Indigenous Community Development Worker

Position Summary

The Indigenous Community Development Worker will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team at Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC) and the local Indigenous community to develop and strengthen access to health and wellness initiatives.

Working with community groups and individuals, the Indigenous Community Development Worker works to carry out the strategic goals set by KCHC and to support the work of the Indigenous Health Council. They address factors which affect community and individual health through the planning, implementation, and promotion of health programs both at the centre and in the community as a whole.

Benefits:

• Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Days and Education time
• Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Extended Health Benefits come into effect after three months of employment in this position: Health and Dental Coverage, Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long-Term Disability Coverage and an Employee Assistance Program,

Key Responsibilities 

Community Development

• Work in the community and assist in the identification of needs for various health promotion initiatives.
• Provide insight and support within KCHC to build an effective collaborative, inclusive, client service model, which improves cultural sensitivity and safety;
• Work closely with community members around issues which affect their health e.g. housing, food security, caregiver responsibilities, schools, parks.
• Work with community members in the development of community initiatives that promote community strengths/assets and address community challenges.
• Establish links and work with other community groups, agencies and policy/decision makers in addressing community and systemic issues.
• Work in conjunction with community development team to design and implement community development strategies associated with health promotion programs.
• Facilitate and enhance the skills of community members to effectively write proposals, petition government, and lobby for social change, including organizational skills and democratic procedures.
• Assist the community in planning and implementing health promotion initiatives, working with facilitators to foster group independence and self-sufficiency.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of health promotion programs.
• Be directly involved in outreach activities to engage and support community members, particularly those within priority groups identified in the organizational strategic plan.
• Remain aware of major innovations and changes in social policy which affect community well-being.
• Utilize resources to promote healthy communities.
• Mentor projects, initiatives and staff as required
• Manage program and community development activities within approved budgets.
• Develop and prepare proposals to support program needs and community groups or initiatives, as required.

Program Support

• Promote and support the Special Events program
• Support the work of the Indigenous Health Council across KCHC;
• Support Centres’ Seniors programming
• Deliver the Bridges Out of Poverty training and Getting Ahead programs
• Support Indigenous programming including the Grandmother Council ceremonies

Administration

• Responsible to track data in our Electronic Medical Records systems.
• Help write and submit grant proposals for identified community projects.
• Work within the agreed upon budget for each program/initiative.
• Responsible for data collection and analysis through surveys using in person questionnaires and tracking attendance.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Comply with all relevant legislation and KCHC policies, including privacy laws
• Commits to acquiring an understanding of the importance of trauma responsiveness and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  
• Commits to demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization and Accessibility (EDIIA) by representing the diverse nature of our communities, promoting and practicing inclusion
• Supports consistent application and development of KCHC policies and procedures
• Supports KCHC’s student and volunteer placement programs
• Promotes awareness of and participation in KCHC activities
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement
• On occasion, perform other temporary duties as required

Basic Education and Experience Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Health, Social Services or related field. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of three years of experience in community development or a related field.
• Strong knowledge and connections to local Indigenous nations and communities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of health promotion initiatives and social determinants of health.
• Knowledge of the strengths and challenges of the community and populations.
• Completion of Bridges Out of Poverty program, Circle Coach and Getting Ahead Facilitator course is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and various applications
• Experience working with diverse community populations
• Awareness and the ability to support provincial and federal privacy regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Current First Aid and CPR an asset
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to working in a team.
• Participate on committees and strategic planning activities.

Other Requirements

• Valid Driver’s Licence, Driver’s Abstract and proof of vehicle liability insurance
• Access to a vehicle as this position has daily travel to locations in Kingston and surrounding area
• Current and satisfactory Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Check
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position
• Work within the regular and extended hours as required at locations identified and supported by KCHC

As a registered professional, to abide by and be accountable to the ethics and standards set out by the relevant regulatory body of the profession. All KCHC staff have a duty to understand and follow KCHC policies, uphold high ethical and professional standards, and maintain confidentiality and privacy, using tact and good judgment in all dealings with other staff and clients.

At Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), we understand that the work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigeneity, and Accessibility (EDIIA) is ongoing. We are dedicated to being accountable, transparent, and responsive to the holistic needs of the communities we serve. We will continue to listen, learn, and take meaningful action to ensure that our policies, practices, and services create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, can thrive.

We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, to apply to KCHC. Our commitment to EDIIA is a living practice, one that evolves as we grow and learn together. We pledge to contribute to building a system that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all. 

KCHC is an equal opportunity employer, respecting and embracing the needs and diversity of our employees. If you require accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.

Kingston Community Health Centres, 263 Weller Ave. Kingston ON, K7K 2V4  www.KCHC.ca