Provincial Indigenous Health Liaison

Shared Health is committed to a diverse and representative workforce; this position is designated to individuals with Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).

Participating as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a variety of mental health and addictions community and Education settings within the context of an Indigenous health care perspective provides culturally appropriate counselling and intermediary services to First Nations, Red River Métis, Urban Indigenous and Inuit clients.

Main Function

• Develops meaningful relationships with Indigenous governments, school partners, organizations and communities to advance accessible, culturally safe and anti-racist healthcare services.
• Leads and coordinates collaborative efforts to include Indigenous perspectives and traditional practices into the healthcare system.
• Enables local, regional and provincial agreements to collaborate on Indigenous-led health priorities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Support the alignment and implementation of Indigenous-led health services.
• Guides and provides a holistic set of Indigenous-led traditional healing and wellness services through patient advocacy. This includes designing education, communications, clinical guidelines, practices, processes and procedures that are barrier-free and meet Indigenous peoples’ right to access.
• Establishes effective working relationships with community-based agencies, schools and health care providers who provide mental health and addiction services for Indigenous communities to facilitate accessible and effective culturally safe, trauma-informed client and family care.
• Assesses advocate and counsel clients and families concerning emotional and practical problems of moderate complexity; support and promote culturally safe, trauma-informed educational and supportive group programs and the development of groups to meet the needs of clients and families.
• Works as a member of the interdisciplinary teams across Mental Health and addiction services/programs and integrate the role of Indigenous Health into the child and youth Early Response Team.
• Advocates for Indigenous Health choices and decisions and document patient care activities as required.
• Supports transition across the continuum of care.
• Provides liaison services with community agencies, educational settings and other service delivery organizations and Indigenous Health services as applicable
• Identifies client and family needs for services and makes appropriate referrals, or develops alternate strategies for client support, education and follow-up care.
• Works in collaboration with other disciplines to develop and maintain a list of relevant community mental health and addictions referral services and Indigenous community-based agencies that may serve our clients.
• Provides information to patients, families and communities regarding the provision and access to culturally safe, trauma-informed mental health and substance use care programs and services.
• Coordinates client/family spiritual care requests and/or access to sacred spaces available within the Province to support Indigenous practices, beliefs and customs.

Working as assigned with a patient-centric mindset in a multi-disciplinary team, each position will be assigned to support a Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Services for one or more of the following specialty areas:

• Adult and Seniors MHA
• Child and Youth MHA
• Clinical Health Psychology
• Crisis Response Services and RAAM
• Forensic MHA

An individual of Indigenous Ancestry is a requirement of this position.

• 3 or 5 years of related experience working with community partners, health and/or social services personnel, patients or clients within a community and or educational setting.
• 2 - 3 years’ experience working with Indigenous clients.
• 2 - 3 years’ experience working with youth.
• Experience working with the education system is an asset.
• Lived experience or knowledge of emotional, mental health and contemporary social issues relative to Indigenous communities.
• Lived experience or knowledge of Indigenous health approaches, protocols, cultural issues and practices.
• Experience working with provincial Indigenous organizations and agencies such as First Nations, Tribal Councils, Manitoba Inuit Association, Manitoba Métis Federation, Urban Indigenous Associations, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chiefs’ Organization and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.
• Experience with incorporating traditional healing practices in the delivery of health services.
• Lived experience and understanding of Indigenous healthcare priorities, services, and challenges alongside Indigenous culture, protocols, traditions, and values, both within communities and organizations in Manitoba.
• Experience and/or knowledge of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the relationship between ISC and the Manitoba health care system is an asset.

• Post-secondary degree in a relevant health/social program; a combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

• Active member of and licensed with an associated health regulatory body as appropriate.

• Demonstrated mid-level leadership capabilities. The provincial health system in Manitoba has adopted the LEADS in a Caring Environment framework.
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to a variety of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is required.
• Commitment to upholding 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 and commitment to the articles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for reconciliation.
• Experience implementing Indigenous cultural safety and anti-racism priorities and actions from inquests and reports (i.e. Jordon’s Principle, Joyce’s Principle and Brian Sinclair Inquest).
• Demonstrated knowledge of ethical principles and cultural protocols in interactions with Indigenous partners and organizations.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication and collaboration, adept at building relationships with Indigenous partners. Skilled in developing and presenting findings to varied audiences.

• Must be able to work safely in a typical computerized office environment with frequent meetings scheduled, and to lift and carry items of up to approximately 10 kg.
• Interruptions to respond to questions are common dedicated and focused time for planning and concentration can be scheduled.
• Virtual engagement with patients and team members including on-camera and ability to collaborate virtually.
• Onsite and travel throughout the province may be required; A valid Manitoba driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle.