Indigenous Employee Experience Advisor

**Job Description**:
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, 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.

The Indigenous Employee Experience Advisor (IEEA) role is an integral part of the Indigenous Recruitment & Retention team and involves offering specialized services tailored for Indigenous employees to promote a positive Indigenous employee experience. These services are grounded in a practical understanding of Indigenous-specific anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety & Humility, with the overarching goal of increasing Indigenous representation in the healthcare sector and fostering a thriving Indigenous employee workforce at Island Health.

Working closely with the Manager of Indigenous Recruitment, the broader Indigenous Recruitment and Retention and Indigenous Health Team, and corporate partners such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), HR, Compensation & Classification, and Respectful Workplace, the IEEA plays an instrumental role in advancing the development, delivery, and enhancement of Indigenous-focused employee retention practices and procedures. These efforts are geared towards facilitating the establishment of safe, culturally appropriate workforce policies and processes that yield positive outcomes for Indigenous employees. This involves ensuring that Island Health policies, practices, and campaigns align with and promote Indigenous-specific anti-racism, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Humility and Relational Practice to support a thriving Indigenous workforce at Island Health. In addition, the IEEA will collaborate with the Indigenous Employment Advisors to ensure that internal Indigenous employees at Island Health receive necessary support during career and team transitions, especially those who may be encountering racism or adversity in their current roles.

The IEEA role is also dedicated to supporting Island Health in the implementation of the Indigenous-Specific Anti-Racism (ISAR) Workforce policy. This policy outlines procedures for reporting and resolving incidents of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination within Island Health's workforce aimed at creating a Zero-tolerance Environment for Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination while fostering a 'Speak-up' Culture. Additionally, this role involves taking an advisory approach in developing programs and supports that enhance the Indigenous Employee Experience. This includes initiatives designed to create a positive Indigenous employee experience through various means, such as fostering Indigenous employee networks, creating internal newsletters, and delivering specialized programming. Collaborative efforts within the Indigenous Health team and other portfolio teams across Island Health are essential in developing and delivering an Indigenous Employee Community of Practice.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education, Training And Experience**:

- A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Health, or Human Resources, plus three (3) to five (5) years in a large multi-union healthcare environment. Equivalent and combined levels of experience through working in Indigenous organizations and communities are strongly considered.
- Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. Lived experience as an Indigenous person and a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and the unique challenges faced by Indigenous employees in the healthcare sector is essential.
- A proven track record of leadership in initiatives that enhance the Indigenous employee experience. This entails a history of developing and implementing strategies that improve the well-being, safety and inclusion of Indigenous staff. Well-versed in the effective implementation and management of policies related to Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, with a particular focus on reporting and resolution procedures. Strong relational and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams, including Labour Relations, HR Services, and Indigenous Health.

**Skills And Abilities**:

- A high degree of empathy and compassion when working with Indigenous staff, community members, and partners. The position requires skills in building relationships, fostering trust, and promoting collaboration among diverse groups. Deep commitment to advancing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous cultural safety are central priorities for the IEEA role. Dedication to creating a workplace culture that is free from Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination is essential to this role.
- Coaching experience is an asset. Working knowledge of standard human resource policies and practices and related employment