JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Lead Midwife (0.5 FTE)
PROGRAM:
Ottawa Birth & Wellness Centre (OBWC)
REPORTS TO:
Executive Director
JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Midwife (LM) serves as a member of the OBWC senior management team and works
in collaboration with the Executive Director, the Clinical Lead Midwife (CLM) and any other Lead
Midwives (LMs) to create an environment of quality service and safety.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The LM performs duties that fall into the following categories:

Clinical Support to the CLM

Education and Research

General Management
1. Clinical Support to the CLM
1.1.
Support the CLM in the development, review, and continuous improvement of
appropriate systems, policies and procedures to ensure quality clinical services for
clients of OBWC.
1.2.
As required and on a biannual basis, lead the review and refinement of clinical
policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date and meet regulatory
requirements, are within the midwives’ scope of practice, and reflect best practices,
evidence-based research, and standards of care.
1.3.
As required, participate in Quality Advisory Committee discussions regarding OBWC
services and practices.
1.4.
Develop and implement a case review process, including case audits by the Quality
Advisory Committee to ensure effective peer review.
1.5.
Develop, deliver or arrange clinical related training for midwives, staff and other
health professionals including orientation programs, drills, in-service training, policy
updates.
1.6.
Support the CLM in reviewing all incidents, adverse drug reactions, complications,
and instances of client care that require transport to a hospital, identifying areas for
improvement.
1.7.
Act as the OBWC Infection Prevention and Control lead, ensuring Provincial Infectious
Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC) and biomedical standards are met.
OBWC Job Description – Lead Midwife – August 2013
Page 1 of 3
1.8.
Monitor the accuracy and reliability of the equipment used in providing care and
ensure the appropriate training of all staff who use equipment. Identify equipment
and supply requirements related to client care.
1.9.
Maintain all necessary clinical records and serve as the lead for meeting Better
Outcome Registry and Network (BORN) outcome data management, collections and
timelines.
1.10. Retain current registration with the College of Midwives of Ontario.
1.11. Function as the CLM in her absence.
2. Education and Research
2.1.
In collaboration with the Executive Director and CLM, develop and implement an
orientation program for new staff, midwives and other health care professionals who
will be working at the OBWC.
2.2.
Conduct regular emergency drills and take corrective actions as needed.
2.3.
Participate in the integration of midwifery student placements from the Midwifery
Education Program (MEP) and from other health care professionals. In collaboration
with the Executive Director, arrange for contractual agreements for student
education at the OBWC.
2.4.
Participate in research and publication of innovative projects and research activities.
2.5.
Participate in appropriate university committees regarding student programs.
2.6.
Directly supervise and coordinate student placements and activities.
2.7.
Provide written and oral reports to the Executive Director and educational program
directors and faculty, as appropriate.
2.8.
Develop the Teaching Opportunities Report submitted quarterly to the MOHLTC.
3. General Management
3.1.
Participate in OBWC strategic and business planning and reporting processes.
Support clinical planning and reporting efforts.
3.2.
Assist with initial and ongoing CMO-led inspections and licensing.
3.3.
Work closely with the Executive Director and CLM to effectively engage stakeholders
and the community.
3.4.
Participate in quarterly meetings with CLM, other LMs, Birth Centre Aides and the
Executive Director to identify general issues and areas for improvement. Actively
participate in staff team building efforts.
3.5.
Assist the Executive Director and CLM in promoting the services and maximizing the
number of clients of the OBWC.
3.6.
Identify opportunities to expand the unfunded services of the OBWC.
3.7.
Carry out any additional clinical, education or management duties as assigned.
OBWC Job Description – Lead Midwife – August 2013
Page 2 of 3
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor Science degree in midwifery, or equivalent.

A minimum of two years’ experience in midwifery.

Active practice registration status with the CMO and the Association of Ontario Midwives
(AOM).

No conditions on certificate of CMO registration.

Excellent midwifery clinical knowledge and skills.

Leadership and management experience.

Quality assurance experience.

Current Police Record Check.
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Adept at establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships.

Knowledge of regional and provincial health care system.

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French, including policy
development.

Demonstrated excellence in leadership and collaborative skills.

Exceptional judgment, tact and discretion.
OBWC Job Description – Lead Midwife – August 2013
Page 3 of 3