from interested parties for these contract roles until they are filled with an expected start date of January 2020. To apply in complete confidence, please send a cover letter and resume to: Attention Collette Featherstone
We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for further consideration or an interview will be contacted.