Job Description

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is seeking a full-time contract (August 25, 2025 - March 31, 2026) Health Promotion Planner in the Health Promotion Division. Reporting to the Director of Health Promotion, the Health Promotion Planner researches, plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates programs in order to effectively meet the Ontario Public Health Standards and respond to local needs. In this position, the Planner supports staff in meeting requirements for the Health Equity Standard, Health Equity Guideline and the Relationships with Indigenous Communities Guideline of the current Ontario Public Health Standards.

In this term contract, the planner will work to advance internal and external strategies related to strengthening partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities, and advance TBDHU progress on Truth and Reconciliation and cultural safety. The planner will provide consultation to staff, the internal Truth and Reconciliation working group, and partners regarding research and evaluation, health promotion, best practices and healthy public policy development related to Indigenous partnerships, Indigenous engagement, and Truth and Reconciliation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research, knowledge exchange & program evaluation: Initiates, conducts, presents and participates in collaborative research or evaluation projects with public health staff, relevant community partners and agencies, other health units, and provincial partners in conjunction with the manager and other team members as required. Applies sound evaluation methodology for determining effectiveness, acceptability, availability and cost-efficiency of public health programs and research projects. Takes responsibility for the dissemination and use of applicable research and evidence in the Health Unit and community. Assists with informing the development of the operating budget for any assigned projects, such as research grants and evaluation projects. Under the direction of the program manager, initiates and coordinates grant proposals for any assigned projects and will consult with the team accordingly. This includes identification and securing of potential funding sources and relevant partnerships Consults and liaises with the TBDHU Program Evaluator to plan and implement evaluations of assigned programs and services. Analyzes OPHS mandate and identifies gaps in programming Develops appropriate health promotion interventions utilizing skills in social marketing, media communications, innovation, intersectoral planning, community relationships (i.e. networks and coalitions), community capacity building, and provides consultation specific to health promotion programming using a variety of theories (e.g. behaviours change theory, and social marketing). Acts as a resource person by responding to internal and community requests for information as appropriate within the scope of their assigned projects. Working in consultation with the manager and team, plays a key role as it relates to program planning and the implementation of the OPHS Foundational standard (population health assessment and surveillance, research and knowledge exchange, program evaluation) at the team or Division level. Uses population health, determinants of health and health inequities to assess the needs of the local population. Uses principles of need, impact, capacity and partnership and evaluation to guide the assessment, planning and evaluation of programs and services. Facilitates the establishment of public health policies through advocacy, negotiation, writing and presenting resolutions and position papers, research and analysis of policy options, drafting policy recommendations and assisting with implementation. Assists in building capacity within the program team in evidence-based practice, planning and evaluation.
Program planning:

Supports team to assess quality of evidence and assist with priority setting, program development and determination of public health strategies. Collects, synthesizes and analyses data and information to support evidence-informed decision-making, planning, and policy analysis. Contributes to the development of program plans (including goal/objective setting and measuring/monitoring progress of goal/objective achievement), logic models, activity plans and monitoring and evaluation plans by providing latest evidence and best practices. Population health assessment and surveillance: In consultation with the manager and team, identifies and recommends program priorities by reviewing existing epidemiological, behavioural and socio-demographic data and by planning, conducting, analyzing and reporting on assessments of community assets and needs. Efficiently and effectively documents the evidence, decisions, program plans, results, and evaluations using appropriate methods and tools and following accepted standards and policies. Understands quality improvement in public health and supports quality improvement activities within the program/division. Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in a health-related field, behavioural science, or appropriate equivalent. Masters degree preferred in a health related discipline. Minimum 2 years experience in a related field with proficiency in a combination of the following areas: research methods, data analysis, program evaluation, policy development, group facilitation techniques, principles of population health and community development. Experience with health promotion and/or public health (including the social determinants of health) considered an asset. In depth knowledge of key theoretical models in health promotion and in the employee's specific area of work (e.g. environmental health, nutrition / physical activity). Strong ability to analyze, interpret use apply data to inform program direction. Strong group facilitation, public speaking and presentation skills. Demonstrated proficiency in a Microsoft Office environment and experience working with relevant databases. Ability to work in independently and as an integral team member. Excellent communication (verbal and written) and negotiation skills. Strong interpersonal skills including: effective problem solving, conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation skills. Experience working with budgetary processes. Maintains professional competence via appropriate continuing education and self-directed study. Satisfactory police reference check in accordance with TBDHU policy. Maintains current Ontario Driver's license and access to a vehicle. Experience working with Indigenous communities Strong understanding of Indigenous issues, cultures as well as local Indigenous community groups and agencies. Ability to communicate and relate to Indigenous peoples and their communities, with sensitivity to cultural and Nation differences. Familiarity with the structure and history of Indigenous communities within North Western Ontario with focus on the Thunder Bay District Health Unit area. Ability to build trust and work in a manner that is respectful of First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures, values and beliefs.

Please include a cover letter and resume in your application package. PDF format is preferred but not required.

Please quote competition #NU-25-09 in your cover letter when applying.

Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the recruitment and selection process.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $41.64-$48.99 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Employee assistance program On-site parking Wellness program
Ability to commute/relocate:

Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6E7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-28
Expected start date: 2025-08-25