Career Opportunities: Content and Policy Specialist - Indigenous Health (380773)

Position Overview

Are you a systemic thinker and writer with a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, values, and traditions? Do you have experience collaborating with Indigenous governments, partners, organizations and communities and a passion for crafting culturally safe content? Join our team as an Indigenous Content and Policy Specialist and prepare meaningful presentations, training material, reports, briefing notes, correspondence, and Board and executive team submissions, among other content. Play a pivotal role in the evaluation, development and documentation of Indigenous health policies and programs.

This position must remain current on legislative, policy and program developments within Canada, the Manitoba health system, and Indigenous governments to help ensure that Shared Health’s policy and program design enables accessible, quality Indigenous health care. The incumbent will be responsible for providing high-level advice and guidance where policies and programs intersect with Indigenous health priorities.

THIS IS A DESIGNATED INDIGENOUS COMPETITION THAT IS OPEN TO INDIGENOUS APPLICANTS. Proof of ancestry will be requested, and those selected for an interview will be asked related questions.

Experience

• 2 years’ experience preparing communications suitable for a variety of audiences, preferably in an Indigenous organization, government and/or health care setting.
• 2 years’ experience developing a variety of content such as policy, procedures, guidelines, training materials and web content.
• Experience in researching, developing and evaluating policy, procedures, guidelines and/or programs, ideally within the healthcare sector.
• Lived experience and understanding of Indigenous healthcare priorities and practices, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, protocols, traditions, values, and rights to self-determination.
• Experience interpreting and/or applying legislation, regulations and policy.
• Knowledge of Manitoba’s public health care system and services.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Post-secondary certificate and/or diploma in Indigenous studies, writing, communications, public relations or related discipline from an accredited educational institution required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

Not applicable

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of Indigenous languages is an asset.
• Proficient in communication and collaboration to support organizational change.
• Strong writing skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively and thoughtfully in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Skilled at modernizing content to reflect Indigenous worldviews.
• Able to distill complex and detailed information into high-level, plain-language content.
• Work with Indigenous patients, families, partners, organizations and communities, as well as health system teams, to develop content and policy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in health and social contexts.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is required.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the articles in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2019) and the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (2015) and Manitoba’s Path to Reconciliation Act (2016).
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the articles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for reconciliation.
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and application of cultural safety and anti-racism priorities within healthcare, e.g., Jordon’s Principle, Joyce’s Principle, and Brian Sinclair Inquest.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience working with, Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) communities, agencies and organizations.
• Knowledge of regional/site/unit policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines relating to clinical care, administrative, financial, and human resource management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel and virtual platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams) required.
• Demonstrated comprehensive leadership capabilities. The provincial health system in Manitoba has adopted the LEADS in a Caring Environment framework.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in a typical computerized office environment with frequent meetings and sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• May be required to lift 25 lbs. on occasion.
• May be required to travel throughout the service area requiring a valid Manitoba driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate service requirements through scheduled overtime and on-call work as required.