Indigenous Health Promoter in Toronto

0.8 FTE – Part Time Temporary Contract at Queen West/Parkdale Site.

Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (PQWCHC) is a dynamic, community-based health care organization that has historically served mid-west downtown Toronto and now provides outreach services across the entire city. We offer a broad range of services, including primary health care, dental care, harm reduction, health promotion, counselling, and community development programming. We are committed to serving people who face barriers to health care and strive to reduce these barriers.

We are seeking an experienced Indigenous Health Promoter who shares our passion for making a difference. This role is an opportunity to take the next step in your successful career while contributing to a vision of Inclusive Communities, Responsive Healthcare, and Healthier Lives.

Reporting to the Manager of Health Promotion, the Indigenous Health Promoter will provide Indigenous culturally specific healing and psycho-social supports, integrating recognition of the chronic trauma caused by colonization. The role will involve identifying and developing pathways to care for Indigenous adults and youth, particularly those who are unsheltered, living in poverty, or using substances. The position will also identify where service investments are needed to improve attachment of target Indigenous populations to primary care, support, and harm reduction services.

This position will be based at the Parkdale and Queen West sites. The regular schedule will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, subject to change based on operational needs.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Niiwin Wendaanimak team, Elders, and the Indigenous Advisory Council to lead community engagement and partnership development in the Parkdale neighbourhood.
• Facilitate implementation of weekly Indigenous-specific programming in Parkdale and support other Niiwin Wendaanimak programming throughout the mid-west region.
• Work to overcome individual and systemic barriers to services and promote equitable treatment for marginalized Indigenous people.
• Supervise volunteers and peer workers, as appropriate.
• Liaise with community agencies regarding issues relevant to client needs.
• Ensure program development, design, and implementation in accordance with changing needs.
• Develop and practice within guidelines of appropriate protocols and policies.
• Maintain, coordinate, and accurately report expenses and program data, adhering to programme line budgets and funding report requirements.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices and beliefs, and traditional Indigenous healing practices.
• Knowledge and experience in community capacity building with Indigenous Communities.
• Experience working with people who are unsheltered and/or use substances.
• Knowledge of traditional health, mental health, and harm reduction approaches.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention skills.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications.
• Excellent ability to take initiative and work independently, while also working within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Graduate degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, training, and professional experience.
• Indigenous ancestry will be prioritized.

Compensation: $55,679.20 - $65,074.40 per annum, plus HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan) option.

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a police vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment, however strong consideration is made to the type of offense. Employment is conditional upon having had a COVID-19 vaccination(s) (as per Health Ontario) 14 days before starting employment.

PQWCHC is committed to the principles of access and equity. We encourage applicants who reflect Toronto’s Indigenous, LGBTQ2, racial, and cultural diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request. PQWCHC is in full compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and does not discriminate on the ground of records of offenses.