Job Description

Position Title:

Health Emergency Management (HEM) Coordinator

Department:

KO Health

Reports To:

Director of Health

Location:

Balmertown, ON or Thunder Bay, ON (with travel to KO communities as required)

Employment Type:

Full-time

Position Summary

Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) is seeking a dedicated and highly organized

Health Emergency Management (HEM) Coordinator

to strengthen the preparedness and response capacity of our six member First Nations. The HEM Coordinator will be responsible for supporting communities in planning, coordinating, and implementing health-focused emergency management initiatives across all four pillars: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.



This position will serve as the key liaison between KO communities, health and social service providers, and emergency management organizations. The HEM Coordinator will also act as KO's lead contact for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, helping community members navigate systemic barriers year-round to prevent bureaucratic challenges from escalating into emergencies.

Key Responsibilities

Preparedness and Mitigation

Develop and update

health emergency annexes

for each KO community's all-hazards emergency plans. Create and maintain

registries of vulnerable populations

(e.g., elders, diabetics, individuals on opioid agonist therapy, expecting mothers). Build and maintain a

resource map of health and social services

in likely evacuation host sites, ensuring continuity of care during emergencies. Coordinate and deliver

emergency management training

(e.g., Incident Management System, Mental Health First Aid, Emergency Shelter Management). Facilitate

tabletop exercises and community preparedness sessions

with KO communities. Increase public awareness of emergency preparedness through outreach and education.

Response and Recovery

Act as a

community liaison

during evacuations and health emergencies, coordinating with local, regional, provincial, and federal partners. Support

Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs)

, ensuring effective communication, logistics, and health coordination. Assist in the creation of evacuation lists, manifests, and vulnerable population tracking. Provide ongoing

monitoring and reporting

during emergencies. Ensure follow-up with communities in the recovery phase, coordinating with service providers to restore health supports.

Health Systems Navigation

Serve as KO's primary

NIHB contact

, helping members navigate the system and resolve barriers to access. Support continuity of prescription drugs, medical travel, and urgent health services during emergencies and evacuations. Provide annual reporting on NIHB-related challenges and solutions to inform advocacy.

Qualifications

Post-secondary education in health, emergency management, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Knowledge of First Nations health systems, NIHB, and community health and social services. Demonstrated experience in

emergency response, crisis management, or health coordination

. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to work flexible hours and be on-call during emergencies. Cultural awareness and demonstrated experience working with First Nations communities. Valid driver's license and ability to travel to remote First Nations communities.

Work Conditions

Based at KO Balmertown or Thunder Bay office with frequent travel to KO communities and potential extended hours during emergencies. * Flexibility to respond on short notice during emergency situations.