Job Description

Your Opportunity:

The Indigenous Wellness Core (IWC) works in collaboration and partnership across Alberta Health Services and with all external partners to support innovation and improvement in Indigenous Health and to work towards health equity for Indigenous peoples and communities. The IWC has a significant opportunity to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta by focusing on upstream efforts and health equity, creating and building on community empowerment and action, and transforming health service delivery to address racism and focus more on determinants of health and prevention. The IWC is the mechanism through which AHS plans to achieve on-going provincial improvement in Indigenous health, patient outcomes and experience, health improvement and sustainability of Alberta\'s health system. The Traditional Wellness Coordinator (Coordinator) provides advocacy, counseling, support, education and facilitation of traditional Indigenous healing services to patients, families and health professionals. The Coordinator facilitates and provides education about respectful relationships and health care for Indigenous people while building increased understanding and trust between Indigenous people and health care providers under the guidance and direction of the Manager, Calgary/South zone. Recognizing Alberta Health Services provides health care services to all Indigenous people in Alberta, in addition, to Indigenous people from Canada\'s North, Northern Saskatchewan and Northern British Columbia, the Indigenous Wellness Coordinator delivers a spirit of hospitality through spiritual and cultural support to the diverse Indigenous people seeking health care services. As a bona fide occupational requirement, and under Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only Indigenous applicants will be considered.

Description:

This position has direct patient contact and is a key element for AHS to provide integrated and culturally safe health care service delivery for Indigenous patients and families. The position\'s direct contact with patients and ability to provide care through an Indigenous healing approach has been shown to increase the capacity of AHS to provide safe and appropriate care. The Indigenous Wellness Coordinator will: Create relationships with patients/families. Foster respect for Indigenous worldviews, cultural values, and traditional principles of wellness among patients and staff. Assess the impacts of multigenerational trauma and help with the healing process. Raise awareness about traditional healing practices and options available. Referral support to connect patients/families to culturally safe and appropriate traditional healing resources. Advocate for Indigenous patients and families through consultation and support for patients and families to access services and informed health care options as requested. Complete and maintain detailed patient reports and service logs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary hospital staff among Alberta Health Services, outside health bodies and organizations not limited to Indigenous health providers. Coordinate smudges, prayers and other healing ceremonies, including special events. Educate patients and staff about cultural protocols to ensure that ceremonial spaces, sacred objects, and processes are respected. Facilitate cultural activities and educational opportunities for patients, families, staff, and community partners. Frequently assess changing needs. Coordinate traditional wellness appointments with patients. Ensure a regular schedule of services to various types of healing sessions are offered. Provide leadership when traditional wellness and Indigenous approaches to healing are required.

• Classification: Aboriginal Cultural Helper
• Union: Exempt
• Unit and Program: Indigenous Wellness Core
• Primary Location: Southport Tower
• Location Details: As Per Location
• Employee Class: Regular Full Time
• FTE: 1.00
• Posting End Date: 09-JUN-2023
• Date Available: 19-JUN-2023
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 10
• Shift Pattern: Days
• Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
• Minimum Salary: $23.13
• Maximum Salary: $38.54
• Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Required Qualifications:

Recognized by an Indigenous community as being competent in the use of traditional Indigenous practices; Having training and guidance in the use of traditional Indigenous approaches to wellbeing; Having the ability to facilitate connection to traditional healing practices. Previous experience in a health care setting or in a human services field outside of health care setting, and advanced experience/knowledge of Indigenous healing methods, culture and traditions.
Additional Required Qualifications:

Candidate should also demonstrate the following: Knowledge and respect for the diversity of Indigenous populations and communities. Knowledge of Indigenous history, worldview, perspectives, beliefs/values, culture and traditions and spirituality is required. Knowledge and ability to teach and provide use of traditional Indigenous protocol, traditional medicines, and Indigenous Healing methods. Ability to work independently and as part of a health care team. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Demonstrates good written skills and use of relevant computer software.
Preferred Qualifications:

Secondary degree in health care or social sciences will be considered an asset. Knowledge of an Indigenous language will be considered an asset. Experience in a health care setting will be considered an asset.

Please note:

All postings close at 23:59 MT of the posting end date indicated.

Security Screening:

A satisfactory criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search is required prior to your first day of work. Additionally, all employees have an ongoing duty to disclose any charges or convictions that may occur during their employment with AHS.

Healthy Albertans. Healthy
Communities. Together.

We\'re passionate about what we do. Our team of skilled and dedicated health care professionals, support staff, and physicians promote wellness and provide health care every day, all across Alberta.

Everything we do at AHS reflects a patient and family centred approach; it\'s about putting patients\' and families\' experiences, priorities and trust first.

We are an equal opportunity employer. AHS values the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is committed to attracting, engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Alberta Health Services