Job Summary:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Community Relations Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic plan to create meaningful, culturally-relevant, wellness-focused health promotion for Indigenous people. The role identifies and connects directly with First Nations, Indigenous community partners and organizations, to develop networks and connections that will lead to the identification of any potential barriers and cultural issues related to Indigenous health and works to improve communication strategies.
Duties/Accountabilities:
- Identifies key community leaders and collaborates with them to develop an outreach plan that will engage them in an ongoing process of consultation and feedback.
- Develops a long term communication strategy to disseminate information, and ensure ongoing awareness and increased engagement within the community. Develops content and presents information at education events, health fairs, formal and informal meetings for the purpose of educating and informing the community on the goals of PHSA Indigenous Health.
- Develops effective relationships within the Indigenous community through attendance at special events and functions to help profile PHSA Indigenous Health’s programs in the community.
- Identifies and develops familiarity with barriers to participation in health and wellness programming by accessing relevant available research, organizing, attending and summarizing feedback from focus groups, and obtaining feedback from community leaders.
- Collaborates with other departments within PHSA on the design and development of education and communication materials that are specific to the community.
- Provides strategic direction and guidance to PHSA Indigenous health staff by developing a strategic plan that will contribute to increased awareness, trust, and participation in the development of health promotion programming.
- Participates in the provincial efforts of PHSA and its partners to develop culturally-relevant and safe health promotion for this community across BC.
Qualifications:
A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Baccalaureate degree or diploma in a related discipline and five (5) years of related experience including work in a community development role.
Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate the development of relationships within the community. Excellent critical thinking, organizational and communications skills. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with multiple stakeholders. Creativity and strong problem-solving skills.
Comprehensive knowledge of the Indigenous community and a demonstrated knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts, including the determinants of health in relation to legislation and public policy. This understanding should be supported by significant knowledge of Canadian and Indigenous theoretical orientations and ideologies. Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is required. Lived experience with Indigenous populations and demonstrated extensive knowledge of culture, protocols, traditions, and ideology of Indigenous people and organizations is an asset.
