Indigenous Health Promoter and Programs Coordinator

35 hours per week. Full benefits after three months. Three weeks of holidays, to start

REACH Community Health Center is looking for an experienced Indigenous Health Promoter and Programs Coordinator who is passionate about health, well-being, and social determinants of health. This position is ideal for you if you are an innovator able to engage in the community and you have a strong desire to make a difference in our community.

Position Summary

The Indigenous Health Promoter and Programs Coordinator (IHP&PC) supports our work with the Indigenous communities we serve. They act as a cultural bridge to overcome barriers in accessing Dental and Medical care and help the Urban Indigenous people heal by rediscovering their culture and identity.

The IHP&PC takes initiatives to educate our non-Indigenous staff about cultural sensitivity and best practices when working with Indigenous patients.  They work within a team, including an Elder-in-residence, health promoters, social workers, and others to adapt and create programs, workshops, and monthly ceremonies. They foster trusting relationships, partnerships, and alliances in the community and support REACH in being a welcoming place for those who need a wide range of primary health care services  

Responsibilities: 

• Provides individual support and short-term counseling as needed. 
• Assists clients and their families in navigating health care and social services systems and provides referrals to REACH services and external community resources.
• Provides outreach services to engage Indigenous community members in REACH programs and services.  
• Advocates for clients in a range of settings with diverse service providers. 
• Supports the work of Elders in Residence.
• Works with our integrated teams to develop and implement programs that:
• address the social injustices experienced by Indigenous people of the loss of culture, language, and spirituality, and help the Urban Indigenous people heal by rediscovering their culture and identity.
• Works with the management team to develop inclusive internal policies related to HR and operations. 
• Integrates Indigenous cultural health promotion practices into REACH. 
• Creates trusting relationships within the organization and in the community.

Highlights of Qualifications:

• Degree or diploma in social work or related social sciences and 2-3 years’ experience in a health or community setting, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience with health promotion, including mental health and addictions issues. 
• Counseling skills and experience working with families or groups. 
• Knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous services and agencies. 
• Experience working with Indigenous people and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing Indigenous people and communities. 
• Familiarity with regional Indigenous cultural and healing practices and beliefs. 
• Knowledge and understanding of reconciliation initiatives at the local community and provincial levels. 
• Experience working with a broad range of community members, including youth. 

 About REACH

Established in 1969, REACH is a Community Health Centre with a history of primary care innovation. REACH is dedicated to providing high-quality integrated health care in East Vancouver to families and individuals of all ages. We focus on clients with complex social, mental, or physical needs. REACH uses an interdisciplinary approach to care within our medical, dental, pharmacy, UPCC, and Health Equity and Engagement.

REACH employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire and ongoing employment (COVID-19 vaccine doses as approved by Health Canada), subject to any medical or other human rights grounds.

How to apply

If you are interested in this role, please send the following to J with the Subject line: Indigenous Health Promoter & Programs Coordinator:

• Cover letter stating why you are a great fit for this position
• Resume

Posting is open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will only contact those candidates selected for interviews.

Preferences will be given to the applicants of Indigenous descent.