Employment Status: Temporary - Regular Part Time

Department: Elgin OHT

Union: Non-Union

End Date: Oct 6, 2025

Job Code: 19554

Position: Indigenous Health Lead

UNIT: Elgin Ontario Health Team (OHT)

STATUS: Temporary Part Time (Approximately November 3, 2025 to March 31, 2027; may end sooner or be extended)

SALARY: $45.79 - $53.58

Reporting to: Executive Director, Elgin Ontario Health Team

(Hybrid - including the 3 local First Nations Communities, Elgin OHT Office, St. Thomas, throughout Elgin Community and home-based)

The Indigenous Health Lead works with local First Nations and the broader local Indigenous community to build and improve culturally responsive pathways to care. This individual will demonstrate strong advocacy and social justice skills with a goal of improving the health care system experience and outcomes with and for Indigenous peoples. The role involves leadership, coordination, and support of Indigenous-led change in how services are designed and delivered to better serve and support Indigenous peoples. The work honours Indigenous knowledge, sovereignty, and strengths.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Work with local First Nation communities, Indigenous health leaders, and system partners to co-create and implement culturally responsive solutions that improve access to high quality services, including primary care access and addressing health and homelessness for First Nations community members

• Collaborate with Indigenous partners, including Urban Indigenous organizations and First Nations partners, to improve and establish Indigenous-led care pathways and inclusion of Indigenous-specific resources in care pathways and chronic disease models

• Help create space for Indigenous voices at decision-making tables

• Offer insight and feedback to ensure policies, programs, service models, and system changes are respectful, inclusive, and responsive to Indigenous priorities

• Nurture and maintain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and partners, including Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, and Oneida Nation of the Thames

• Participate in community activities/ceremonies to build/strengthen relationships with community members and health service providers

• Provide or support learning opportunities for Elgin OHT staff, members, and partners to grow understanding of Indigenous history, ways of knowing, and experiences with the health system, and improvement opportunities

• Support First Nations partner education, guidance, and support regarding health system transformation, inclusive of funding opportunities

• Partner with other Indigenous Health roles, such as in neighbouring OHTs, partner organizations, and Ontario Health

• Document and track planned, in progress, and completed priority work

• Perform other duties as discussed with and assigned by the Elgin OHT Executive Director

WHAT YOU MUST HAVE:

There is no single path to this work. The ideal person brings lived experience, strong relationships, and a commitment to advancing wellness with Indigenous Peoples.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Indigenous health care

• Post-secondary education in a health discipline or equivalent health care experience

• Experience working with Indigenous organizations and local First Nation communities

• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, governance, and health priorities

• Strong communication and meeting facilitation skills—especially across cultures and organizations

• Knowledge of social determinants of health in relation to Indigenous communities

• History of building and maintaining positive, trusting relationships and energized by collaboration

• Strong time-management and prioritization skills to work with competing demands

• Proficient in computer use: Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint

• Access to reliable transportation to regularly travel between locations, including First Nation communities

• Ability to regularly attend work in accordance with the Attendance Support Program

• Acceptable performance record that is aligned with STEGH values and Code of Conduct

WHAT WE PREFER YOU HAVE:

• Lived experience, community-based knowledge, and personal connection are highly valued

• Experience translating Indigenous health priorities into projects and initiatives; project management experience an asset

• Experience working with Indigenous health and First Nation leaders, knowledge keepers, and traditional medicine practitioners an asset

HOURS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position involves working in the 3 local First Nations communities, the Elgin OHT office based out of the Central Community Health Centre, and from home. A travel and purchase budget (e.g., for purchase of medicines) is available. Connection to an Indigenous Health Leader(s) will be established.

Ready to Join the Team? Apply Today!