Indigenous Health Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion unit functions as a centre of expertise and is accountable to advance health equity and inclusion commitments, policies, Indigenous reconciliation commitments and diversity plans across the department. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is committed to providing services and programs that are diverse and carefully designed to meet the health needs of Ottawa, and not overlook the needs of diverse and marginalized populations while always attempting to reduce barriers to access.

You are responsible for supporting the implementation and evaluation of the OPH Reconcili-Action plan, and advising on building capacity for meaningful engagement with Indigenous organizations and communities to support population health. You develop and implement a strategic organizational approach to Indigenous cultural safety, including internal education and capacity building activities, and develop an engagement and relationship building strategy with Indigenous organizations and communities. You work within an anti-racism/ anti-oppression framework that acknowledges systemic racism and seeks to ensure fairness and equitable access for everyone.

You provide strategic policy analysis and environmental scanning of new developments, trends and issues in the public health and broader health system as they relate to Indigenous cultural safety and engagement with Indigenous organizations and communities. You keep abreast of initatives that may influence the progression of program objective, including but not limited to: National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) - Calls to Justice; United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People(UNDRIP); and, Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (TRC)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of a 4-year degree in a relevant discipline including, Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Public Policy, Health Administration, Public Health, Organizational Development, Adult Education or related field

A minimum of 3 years of related experience working with Indigenous organizations and communities. Must have knowledge and lived experience related to Indigenous health.

KNOWLEDGE

• Strong understanding of Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and local Indigenous and community groups and agencies.
• In-depth understanding of current issues affecting Indigenous communities, particularly related to health and public health.
• Understanding of and experience working with anti-racist, anti-oppressive and culturally safe approaches, and in creating safe and inclusive environments.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to current and emerging issues related to health and wellness of Indigenous peoples (preferably through lived experience) as they pertain to Ottawa Public Health’s mandate.
• Knowledge of Indigenous pedagogy and Indigenous worldviews is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of Indigenous history, colonization, racism, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and OCAP® Principles (ownership, control, access and possession).
• Knowledge of techniques and methodologies for establishing relationships with Indigenous organizations
• Knowledge of a variety of change management theories and methodologies.
• Knowledge of consultation and engagement principles and practices related to building relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities.
• Knowledge of the Ontario’s public health sector and broader health system, and of provincial and/or First Nations, Inuit and Métis government processes.
• Knowledge of project management techniques and methodologies
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio) and familiarity with SharePoint.objectives.
• Knowledge of Ottawa organizations and services that serve diverse populations, and in particular, communities that face barriers.
• Knowledge of Indigenous languages would be an asset
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to create partnerships and lead collaborative meetings and initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with community partners and organizations that serve First Nations, Inuit, and or Métis
• Oral communication, consulting and interpersonal skills to provide advice in the provision of ensure consistent messaging and timely corporate response to complaints or concerns raised by partners, clients, stakeholders and the public.
• Ability to communicate and relate to Inuit with sensitivity to cultural and governance differences.
• Ability to speak Inuktitut or another indigenous language
• Stakeholder engagement and consultation/facilitation skills to influence and contribute to planning processes.
• Written communication skills to develop strategies, plans, presentation, protocols and guides for Indigenous cultural safety and meaningful engagement with Indigenous organizations.
• Oral communication and influencing skills to promote the use of the Ottawa Public Health’s Indigenous Engagement framework.
• Ability to communicate and relate to Indigenous peoples and organizations with cultural competency and consideration of the diversity of Indigenous nations.
• Relationship building skills to develop and build partnerships and business relationships with key public health stakeholders and Indigenous partners.
• Strategic thinking skills to enable effective participation in initiatives that require thought leadership.
• Skills and the ability to lead initiatives from conceptualization to realization to lead, manage and/or participate in a variety of projects
• Ability to undertake research, plan and problem solve
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently.