CharityVillage

Context

Wabano has an exciting and unique position that works closely with all our partners to lead engagement and planning in the Indigenous community. This position will build on existing partnerships and also create new ones to engage with hospitals, community centres, provincial bodies, and other related institutions on all matters (and policies) involving indigenous health and wellbeing.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic primary health care to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people living in Ottawa – one of the fastest-growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect, and community interdependence.

As an organization who works with the Indigenous community of Ottawa, it’s important that we provide opportunities to our community first, so First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates will be given priority – please self-identify.

The Role

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Indigenous Engagement Specialist will serve as the lead and primary resource for community engagement and health system planning with Indigenous communities, organizations, and other Non-Indigenous partner organizations in the Ottawa region. The incumbent will provide insights into and manage community issues and concerns, identify and implement initiatives, and also provide Indigenous perspectives in health system planning. In addition, they will also:

• Create opportunities for Indigenous community involvement by planning, coordinating, and delivering community engagement activities that contribute to positive relationships with Indigenous peoples;
• Provide subject matter expertise related to Indigenous needs and health service issues to other stakeholders and partners;
• Establish processes and mechanisms for ensuring Indigenous needs are taken into account in health systems planning and decision-making and promptly address potential areas of deficiency;
• Lead (manage, plan, and coordinate) priorities, activities, projects, and budget allocations for Indigenous health planning and community engagement;
• Identify emerging issues in the Indigenous community that requires system coordination and integration, and in collaboration with the Executive Director, forward recommendations to address gaps in service delivery;
• Attend community engagement events and meetings on behalf of the Centre and maintain records on meeting outcomes;
• Support the Executive Director in bringing forward priorities and (timely) provide requisite information on matters related to Indigenous health planning and the health status of the Indigenous population;
• Participate in and contribute to designated planning committees to ensure Indigenous perspectives are incorporated into planning, service development, and project implementation.
• Foster positive inter-agency and partnership relationships;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance the Centre’s strategic direction;
• Prepare and report on Indigenous community engagement plans, including the Integrated Health Services Plan (IHSP), annual business plans (ABP), and other planning initiatives, as required;
• Maintain communications materials related to Indigenous engagement;
• In close conjunction with the Executive Director, prepare and propose budget allocations for Indigenous health planning and engagement; and
• Other administration-related tasks as required.

Qualifications

Don’t disqualify yourself! You may not have all these qualifications, but Wabano values and recognizes the lived experiences of Indigenous people.

As a strategic partner and critical thinker, the ideal candidate will have superior communication skills in English (oral and written; the ability to communicate in French will be considered an asset) and will also have:

• Post-secondary education: degree in health, social sciences. And/or a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Masters level or equivalent preferred;
• Strong skills in community engagement and project planning and management;
• Demonstrated critical thinking to identify health system issues; ability to provide solutions for consideration, and design and implement effective processes across systems and stakeholders to address gaps in health services;
• Demonstrated experience in developing partnerships and working effectively with Indigenous and Non-Indigenous organizations;
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, supported by a high level of situational awareness and excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Proven track record in working with Indigenous groups to achieve successful outcomes;
• Excellent judgment, problem-solving, and collaboration skills;
• Ability to travel to attend meetings when required;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;
• Ability to work flexible hours including mornings and evenings.

Why Work for Us

• Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment
• Comprehensive Group Health and Dental Insurance
• Employee Pension Plan (defined benefits) with matching contribution from Wabano
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Four (4) weeks paid vacation time
• Ten (10) paid personal/sick days
• Wellness Spending Account
• Access to cultural teachings and knowledge keepers
• Work with dynamic teams from various sectors

Salary Range

$60,000-$65,000 per year plus benefits

Application Details

Please submit your application to jobs@wabano.com. Application materials include a cover letter and resume. This opportunity will remain open until filled, so tell us your story early!

Successful applicants will be required to provide a criminal reference check.

Wabano is an inclusive and equitable organization, encouraging applications from qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (please self-identify in your application).

Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Don’t think this is the right job for you? Let us try and find you the right fit within Wabano.