Work Type: Full Time
Location: Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) – All Sites
Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.
Position Summary:
Are you passionate about advancing Indigenous health and Truth and Reconciliation, and strengthening culturally safe care within healthcare systems?
Do you bring experience working collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and a strong understanding of Indigenous health priorities, reconciliation, and community engagement?
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is seeking a Manager, Indigenous Health and Truth and Reconciliation who is committed to building respectful partnerships, influencing system change, and improving the healthcare experience for Indigenous patients and families. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape how culturally safe, equitable and responsive care is delivered across a complex healthcare organization.
Reporting to the Director of Social Accountability, the Manager provides strategic leadership to advance Indigenous health priorities and organizational commitments to Truth and Reconciliation across WRHN. Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community partners, and internal clinical and operational leaders, the role leads initiatives that strengthen culturally safe care practices, improve access to services, and enhance the Indigenous patient experience.
The Manager oversees Indigenous Patient Navigation services, including roles embedded within WRHN and in partnership with external organizations, supports culturally safe care practices across clinical environments, and fosters meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations. Through cross-organizational collaboration and community-informed approaches, the role works to address systemic barriers to care and advance improved health outcomes for Indigenous patients, families, and communities served by WRHN.
Responsibilities at a Glance:
- Develop and implement Indigenous health priorities aligned with WRHN strategic goals, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and the Ontario Health Indigenous Health Framework.
- Identify and address systemic barriers impacting Indigenous patients and families accessing hospital services and contribute to policies and initiatives that advance equitable care.
- Support initiatives that enhance access, care pathways, and overall patient experience for Indigenous patients and families across WRHN clinical programs and services.
- Strengthen culturally safe and trauma-informed care practices within clinical environments and support Indigenous patient navigation services.
- Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of Indigenous health initiatives and oversee program coordination across WRHN programs and services.
- Provide leadership, supervision and mentorship to Indigenous Patient Navigators and related staff, including recruitment, orientation, and performance management.
- Track program performance using data, patient feedback and community input, and recommend improvements to strengthen Indigenous health initiatives.
- Develop and deliver Indigenous cultural safety and humility education for staff, physicians, learners and volunteers in collaboration with Organizational Learning and leadership teams.
- Build and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, supporting community-informed program design and service improvements.
- Participate in the Indigenous Advisory Circle, Indigenous Engagement Circle and regional partnerships, ensuring Indigenous perspectives inform organizational priorities and decision-making.
Position Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies, Health Sciences, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Graduate degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Indigenous health, health equity, community engagement, or a related field.
- Lived experience and demonstrated experience working collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations.
- Experience working in complex healthcare systems or multi-site organizations is preferred.
- Experience leading programs, initiatives or staff is considered an asset.
- Experience working with clinical teams or within healthcare environments is considered an asset. Skill Requirements:
- Exceptional verbal, written and facilitation skills with the ability to clearly communicate complex concepts related to Indigenous health, reconciliation and culturally safe care to diverse audiences including leadership, clinical teams and community partners.
- Demonstrated ability to approach complex and sensitive issues with respect, cultural humility and diplomacy, fostering trust and meaningful dialogue with Indigenous communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and healthcare leaders.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, manage competing priorities and support the planning, implementation and evaluation of Indigenous health programs.
- Ability to think strategically and align Indigenous health initiatives with broader organizational priorities, healthcare system trends and reconciliation commitments.
- Self-directed and proactive in identifying opportunities to improve Indigenous patient experience, address systemic barriers and advance Indigenous health equity across programs and services.
- Ability to navigate complex and evolving healthcare environments, respond to emerging priorities and adapt approaches while maintaining strong partnerships and program momentum.
- Proven ability to build and sustain respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, healthcare providers, leadership teams and external partners to support community-informed care and system change.
- Strong understanding of the Canadian and Ontario healthcare landscape, Indigenous health priorities, determinants of health, and the impacts of colonization and systemic inequities within healthcare systems.
- Ability to guide discussions, facilitate learning and influence leaders and teams to integrate culturally safe care practices and reconciliation principles into policies, programs and services.
- Ability to analyze information, identify service gaps and support evidence-informed improvements to Indigenous health programs and patient care experiences.
Assets:
- Lived experience or connections to First Nations, Inuit or Métis, or Indigenous status.
- Experience working with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community leadership in program design or advisory roles.
- Knowledge of regional Indigenous communities, organizations and health priorities within Waterloo Wellington or Ontario.
- Experience supporting Indigenous patient navigation programs or Indigenous health initiatives within healthcare settings.
- Experience developing or facilitating Indigenous cultural safety, humility, or anti-racism education in healthcare or community environments.
- Familiarity with provincial Indigenous health strategies, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and Ontario Health Indigenous Health Framework.
- Experience working within health system partnerships such as Ontario Health, Ontario Health Teams or regional health networks.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL THE POSTING IS CLOSED.
Please include a resume with your application in order to ensure that your qualifications are appropriately considered in the hiring process.
WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. Our work is guided by our core principles of health equity, environmental sustainability, truth and reconciliation, and a learning and partnered health system, which shape how we serve our communities and support our people.
We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to: racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment. WRHN is a proud member of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).
Upon individual request, the hospital will endeavor to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate candidates, including those with disabilities. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application, interview or selection processes, please contact Human Resources in advance for assistance.
