Indigenous Health Associate TFT

By promoting a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, we ensure that our values of care, compassion, and commitment are reflected in every aspect of our work. If you are passionate about making a difference in healthcare and are committed to upholding these values, we encourage you to apply and join us in our journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Accommodations are available upon request at any stage in the selection process.

INDIGENOUS HEALTH ASSOCIATE (25-R385)

Bargaining Unit: Non-Union
Status: Full Time TEMPORARY
Department: Indigenous Health
Site: Varied - St. Joseph's Hospital. Superior North EMS (Junot St. Station)
Location: Thunder Bay, ON
Shifts: Days/Evenings with Weekends
Rotation: 4 on, 4 off - 12PM - 12 AM
Positions Available: 2
Rate of Pay: $40.31 - $52.29 per hour


Reporting to the Supervisor - Cultural Outreach Team, Nanaandawe'ewin (Traditional Healing Program), the Indigenous Health Associate for the Specialized Treatment & Alternate Response (STAR) team works alongside service delivery partners from Superior North Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Community Paramedics and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Thunder Bay branch, Crisis Response Worker to respond to community members in a mental health and/or addiction crisis. The Indigenous Health Associate will be situated at the local Superior North EMS station, and other co-locations (i.e., St. Joseph's Care Group Oliver Road site), and will help develop and improve access to culturally safe and appropriate care. Distinct roles include Cultural Support, Advocacy and Systems Navigation. This role ensures the physical, social, emotional and spiritual care needs of the client and family are assessed and addressed in accordance with the Medicine Wheel teachings.




Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• An individual who is of Indigenous ancestry with an in-depth understanding of Indigenous culture and tradition, worldview, history, ceremonies, and language
  
• Minimum Undergraduate degree in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Nursing, Health, or a related discipline) with a minimum of three years of clinical work with in a community setting
  
• Current registration with a regulated body (i.e., Ontario College of Social Workers, Social Service Workers, College of Nurses of Ontario) preferred
  
• Understanding of the systemic barriers and issues facing Indigenous Peoples
  
• Knowledge and experience in establishing networks of support and accessing community resources and services
  
• Training and experience related to client care for people from Indigenous, addictions and mental health populations
  
• Understanding of the social determinants of health of Indigenous People and the social consequences and risk factors associated with client conditions (i.e. complex/chronic conditions, addictions, and mental health)
  
• Experience working with clients who may be in a mental health or addiction crisis
  
• Traditional knowledge acquired through direct experience with Elders and Traditional Healers
  
  Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  
• Well versed in The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's final report (specifically the healthcare calls to action), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous -Specific Racism and Discrimination in Healthcare and adult learning principles and practices
  
• Demonstrates knowledge and commitment to the Health Ethics Guide developed by the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada (CHAC), First Nations principles of data ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP), and Accreditation Canada/Health Standard Organization British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of teams within the workplace, community and ministries/agencies
  
• Ability to assess and support clients through mental health and addiction crisis and provide case management services while promoting a safe, supportive environment.
  
• Good knowledge of community health and other health related social service resources
  
• Demonstrated skills and abilities for building and supporting a positive team environment
  
• Strong organizational, problem solving, and time management skills and attention to detail
  
• Ability to use independent judgment and maintain confidentiality of records, actions, and information
  
• Demonstrated computer proficiency including skills with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and MS Office applications
  
• Knowledge of Indigenous ceremonies and traditional healing practices
  
• Knowledge of Indigenous history, culture and worldview
  
• Knowledge of Indigenous historic and intergenerational trauma experience/impacts of Indigenous clients while utilizing a trauma informed practice through a cultural lens
  
• Ability to speak Anishinaabemowin or Anishininimowin is preferred
  
• Competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act
  
  CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  
• Must undergo a successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
  
• Ability to travel to various work locations as required and provide own transportation
  
May be required to work flexible hours (extended hours, evening/weekend work)
• 
  
  
  WHY WORK FOR US?
  
  SJCG cares about "Our People", and we know that a welcoming, caring, and supportive environment creates a positive work place that ensures employees are able to provide the best possible care to our clients.
  
  As a team member, you will be offered:
  
• Competitive and progressive salary and benefit packages
  
• Membership in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
  
• Relocation Assistance (some restrictions apply)
  
• Ongoing professional development and advanced education
  
• Employee wellness initiatives
  
• Opportunities to participate in research and teaching initiatives
  
• Tuition loan program
  
• Employee and family assistance program
  
• Employee recognition program
  
• Employee discount program
  
Employee referral program
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  ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S CARE GROUP
  
  
  
• Combining tradition & innovation in responding to the unmet needs of the people of Northwestern Ontario since 1884.
  
• Offers a broad range of programs and services in Rehabilitative Care, Addictions & Mental Health, and Seniors' Health across 8 sites in the City of Thunder Bay.
  
• Over 2,400 staff and growing.
  
• Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest level awarded by Accreditation Canada.
  
• Designated by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) as the Best Practice Spotlight Organization.
• Uses technology to help overcome challenges to healthcare including the sheer size of Northwestern Ontario to bring care closer to the people we serve.
  
• Northwestern Ontario regional lead for Rehabilitative Care, Behavioural Supports and Palliative Care.
  
• Coupling research with mobilization, our Centre for Applied Health Research (CAHR) supports internal and external staff and clinicians through expertise, project consultation and knowledge translation.
  
• Continues to advance a self-management approach to care, and we are involving our clients more closely in their own care decisions to achieve the health outcomes that are important to them.