Indigenous Peer Advocate

Position Summary
Northern Health values diversity within the workplace and our commitment of reaching a representative workforce. For this position, we also want to highlight First Nation, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous Ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for this position. All candidates will be considered; however, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. For this initiative candidates from this group who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are encouraged to self-identify.

Are you looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to our Specialized Community Services department.

In accordance with established vision and values of the organization and in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority, the Indigenous Peer Advocate is responsible for facilitating and promoting the meaningful engagement of people with lived experience of substance use (referred to as "peers") in harm reduction policy and program development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation within Northern Health (NH) and partner organizations.

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Days, Evenings, 08:18 to 19:30 (Rotating)

Terrace The thriving community of Terrace is northern living at its best. Snow-capped mountains, pristine glacier-fed rivers, lakes, and streams all add to the beauty of this community. The main industries in Terrace are communications, transportation, and natural resources. The population is approximately 12,700. There are nine elementary schools, four secondary schools, and Northwest Community College and a UNBC campus. Check out Terrace where there is always something new to experience.

What Northern Health has to offer you!
• Comprehensive benefit packages including, extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casuals have the option of paying for benefits.
• Three weeks vacation with one year of continuous service
• Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for eligible positions
• Employee referral program
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Spectacular outdoor activities and the shortest commutes in BC
• "Loan Forgiveness Programs" are offered through the Federal and BC Government for eligible professions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
As part of your application process, you will need to upload the following documentation:
• Registration number (if you are part of a regulated profession)
• Any supporting documents regarding education/qualifications for this position.
Examples may include:
• Program certificates or diplomas
• High school/college/university transcripts etc.
• It is also recommended to provide a cover letter and resume

Are you an International Applicant? Before applying for a job with Northern Health, please follow these steps on our Northern Health careers page

Qualfications
• Past or current recipient of mental health and/or substance use services.
• Experience in social services, supported housing/addictions/Public Health.
• Grade 12. Open to continuing education in related field.
• Two (2) years' recent, related experience working/volunteering with and/or mentoring peers in urban and/or rural, isolated, and remote communities (including Indigenous communities).
• Experience working with peers in community and providing health promotion and harm reduction activities in the areas of substance use, or an equivalent combined education, training and experience.
• Experience working with BC First Nations organizations and communities
• Travel is a requirement of this position; and flexibility in relation to work schedules and locations may be required. Valid BC Driver's License is an asset
• In accordance with Section 41 or the BC Human Rights Code and Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, preference will be given to qualified candidates with Aboriginal ancestry.

Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of diverse Indigenous communities' social, historical, jurisdictional, and cultural context, and Indigenous views on approaches to health and wellness.
• Knowledge of the health and wellness governance landscape in First Nations' health in BC, particularly relative to mental wellness.
• Knowledge of theories, practices and principles relative to mental wellness, suicide prevention, and mental health emergency response, particularly relative to First Nations in BC, including the current programs and services available.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal/First Nations mental wellness health system needs, including mental health and wellness issues that face BC First Nations.
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, an understanding of First Nations cultural principles and protocols and ability to manage conflict in a respectful and culturally relevant and safe manner.
• Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action into their work
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and practices.
• Knowledge of peer-driven initiatives and interventions.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communications skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated facilitation, leadership, public speaking, circle sharing, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to reflect on the way their lived experiences influences their work.
• Ability to maintain non-violent communication in work-related environments and correspondence
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to practice humility
• Ability to manage time effectively based on workload.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with people and communities at large.
• Ability to provide guidance and work direction.
• Ability to problem-solve.
• Ability to prepare presentations, promotional materials, and business correspondence.
• Ability to be creative and flexible, to work under the pressure of interruptions and change.
• Ability to present information based on audience.

Who we are
Northern Health covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometers and offers health services in over two dozen communities and 55 First Nation's communities. We deliver hospital and community-based health care for a population of 300,000.
Employing more than 7,000 staff throughout the region, Northern Health provides exceptional health services for Northerners, through the efforts of dedicated staff and physicians, in partnership with communities and organizations in Northern BC.
There is a wide variety of career opportunities available in our two dozen hospitals, 25 long-term care facilities, public health units and many other offices providing specialized services.