Indigenous Employee Experience Advisor – Island Health

Title of the Job: Indigenous Employee Experience Advisor

Location: Victoria, BC

Job Description: Close DateSep. 26 2024LocationRoyal Jubilee Hospital – Victoria, BC V8R 1J8 CA (Primary)Work Area (FBA Only)Multi-SiteNoTravel RequirementTravel between multiple sites may be requiredShift Start Time/End Time0830-1630Days OffWeekend/StatsVacancy TypeRegular FTSalary Range (Hourly Rate)$38.27 – $55.01Paid FTE1.0Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS75Planned Start DateOct. 14 2024Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)Pending Return of IncumbentNoCRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)YesJob DescriptionIn 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.The IEEA role is crucial in helping Island Health retain Indigenous employees to better reflect the diverse Indigenous communities it serves ultimately contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system. To effectively fulfil these responsibilities, the IEEA must demonstrate a deep understanding of the specific needs of client groups, initiatives, Indigenous-specific anti-racism, Cultural Safety & Humility, anti-racism efforts, trauma-informed practices, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles, as well as human resource issues. This understanding enables them to respond effectively to inquiries from leaders, employees, applicants, and Indigenous communities while ensuring the consistent application of relevant policies, collective agreements, and employment terms and conditions.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.
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, rights, and traditional protocols and Indigenous perspectives. A comprehensive understanding of Indigenous-specific anti-racism, and Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility is imperative, along with a clear grasp of their significance and application in healthcare and employment settings. Expertise in Indigenous-centred approaches and principles to resolution and healing is essential to, ensuring that their work is firmly grounded in Indigenous values and perspectives.
• 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 legislation an asset. Ability to use related equipment including HR information systems, word processing, spreadsheet, database and internet tools.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, In Plain Sight, MMIWG etc.).

Link to Full Job DescriptionAdditional information for applicantsPreference may be given to those who self-identify as Indigenous. Remote work / work from home arrangements, as sites will be considered.

Company Name: Island Health

Salary:

Apply for the job!