Job Description

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Reports to and works under the direct supervision of the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre Supervisor.





Works closely and cooperatively within the Indigenous Midwifery case management team.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

To acquire the clinical skill set and knowledge required to practice as an Indigenous Midwife under the exemption code as per the Midwifery Act, 1991. Apprentices will be involved in the provision of Indigenous Midwifery services to healthy low risk clients and supportive care services to high-risk clients within southwestern Ontario. They will help to organize, facilitate, and administer various programs delivered through the Maternal and Child Centre. Apprentices will gain knowledge and develop midwifery clinical skills through hands-on experience, workshops, course work, independent research, tests and assignments.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

TECHNICAL FUNCTIONS:

Obtain hands on clinical Indigenous Midwifery skills (prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum) through the provision of care to eligible clients coordinated through the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha Ona:grahsta' Indigenous Midwifery Practice. Learn how to provide supportive Indigenous Midwifery care to high-risk clients. Learn how to follow the Health and Safety standards pertaining to biohazard waste including universal precautions and aseptic techniques. Learn documentation skills within the established charting requirements and style. Be accessible to clients and Clinical Preceptors through the established "On-Call procedures" (24 hours-7 days a week) unless an Off-Call process has been initiated with the indigenous Midwifery Practice and all client care has been transferred to another Indigenous Midwife and/or Apprentice for a specified period. Participate in case management meetings and make referrals when necessary to other care providers both within and outside the community. Participate in the Maternal and Child Centre Policies and Procedures review and the development of new policies and procedures. Help organize, facilitate, and serve as a resource of prenatal education classes and other programs provided to the community. Must obtain current recertification in Neonatal Resuscitation certificate, CPR/First Aid for Health Care Providers and Emergency Midwifery Skills. Identify continuing education opportunities and develop an individual learning plan(s). Apprentices must receive a passing grade on all required courses such as Human Anatomy and Reproductive Anatomy, as well as Midwifery Tutorials and all clinical midwifery skills which will be evaluated biyearly.

COMMUNICATION FUNCTIONS:

Work in conjunction with the community Elders in the further development of Indigenous Midwifery Services and programs as directed by the Supervisor. Assist with community education, training, and awareness to further the goals and mission of the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre. Participate in Midwifery Peer Review meetings to maintain peer support and professional relationships within the surrounding Midwifery practices. Identify client programming needs to the Supervisor to ensure that Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre services continue to address and meet client needs. Represent the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre in a highly professional and positive manner at various meetings, conferences, or educational events as directed by the Supervisor. Ensure that all communication with external medical personnel is clear, concise, and appropriate in relation to the issue/subject.

ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS:

Prepare and submit personal progress reports to the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha Ona:grahsta' Supervisor. Participate in the development of draft or revised policies/protocols as requested by the Supervisor. Maintain a strong working relationship with the Midwifery Team through regular contact both in-person and in written form. Meet on a regular basis with the Indigenous Midwifery Practice to maintain a high standard of midwifery services. These meetings will consist of protocol review, service/program development, client intake reviews and discussions, client allocation and other practice issues. Prepare letters for other Care Providers for the purpose of reporting, referral, and support as necessary under the guidance of the Clinical Preceptor. Assist with ordering lab work, ultrasounds, and other testing, as necessary.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

Any other related duties as may reasonably be required by the Supervisor of the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre. Provides support for the Six Nations Emergency Measures Plan by ensuring awareness of the Emergency Measures Plan and assistance as instructed by the Director of Health Services.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work has a high public profile, Indigenous midwifery focus, extensive interaction with the public and the medical field; subject to deadlines, interruptions; ability to prioritize, take direction, work independently, work as a team member, develop/identify and initiate organizational or midwifery practices/protocols that will enhance services and effectiveness, cope with many demands and time restraints.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

With the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre Supervisor

Is under the direct supervision and receives direction and guidance from the Supervisor in the provision of Indigenous Midwifery services and programs.

With Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre Indigenous Midwives

Works cooperatively with and receives instruction, direction, guidance, and support from the other members of the Indigenous Midwifery Practice in providing Indigenous Midwifery services to all clients and families.

With the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre Staff

Maintains a courteous, respectful, cooperative, and team-like relationship with all staff. Works in conjunction with the Secretary/Receptionist in the coordination and maintenance of client services and needs and keeps the birth teams informed about client care progression and status.

With Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Clinical Preceptors

Obtains necessary midwifery clinical skills and knowledge under the guidance of the Clinical Preceptor

With Other Staff

Maintains courtesy, cooperation, respect, and teamwork with all staff.

With External Medical Personnel

Proficient, professional, and clear communication, professional courtesy, and cooperation in the positive promotion of the Indigenous Midwifery Practice, its' services and client needs.

With the Community

Represents and promotes Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre interests; works in a courteous, respectful, cooperative, positive, and proactive manner.

With External Agencies

Represents and promotes Six Nations' interests relative to Six Nations Health Services; seeks to develop close working relationships with all agencies pertinent to the health and well-being of all clients.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications


High School Education or equivalent Ability to confirm Indigenous ancestry (this is a requirement for people working under the Exemption Code for Indigenous Midwives as per the Midwifery Act, 1991). Excellent knowledge of Indigenous Midwifery childbearing or birthing practices and standards of care. Minimum 3 years work related or volunteer experience directly related to Indigenous Midwifery and/or childbearing including doula work, experience working in an Indigenous Midwifery practice and/or Birth Centre, experience working with Indigenous women during pregnancy, birth and/or the postpartum period either in the health care or social services sectors such as woman's shelter, Healthy Babies Healthy Children program or social work. Willing to work flexible hours as deemed necessary by the needs of the clients (24 hours 7 days per week on-call basis in conjunction with acceptable clinic hours). Ability to work independently and ability to take direction. Ability to prioritize and make sound decisions within a short amount of time during emergency situations. Ability to successfully pass a police clearance check. Demonstrate excellent assertive skills appropriate to dealing with clients, medical personnel, and agency personnel. Demonstrate strong communication skills.




Other Preferred Qualifications


Understands the organizational structure of the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta', Six Nations Health Services, Six Nations Elected Council and the lines of authority that exists within this structure. Ability to communicate personal needs and aspirations effectively. Ability to solve problems effectively. Ability to work with tact and discretion. Good knowledge of Six Nations Community and highly sensitive to Six Nations culture.

IMPACT OF ERROR:

Errors in carrying out duties could result in loss of credibility, harm, or injury to the public or legal/financial liability to the Six Nations Elected Council. Errors in conduct could result in embarrassment to the Six Nations Council, Health Services and the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre; loss of public confidence and unnecessary conflict leading to lack of trust.

CONTROL:

Guiding principles set by the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre, Six Nations Health Services Department, and the Six Nations Elected Council.





Must work within the administrative policies and procedures established by the Six Nations Elected Council.





Must work within the policies, procedures and protocols established by the Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha/Ona:grahsta' Maternal and Child Centre.





Must work within the Six Nations Health Services Mission, Vision and Value Statement and the Client Bill of Rights established by the Six Nations Department of Wellbeing.