Pursuant to Section 42 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry. We invite applicants to self-identify within their cover letter and/or resume. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to reach out to Sanya'k ?ula (Indigenous Recruitment and Employee Experience) for support, advice, and guidance on the PHSA hiring process.

 

Salary Range: $69,218-$99,501/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.

 

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. 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 and 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.
• 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.
• 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.