Careers

Reporting to the Senior Health Policy Analyst within the Health Transformation Department, the Indigenous Health Liaison will support developing and implementing Grand Council Treaty #3’s health positions, policies, planning and strategies, primarily as it interacts with Ontario Health and Ontario’s Health Systems. The Indigenous Health Liaison is a unique role and will require a specialized skill set to work with a diverse group of internal and external partners to provide innovative leadership, ensuring that the Anishinaabe people of Treaty #3 have access to equitable and culturally relevant healthcare programs and services.

This role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the 28 First Nations within Treaty #3, Ontario Health, and health system partners, better coordinating Treaty #3 health Initiatives projects, and supporting the development of Treaty #3 health policies, planning and strategies, in collaboration with Ontario Health and other health system partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for engagement and relationship management with provincial, regional and local health system partners, including Ontario Health, to support Grand Council Treaty #3’s mandate as it relates to the design, development and implementation of provincial, regional and local health strategies and activities.
• Coordinate and support the strategic health priorities of Grand Council Treaty #3 as identified through their governance processes.
• Lead engagement with colleagues, communities and external partners to collaborate on issues and initiatives that align with Treaty #3’s health priorities.
• Address complex issues by providing innovative, creative and integrated direction and recommendations that will achieve quality improvements and improve health outcomes with and for Treaty #3 members and communities.
• In managing projects, work in a self-directed manner as defined within the overall context of Treaty #3’s goals and objectives while ensuring their manager/team is connected to the work.
• Provide direction, guidance and recommendations to ensure existing and emerging health policies and programs align with Treaty #3 needs and priorities.
• Develop and present materials for review and informational purposes using excellent written, verbal and graphical communication skills, with the ability to express complex concepts effectively to various audiences.
• Act as a point of contact to liaise with Ontario Health and support the contact Ontario Health is currently working with, including Ontario Health’s Indigenous Health Equity and Coordination and the Indigenous Cancer Care Unit. In collaboration and partnership with IHEC, the Liaison will also be a central point of contact for Ontario Health regions and provincial programs (e.g., Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence, Ontario Renal Network, Population Health and Value-Based Health Systems, Digital Excellence in Health), support requests from Ontario Health and facilitate connection with appropriate staff and teams within their organizations.
• Provide feedback, advice and recommendations on Ontario Health policies, programs, strategies and frameworks, as appropriate. This includes the First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Health Plan.
• Support the Joint Ontario Indigenous Health Committee (JOIHC) representative in sharing information presented and generated at JOIHC meetings and provide updates to relevant internal leadership, health boards and committees, community health workers and colleagues.
• Coordinate meetings between Ontario Health and Treaty #3 leadership, including the Ogichidaa office, chiefs, and regional health partner executive directors, to provide status reports and to seek input and direction from Indigenous leadership on Ontario Health initiatives.
• Distribute the Annual Report(s) to their organizations’ leadership, community health workers and other partners and request support from the ICCU and IHEC to present the report(s) at Annual General Meetings, Health Forums, or other gatherings.
• Execute additional duties as assigned by supervisors and the Leadership of Grand Council Treaty #3, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Travel local and regionally within Treaty #3 Territory when needed.

Skills/ Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of government processes, protocol, funding cycles, and political awareness.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient use of various office-based software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and online video-conferencing platforms (Zoom, Blue Jeans, Microsoft Teams).
• Ability to provide professional customer service.
• Effective and comfortable with public speaking.
• Communicate effectively and diplomatically orally and in writing.
• Proven skill in formatting and drafting correspondence, forms, reports, and proposals.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and multi-task.
• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.

Preference will be given to those applicants with:

• A Bachelor of Social Work or Social Services field or related profession.
• Two (2) years of experience coordinating and managing social programs and health-related services
• An Anishinaabe background. Applicants with prior knowledge of the Anishinaabe Worldview have a basic understanding of the Ojibway language and the Anishinaabe protocols and customs.
• An Anishinaabe background. Applicants with prior knowledge of the Anishinaabe Worldview, have a basic understanding of the Anishinaabemowin and the Anishinaabe protocols and customs.
• Knowledge of the Indigenous health sector, including Indigenous health issues and knowledge of First Nation communities in Treaty #3.
• Knowledge of healthcare system trends, models of delivery, funding, relevant legislation and regulation, and the role of the Ministry of Health, Indigenous Services, Crown-Indigenous Relations, or other agencies.
• Knowledge of policy and research tools, holistic and Indigenous-led evaluation methodologies and metrics.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and success with policy and fiscal decision-making processes such as grant applications.
• Knowledge of legislation, policy development, government decision-making processes, program development and evaluation.
• An effective communicator, negotiator, and consensus builder who can work collaboratively with team members, leadership, and partners to advance shared priorities and manage complex issues.
• Knowledge of Treaty #3 First Nations and one or more specific areas: Child and Family Services, Health, Social, Education and First Nation language and culture, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report.
• Familiarity with other organizations within Treaty #3 which provide health services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience providing briefings, decision notes, and presentations on complex issues clearly and understandably.
• Valid Class G Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Check current/valid vulnerable sector criminal records.
• Ability/willingness to travel as required.

Please send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to the attention of:

Human Resource Department
Grand Council Treaty #3
P.O Box 1720 Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X7
Email: hr@treaty3.ca

We want to thank all candidates for their interest in this position. However, only those being considered will be contacted.   At Grand Council Treaty #3, we value each individual’s unique skills and experiences and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection, advise Human Resources when applying for the position.

PDF – Indigenous Health Liaison Job Posting