Indigenous Wellness Coordinator

The Indigenous Wellness Core (IWC) works in collaboration and partnership across Alberta Health Services (AHS) and with all external partners to support innovation and improvement in Indigenous Health and to work towards health equity for Indigenous peoples and communities. The IWC has a significant opportunity to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta by focusing on upstream efforts and health equity, creating, and building on community empowerment and action, and transforming health service delivery to address racism and focus more on determinants of health and prevention. The IWC is the mechanism through which AHS plans to achieve on-going provincial improvement in Indigenous health, patient outcomes and experience, health improvement and sustainability of Alberta’s health system. All Non-Union/Exempt positions are being reviewed for possible inclusion in the AUPE General Support Services bargaining unit. If this position is impacted, the incumbent will be notified accordingly. As a bona fide occupational requirement, and under Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only Indigenous applicants will be considered. Please ensure you are identifying as Indigenous.

The Indigenous Wellness Coordinator (Coordinator) provides advocacy, counseling, support, education, and facilitation of traditional Indigenous wellness services to patients, families and health professionals. The Coordinator facilitates and provides education about respectful relationships and health care for Indigenous people while building increased understanding and trust between Indigenous people and health care providers under the guidance and direction of the Manager, Edmonton and Central Zones, Indigenous Wellness Core. Respecting the historical impacts of colonization, the beauty of Traditional Indigenous beliefs and cultures, the diversity of many beliefs among Indigenous peoples, and the complex Western medical approaches to health, the Indigenous Wellness Coordinator establishes responsive, sensitive, and consultative relationships that enable trust and wellness among peoples of very diverse world views and approaches to health. Recognizing Alberta Health Services provides health care services to 284,470 Indigenous people living in Alberta, in addition, to Indigenous people from Canada’s North, Northern Saskatchewan and Northern British Columbia, the Indigenous Wellness Coordinator provides a spirit of hospitality, spiritual and cultural support to diverse Indigenous people seeking tertiary health care services.

Recognized by an Indigenous community as being competent in the use of traditional Indigenous practices; Having training and guidance in the use of traditional Indigenous approaches to wellbeing; Having the ability to facilitate connection to traditional wellness practices. Previous experience in a health care setting or in a human services field outside of health care setting, and advanced experience/knowledge of Indigenous wellness methods, culture, and traditions.

Knowledge and respect for the diversity of Indigenous populations and communities. Knowledge of Indigenous history, worldview, perspectives, beliefs/values, culture and traditions and spirituality is required. Knowledge of traditional Indigenous protocol, traditional medicines, and Indigenous wellness methods. Ability to work independently and as part of a health care team. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Demonstrates good written skills and use of relevant computer software.

Secondary degree in health care or social sciences will be considered an asset. College certificate/diploma in related health care discipline, such as Community Health Representative, Social Work, and Nursing will be considered an asset. Ability to speak or understand any of the traditional languages within Northern Alberta. Experience in a health care setting will be considered an asset.