Research Coordinator - Shkaabe Makwa-camh

Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH is the first hospital-based Centre in Canada designed to drive culturally-responsive systems initiatives to achieve health justice and wellness for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities through the advancement of research, workforce development and innovative healing models that harmonize traditional knowledge and medical expertise.

The Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR) is home to leading scientific experts dedicated to informing policy and practice on mental illness and substance use disorders. IMHPR scientists conduct collaborative research on communities, populations, health systems and global health, and develop and evaluate prevention and intervention initiatives to reduce mental health and substance use challenges. IMHPR is committed to equity, informed by the social determinants of health.

Shkaabe Makwa and the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are seeking a Research Coordinator for a part-time, contract position in Saugeen First Nation. Reporting to the Manager for the First Nations Wellness Initiative, Shkaabe Makwa. The Research Coordinator will support a research project funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research entitled, the First Nations Wellness Initiative.

This position is specific to Saugeen First Nation, where the Research Coordinator will assist with coordinating participatory action research (PAR) with youth using Indigenous research methodologies including the gathering of data and knowledge translation activities. More specifically, the Research Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and attending meetings of the Community Advisory Circle for the project; supporting community engagement; recruiting members of a PAR team; organizing and carrying out required tasks in the community and data gathering activities, including PAR workshops, one-to-one interviews and focus groups; obtaining informed consent from participating community members; compiling and organizing large volumes of information; ensuring culturally safe and ethical processes associated with the storage of data are being adhered to; assisting the development of community reports and other knowledge mobilization products; connecting with the larger research team on a regular basis; and any other duties associated with the research, as determined throughout the duration of the project. The individual will make it their priority that all research conducted is culturally sensitive and acknowledges and addresses the impacts of colonization, historical loss, historical trauma, historical unresolved grief, and the intergenerational transmission of loss and trauma. Adherence to strict CAMH protocols for the protection of data privacy and confidentiality is required. As a member of the research team, the Research Coordinator in Saugeen First Nation will join and support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

This is a two (2) year part-time position with the possibility of extension. This position may have varying hours. This position will be based in Saugeen First Nation with occasional travel within Ontario throughout the project.

This position requires the incumbent to be First Nations, Inuit or Métis. Preference will be given to candidates who are members or residents of Saugeen First Nation. The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree in health or social sciences or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Knowledge related to mental health, substance use, addictions, or trauma is considered an asset as well as experience interacting with individuals in research, academic, and/or service agency setting. The successful candidate will have demonstrated research and project coordination experience and knowledge of community-based participatory action research design and methods, trauma informed practice experience, and experience with data collection techniques and ability to manage data. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal as well as organizational skills and be extremely detail-oriented. Candidates must be proficient in using Microsoft Office programs and must be conscientious, reliable, mature, enthusiastic, and motivated. This position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while closely following detailed instructions. Candidates require the ability to work effectively in a wide range of settings with individuals from diverse backgrounds. You will be required to attend a two and one-half day CAMH orientation session. Reliable transportation is required throughout the term of the contract.

Bilingualism in French/English or an Indigenous language would be an asset. Experience working with youth would be considered an asset.

Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Salary Range: Competitive salary and benefits package.