INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ADVISOR

Position Summary
Northern Health values diversity within the workplace and our commitment of reaching a representative workforce. For this position, we also want to highlight First Nation, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous Ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for this position. All candidates will be considered; however, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. For this initiative candidates from this group who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are encouraged to self-identify.

Are you interested in an opportunity to grow professionally within a positive and progressive culture? Northern Health is seeking a Indigenous Community Engagement Advisor at Kitimat General Hospital and Health Centre.

Reporting to the Coordinator, Indigenous Care Team, the Indigenous Community Engagement Advisor advises and guides the Kitimat leadership team in developing and maintaining safe and respectful service practices, patient relations protocols, and support systems for Indigenous, Inuit and Metis patients and families. The Advisor develops and maintains strong links with local indigenous communities, seeking out their ongoing input and helping to build sustainable bridges between the communities and the health care leadership team. The Advisor participates in the development and updating of service policies/procedures/protocols, providing input through the lens of cultural safety and respect. The Advisor provides ongoing real-time advice on the application of NH policies, procedures and protocols as needed. The Advisor maintains active contact with various available indigenous community support services, such as translation or housing, and ensures that discharge pge planning clinicians are aware of, and incorporating, these services for indigenous patients/clients/families. The Advisor works with various care teams, clinical departments, and administrative service teams to inform and advise on best approaches to ee a safe and respectful service environment for Indigenous, Inuit and Metis community members and their families.

Starting salary will be approximately from $76,111 to $95,138 and will be based on education, training, experience, and salaries of similar positions.

Qualfications
•Baccalaureate degree in a related discipline plus at least 7 (seven) years of increasingly responsible experience, study and training in the areas of First Nations cultural knowledge, related Indigenous language, mediation, cultural safety, trauma-informed care, problem solving, and facilitation.
• Development of these competencies and skills may come from any combination of education, training and experience such as formal education, practicum experience, study with Elders, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Preference will be given to indigenous candidates for this position.

Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to engage in positive relationships with others including heath care professionals and community members.
• Ability to establish a strong position of respect and trust within the local First Nations and Métis communities.
• Ability to establish a strong position of respect and trust with Northern Health care providers.
• Advanced ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of local Indigenous history and culture, and also other Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
• Ability to understand and convey to others culturally safe care that is based on understanding how differences in heritage and cultural background can impact a patient's response to an illness experience and their contact with the health care system.
• Ability to prioritize and organize the daily and weekly workload.
• Ability to operating related computer/communication hardware and software.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of position.

Where you will be working:
Facility:
Additional details about this facility’s programs and care environment can be found through

Community:
Information about living, working, and thriving in the area is available through

Kitimat is excited to introduce a new Healthcare Recruitment and Retention Incentive offered through the District of Kitimat’s municipal office. This initiative is designed to support and attract healthcare professionals who want to build their careers in a vibrant, welcoming community. Discover everything this incentive has to offer by visiting their information page:

More about Northern Health
Northern Health covers nearly 600,000 square kilometers, delivering health services to more than two dozen communities and 55 First Nations communities across the region. We provide both hospital and community-based care to a population of approximately 300,000 people. With a team of over 12,000 staff and physicians, we are committed to offering high quality, person-centered care in collaboration with communities and partner organizations throughout Northern BC.

What Northern Health Has to Offer You!
Joining Northern Health means becoming part of a supportive team that values your growth and well-being. Here’s what we provide:
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casual employees have option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks of vacation after one year of continuous service.
• Financial support for moving expenses for eligible positions.
• Employee referral program with attractive incentives.
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities.
• Access to spectacular outdoor activities and enjoy the shortest commutes in BC.
• Loan Forgiveness Programs offered through Federal and Provincial Government for eligible professions.

Important Application Information
Please ensure you upload the following documents as part of your application:
• Registration number (if you belong to a regulated profession).
• Supporting documents for education and qualifications, such as:
• Program certificates or diplomas.
• High school, college, or university transcripts.
• Cover letter and resume (recommended).

International Applicants
Before applying, please review the steps outlined on our Northern Health Careers page: