In this temporary full-time role, you will participate in the research, development and implementation of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary Indigenous Health and Well-being Strategy for the City of Toronto. The HR Associate, Indigenous Health and Well-Being, you will provide advice and consultation to City divisions, key decision-makers and partners, aiming to foster cross-team awareness, collaboration and engagement in matters related to a proactive wellness strategy. By applying your knowledge of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace and knowledge in Indigenous health and wellness initiatives, you will provide ongoing support to the Employee Health and Wellness section on the needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis staff. You will also participate in mental health and wellness programs, training, and communications. The HR Associate, Indigenous Health and Well-Being will provide Indigenous staff with ongoing health and wellness support that is culturally relevant and addresses the impacts of colonization.

What will you do?

 

• Provide support and advice in the research, design, development, implementation and evaluation of health and wellness strategy for Indigenous employees.
• Provide consultation in Indigenous health and wellbeing, assist in developing knowledge on best practices, contributing to the development and enhancement of new and existing tools and resources.
• Engage and work collaboratively with senior management, managers, supervisors, unions, Joint Health, and Safety Committees on best practices for emotional wellbeing, mental health and psychological health and safety in the workplace.
• Participate in the divisional wellness committee and as a member in various work groups, committees (i.e., Ambe circle) and project groups as required, to successfully implement employee wellness initiatives and programs for the division.
• Build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively on cross functional teams with colleagues, clients, client teams, and vendors.
• Contribute to organizational excellence by providing expertise on wellness programs and best practices from an Indigenous perspective.
• Act as an advocate for mental health promotion activities.

What do you bring to the role?

1. A post-secondary degree in Health and Wellness studies (Psychology, Social Work, Health Promotion, Public Health etc.) is a strong asset, but will not be required for a candidate with extensive relevant experience delivering results in a similar role. Lived experience as a member of an Indigenous community. Certification in Psychological Safety/Workplace and/or Mental Health is an asset.
2. Experience researching, developing, and implementing mental health strategies, services, supports and wellness programs, preferably in a public service environment.
3. Experience consulting and delivery of adult education through corporate-wide initiatives and programs.
4. Some experience facilitating working groups and managing multiple concurrent tasks.
5. Some knowledge of mental health promotion theory and principles, and its application on employees and workplaces.
6. High level of accountability, motivation, customer service focus and team orientation.
7. Qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills (e.g. survey development, data analysis, report writing).
8. Ability to exercise good judgement and decision-making in handling complex sensitive situations, using tact and discernment, while upholding confidentiality.
9. Ability to work independently, as well as with multi-disciplinary teams. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and union representatives.
10. Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
11. MS Office suite proficiency (Excel, MS Access, MS Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
12. Knowledge of relevant standards and legislation (e.g., National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act) and initiatives, such as Canada's Mental Health at Work Essentials Certification program, with the ability to provide consultation on their significance and relevancy.

Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontarios northwestern shore. It's a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower. Toronto also has many green spaces, from the orderly oval of Queens Park to 400-acre High Park and its trails, sports facilities and zoo.