Research Associate 2 – First Nations Wellness Initiative, Walpole Island First Nation-camh

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Research Associate 2

First Nations Wellness Initiative, Walpole Island First Nation

Shkaabe Makwa/Institute for Mental Health Policy Research

Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH is the first hospital-based Centre in Canada designed to drive culturally-responsive systems initiatives to achieve health justice and wellness for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities through the advancement of research, workforce development and innovative healing models that harmonize traditional knowledge and medical expertise.

The Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR) is home to leading scientific experts dedicated to informing policy and practice on mental illness and substance use disorders. IMHPR scientists conduct collaborative research on communities, populations, health systems and global health, and develop and evaluate prevention and intervention initiatives to reduce mental health and substance use challenges. IMHPR is committed to equity, informed by the social determinants of health.

Shkaabe Makwa and the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are seeking a casual Research Assistant in Walpole Island First Nation. This individual will support a research project funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the First Nations Wellness Initiative, which involves the collection of local data and the development and implementation of community wellness strategies using participatory action research in First Nations communities. The research program actively engages all members of the community, including consumers/patients, families and informal caregivers, service providers and community leaders and Elders. Reporting to the Manager, First Nations Wellness Initiative, and the Research Assistant will support the work collaboratively as part of a team of researchers to implement community-based research, involving both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

The individual will make it their priority to ensure that all research developed in collaboration with First Nations communities is culturally sensitive and acknowledges and addresses the impacts of colonization, historical loss, historical trauma, historical unresolved grief, and the intergenerational transmission of loss and trauma. The responsibilities of the Research Assistant will include: assisting with qualitative data collection activities; assisting with qualitative data analyses and preparation of descriptive community reports, papers and presentations; assisting with the planning and implementation of community workshops and knowledge sharing activities; assisting with administrative tasks and the preparation of data collection materials as well as materials used in knowledge sharing activities; connecting with the larger research team on a bi-weekly or monthly basis; and any other duties associated with the research, as determined throughout the duration of the project. This position will also include assisting in the development of scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals and engaging in other dissemination activities in the scientific community. Adherence to strict protocols for the protection of data privacy and confidentiality is required. As a member of the research team, the Research Assistant will join and support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements. This position is located offsite and will involve travel within Ontario.

This position requires the incumbents to be First Nations, Inuit or Métis. Preference will be given to candidates who are members and residents of Walpole Island First Nation. The successful candidate will have Bachelor’s Degree and must have at least 1 year of relevant experience involving research. The candidate will have knowledge and experience relating to research in Indigenous communities and mental health and addictions. The candidate must be familiar with determinants of health for Indigenous peoples, principles of research and engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations. The individual will have excellent communication (verbal/written) and organizational skills. Candidates must be proficient in using Microsoft Office programs and must be conscientious, reliable, mature, enthusiastic, and motivated. This position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while closely following detailed instructions. Candidates require the ability to work effectively in a wide range of settings with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The successful candidate will be able to work independently and possess the capacity for self-directed learning but will also excel in a team environment.

Bilingualism: (French/English) and/or proficiency in an Indigenous language would be an asset.

Please Note: This casual contract position is for the duration of the First Nations Wellness Initiative in Walpole Island First Nation and is NOT part of any bargaining unit.

Salary Range: Competitive salary and benefits package