Indigenous Palliative Program Coordinator

Wabano is seeking a community-minded team member who is energized and motivated to serve our community If you are the person who shares our passion for care for Indigenous community members, considering joining our team where you will be valued, challenged and supported in managing community care. Help us to maintain a high quality of end of life for Indigenous community members by bringing your Indigenous health care experience to our community

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic health services to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa - one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence.

**Position Summary**

The addition of an **Indigenous Palliative Program Coordinator** (IPPC) at Wabano is the necessary first step in establishing an Indigenous approach to palliative care in our region**. **This coordinator would be an important liaison between clients, families, traditional Elders / Knowledge Keepers, community agencies and hospitals to enhance coordination of wrap-around services.

This position will be responsible for working with participating community organizations in alignment with provincial direction established by Ontario Health and guidance developed by the Ontario Palliative Care Network. The IPPC will drive practice change, with a focus on improving access to and quality of clinical care, aligned to the Palliative Care Health Services Delivery Framework in the Community (“The Delivery Framework”) and the Ontario Palliative Care Competency Framework.

**Some responsibilities of this position are**:
The Indigenous Palliative Care Coordinator will identify and work with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to ensure traditional and ceremonial protocols are respected in our provision of services at Wabano.

This will include:

- Developing a culturally sensitive care plans that include access to ceremony, prayer, traditional medicines and song to complement Western efforts in pain management and comfort during end-of-life-care.
- Establishing a “blanket” approach to wholistic care, which includes the four domains (emotional, mental, physical and spiritual) in grief management for both the individual and their families.
- Maintaining and strengthening existing connections with our sister communities and organizations.
- Creating a repository of traditional practices, medicines and resources to expand capacity throughout the Ottawa region, to our current partners in the community which include healthcare practitioners, cultural care providers and families/loved ones.

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**
- A degree in a registered health care discipline (e.g., RN, RSW, NP) with substantive experience and training in palliative care (e.g., CAPCE), preferred.
- Knowledge / lived experience in cultural practices in Indigenous Palliative Care.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and reporting requirements; and other pertinent legislation and regulations related to professional practice is required.
- Experience working with large-scale quality improvement initiatives.
- Strong clinical coaching and debriefing skills, with both individuals and teams.
- Experience in research and program development.
- Experience working across health care settings.
- Possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License and eligibility to complete a Driver’s Abstract.
- Successful completion of Vulnerable Sector Screening within one month of employment.

**KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS**
- A commitment to developing equity-based, evidence-informed approaches for delivering palliative care services for all people in our region, regardless of their age or illness.
- A good understanding of regional priorities and local healthcare needs, within Ontario’s healthcare landscape.
- Ability to work well under pressure and use good judgment in assessing difficult situations.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Aptitude for proactive problem solving, using strong critical thinking, and negotiating skills.
- A demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate training and coaching efforts.
- An ability to develop relationships based on trust, compassion, and empathy.
- Strong active listening and interpersonal communication skills for one-on-one coaching.
- Experience designing education to effectively address the palliative care training needs of interprofessional learners.
- A demonstrated focus on person-centered care.
- Access to reliable and efficient mode(s) of transportation to enable travel between community organizations.
- Ability to work flexible working hours.

**Why Work for Us**
- Collaborative and Supportive Work Environment
- Comprehensive Group Health and Dental Insurance
- Employee Pension Plan (defined benefits) with matching contribution from Wabano
- Employe