Indigenous Patient Services Manager

**Job Description**:
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is a leading healthcare facility located in Barrie, Ontario, dedicated to providing exceptional care to our community. RVH is deeply committed to advancing Indigenous Health and Reconciliation, while understanding how a history of colonization and settler systems perpetuate Indigenous health inequities and disparities. In this job posting we use Indigenous people as an inclusive term to describe First Nations, Inuit, Metis people. Individuals may self-identify based on their experiences, kin relations and land ties. The Simcoe Muskoka region is currently home to Indigenous people from many nations. A relationship has been established between RVH and the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle - Indigenous Health Circle (BANAC-IHC) to develop more opportunities for Indigenous patients, families, and community members to access sustainable and long term culturally safe care, systems and spaces at RVH.

RVH is seeking an **Indigenous Patient Services Manager** with lived experience to join the organization at a time of growth and transition. In this context, lived experience means First Nations, Métis and Inuit identification, based on their experiences, kin relations, community and/or land ties. This person will play a pivotal role and will lead the Indigenous Patient Services team which provides culturally relevant supports and advocacy for Indigenous Peoples, hospital wide.

The Indigenous Patient Services Manager will work closely with RVH leadership, TEAM RVH, Indigenous communities, and other key partners to develop, implement, and evaluate initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, cultural safety, and positive health outcomes for Indigenous patients and families.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Ensure RVH patients and families, who identify as Indigenous, are provided necessary resources both while admitted, and as they prepare for discharge, promoting cultural safety
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities with respect, humility and transparent communication
- Provide guidance, expertise and support to RVH, BANAC-IHC and others to facilitate meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners and identification of new priorities to advance Indigenous health equity
- Lead organizational wide education and engagement efforts related to significant reflection and celebration events e.g. Indigenous History Month, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Collect, analyze, and report data on Indigenous health outcomes to identify disparities and areas for improvement. Use data to inform evidence-based decision-making and program evaluation.
- Advocate for policies and practices that address the social determinants of health and reduce health inequities among Indigenous populations.
- Stay informed about Indigenous health policies and best practices to influence RVH's policies and procedures.
- Instill cultural safety throughout the health centre and TEAM RVH
- Collaborate with RVH leadership to integrate Indigenous health priorities into the organization's overall strategic plan.
- Partner with and support other members of Team RVH to incorporate Indigenous cultural values and perspectives into the design and implementation of programs, standards, guidelines and quality improvement initiatives
- Plan, design, and execute community engagement strategies in collaboration with BANAC-IHC, RVH Director, DEIB, and other leaders
- Guide, inform, and participate in engagement between RVH and Indigenous organizations and communities; ensure culturally appropriate approach to engagement
- Provide leadership and coaching to the Indigenous Patient Services team
- Uphold First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples’ inherent right to self-governance

**Qualifications**:

- Strong understanding of Indigenous culture, history, barriers and issues, including the social and economic determinants of health
- Bachelor’s Degree in Indigenous Studies, Health Administration, Public Health, Social Work, or related field
- Regulated Health Professional with certification in good standing from respective regulatory body is an asset
- Comprehensive knowledge of program development in Indigenous health and wellness gained by three to five years of Indigenous healthcare administration experience working with patients and families is an asset
- Three to five years of leadership experience, preferably in complex healthcare organizations is an asset
- Understanding of federal and provincial government policies and their impact on Indigenous health Experience advocating for historically underrepresented communities
- A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of trauma-informed practices and care
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills
- Strong understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action Report
- Strong analytical and presentation skills
- Ability to travel as required