Health Systems Advocate

Position Summary

The Health Systems Advocate works closely with the Métis Chartered Communities in the region to represent the needs and priorities of MNBC and to inform Regional Health Authority (RHA) policy, programs, strategic planning, and vision. The Health Systems Advocate works to build relationships across the health authority to further the recommendations from the In Plain Sight Report, Taanishi Kiiya, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan from a Métis lens. With their expertise, the Health Systems Advocate will design strategy and set direction to effectively implement Métis-specific recommendations and priorities within the health system to improve Métis health and wellness outcomes.

The Health Systems Advocate will support education of health authority staff on Métis ways of knowing and being, historical and contemporary Métis health issues and promote a Métis Social Determinants of Health approach to care planning and delivery. By identifying and addressing critical issues and opportunities in health care, the Health Systems Advocate will provide recommendations to health authority and MNBC leadership to advance key MNBC initiatives. With this perspective, and through strong engagement with all regional Métis Chartered Communities, the Health Systems Advocate will collaborate across the health region to ensure care delivery is strengthened and care provided to Métis people is racism-free, culturally safe, and barrier-free.

Duties and Responsibilities        

• Actions the Letter of Understanding held with the regional health authority, while supporting the development of a work plan that prioritizes the Taanishi Kiiya recommendations and the commitments made between MNBC, the health authority , and the local Métis Chartered Communities.


• Creates trusting relationships with health authority leaders and employees to teach the health system to respect and honour the unique needs, culture, and experience of the Métis.


• Partners with the regional health authority on systems transformation initiatives and engages across the RHA to create better understanding of the Métis experience in BC, particularly focusing on Métis Cultural Wellness, addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism and discrimination, and enhancing culturally safe experiences of care.


• Engages with Métis Chartered Communities regarding their specific health promotion needs and addresses health related challenges and community readiness (e.g., smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, healthy weight, nutrition etc.).


• Fosters a practice of cooperative effort and collaborative problem-solving around issues related to improving the health and wellness of the Métis.


• Provides information about health authority services as well as MNBC priorities through proactive and respectful communication.


• Provides timely information and advice to health authority employees about emerging Métis Chartered Community health care needs.


• Promotes and coordinates health authority participation in formal gatherings, workshops, conferences, health improvement activities, etc. as appropriate and desired by MNBC and Métis Chartered Communities.


• Liaises with staff and engages with internal and external stakeholders.


• Drafts briefings, articles and bulletins for communication and education purposes.


• Plans and coordinates meetings and events and other duties as required.


• Performs various administrative tasks as assigned.


• Participates in committees and project teams as required.


• Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of the position. 


• Other duties may be assigned as needed to ensure the efficient operation of MNBC.


• Regular/ occasional attendance at meetings/ events that may require work and travel outside of normal business hours.

Supervision Given

• None

Qualifications

• Diploma in health care, social work, or a relevant field (e.g., Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, Health Sciences, Public Health, Social Work) from a recognized, post-secondary institution.


• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience working in a healthcare environment, including direct, successful experience working with First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit communities, preferably within health care.


• Licensing with a health regulatory college (i.e. BCCNM) is an asset.


• Completion of a medical terminology course is an asset.


• A combination of equivalent education, training, and experience may be considered.


• Dedicated commitment to addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism within the health care system alongside Métis Nation and Métis Communities.


• Knowledge of federal, provincial, territorial, regional, and Indigenous organizations mandated to provide health services.


• Knowledge and/or awareness of the historical and contemporary contributions made by Métis in B.C.


• Understanding of the unique challenges the Métis Chartered Communities face in the region and a desire to problem solve and provide possible solutions.


• Demonstrated ability to lead, problem-solve, and utilize critical thinking and team-building skills.


• Demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective working relationships.


• Inspires accountability; has a talent for creating a vision that others want to follow.


• Demonstrated ability to apply creative and innovative thinking to affect continuous improvement.


• Proven ability to lean-in to difficult conversations.


• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.


• Ability to work evenings, weekends and a flexible work schedule as required.


• Ability to travel to engage Métis Chartered Communities and stakeholder meetings.


• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Class 5 driver’s licence may be required.


• The position may require the completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.