Indigenous Health Lead, Integrated Child

**Job Description**:
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

As part of Island Health's strategic framework, the organization has made a commitment to improve the experience, quality, and outcomes of health and care services for indigenous patients, clients, families, and employees. There is a large focus to ensure this experience is free of discrimination, racism, and stigma. These organizational goals require the expansion and development of the Indigenous Health & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, to continue to improve Indigenous safety, care, and experience. This work is deeply aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the In Plain Sight Report.

Reporting to the Manager of Child, Youth and Family Mental Health & Substance Use or designate, and working in collaboration with local Integrated Child & Youth (ICY) Program Leads, the Indigenous Health Lead for ICY is the key administrative leader for direct care ICY Indigenous roles across ICY communities in Island Health. This includes providing leadership and collaborating with clinical and operational leaders in the ICY communities to support best practices models for Indigenous programs and services within the ICY teams that support the mental health and substance use needs of children, youth and families in the applicable service areas.

OVERVIEW OF INTEGRATED CHILD AND YOUTH TEAM PROGRAM - Under the Pathway to Hope, the Province is establishing Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams in five communities, defined by school district boundaries, starting in fall 2021 with Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, Comox Valley, Richmond, Coast Mountains, and Okanagan-Similkameen. An additional 15 communities will be added over the following three years for a total of 20 communities.

These community-based multidisciplinary teams will coordinate and deliver wraparound mental health and substance use services and supports for children and youth 0-19 and their families. The service delivery will be flexible and outbound, reflecting the preferences of children, youth, and families. Each ICY team will support a cluster of Public, Independent and First Nations operated schools and will include all children and youth within the geographic region, including those who don't attend a school.

Integrated Child and Youth teams are comprised of team members employed by various organizations and ministries with some positions already existing in the region and new positions being added. Core team positions include Integrated Care Coordinators (ICC), Integrated Child and Youth Clinical Counsellors (ICYCC), Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) clinicians, youth substance use workers, Indigenous positions, administrative assistants, and youth and family peer support. Through the collective impact of partners working together in an integrated way, children and youth with mild, moderate, and severe mental health and/or substance use challenges and their families/caregivers will have timely, equitable access to a seamless system of culturally safe and effective interventions that are based on the unique strengths, needs and risks of children, youth and families.

Travel may be a requirement of this position. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education, Training And Experience**:
A Bachelor's degree in Indigenous studies, health science or related discipline and a minimum of five (5) years' recent, related experience including healthcare service delivery, First Nations community health services, planning or project management or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Driver's License.

A key responsibility of this role involves providing an Indigenous specific lens to support the promotion of the interests and welfare of Indigenous peoples; Island Health views Indigenous identity as being directly relevant to this role. Preference will be given to individuals who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.

**Skills And Abilities**:

- Ability to work in partnership with Indigenous organizations and communities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous cultural safety principles and strategies.
- Demonstrated facilitation, consultation & presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and maintain a balanced perspective.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, including developing clear written reports and making group presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a highly dynamic environment.