Indigenous Health Specialist

Unit Summary

The Health Equity and Human Rights team manages strategic initiatives to advance health equity, Indigenous Health and inclusion across the organization, system, and multiple programs. The team engages with Indigenous communities and equity deserving groups to amplify their perspectives and needs in key decision-making processes and program planning. We work to build collaborations and partnerships across the organization and community to further create a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Position Summary

The Indigenous Health and Reconciliation Specialist is responsible for supporting better health outcomes for Indigenous patients. The specialist will inform program development and support the organizational approach to Indigenous health, including but not limited to:
• alignment of services,
• data collection,
• engagement and training of staff,
• relationship building with the Indigenous community, in order to facilitate coordinated approaches that enable patient-informed, innovative solutions aimed at reducing inequities in care

Schedule Work Hours

Days, Weekends and Evenings sometimes required.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies, Public Health, Health Administration, Social Work, Health Equity, or an equivalent combination of education and employment experience. Applicants are encouraged to apply and demonstrate how community and employment experience could be considered an equivalent to a degree.
• Knowledge of the local Hamilton Indigenous community, including knowledge of community programs and supports, governance structures and protocols, as well as Indigenous organizations
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous history, culture, social determinants of health, and anti-Indigenous racism
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, traditional healers and Elders to build positive and mutually beneficial relationships to advance Truth and Reconciliation and support Cultural Safety
• Sound knowledge working with relevant legislation, including Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and other relevant Indigenous rights legislation as required
• Experience and understanding of health care systems and healthcare delivery, as well as how these systems impact Indigenous health outcomes
• Understanding of effectiveness methodologies, change management, project management and process improvement skills to support organizational change
• Experience, knowledge and understanding of concepts related to co-design, patient engagement, and community engagement principles
• Broad understanding of hospital operations to inform discussions and creative solutions to building Indigenous cultural safety an inclusive community
• Effective communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with a keen ability to engage with various stakeholders and members of the community, resulting in collaborative partnerships and beneficial result
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to act as an informal leader, influencing change while aligning with organization values, setting priorities, and undertaking multiple tasks with tight deadlines
• Strong ability to conduct evaluation, program design, develop plans/procedures/write reports
• Ability to be creative and proactive in offering new approaches to problem solve
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse living experiences and socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; ability to influence an outcome across all levels through a consultative methodology
• Ability to work independently and effectively as leader or member in teams, on task-forces, and committees

• Ability to successfully navigate challenging conversations among diverse groups and build consensus

Preference will be given to candidates who have lived experience (e.g., self-identify as Indigenous) & demonstrate connection to community

Hamilton Health Sciences fosters a culture of patient and staff safety, whereby all employees are guided by our Mission, Vision, Values, and Values Based Code of Conduct. Hamilton Health Sciences is a teaching hospital and all staff and physicians are expected to support students and other learners.

To be considered for this opportunity applicants must apply during the posting period. All internal and external applicants may ONLY apply via the Careers website. This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Hamilton Health Sciences is an equal opportunity employer and we will accommodate any needs under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Hiring processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities, if requested. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application processes, please contact Human Resources at 905-521-2100, Ext. 46947 for assistance. If the applicant requires a specific accommodation because of a disability during an interview, the applicant will need to advise the hiring manager when scheduling the interview and the appropriate accommodations can be made.

This competition is open to all qualified applicants, however, qualified internal applicants will be considered first. Past performance will be considered as part of the selection process. If you are a previous employee of Hamilton Health Sciences, please note: the circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment. Proficiency in both Official Languages, French and English, is considered an asset.