New job Senior Advisor, Indigenous Knowledge and Wellness in Northwest Territories

The Department of Health and Social Services works under the direction of the Minister and Deputy Minister, in partnership with the Health and Social Services Authorities, to support the health and wellbeing of people across the NWT through planning, development, evaluation and reporting on program and service delivery.

HSS is committed to the development and provision of quality services in such a way as to make the best use of public resources, ensure the sustainability of the system, focus on client safety and best practices and promote positive health and social outcomes. HSS strives to continually improve the health and social service system to ensure best health, best care, and a better future for the people of the NWT.

The Senior Advisor, Indigenous Knowledge and Wellness is responsible for policy and program development, informed by research and consultation, to respectfully embed Indigenous knowledge and wellness across the NWT Health and Social Services (HSS) system.

This position provides leadership and strategic advice based on Indigenous and western evidence, research, and engagement with communities on a wide range of Indigenous knowledge and wellness policy and program¿specific issues. It requires solving complex problems outside of established policy and practice and develop creative solutions.

The incumbent, through research on best/wise practices territorially, nationally, and internationally and through their expertise, will lead strategic initiatives that involve working individually and concurrently on multiple projects of varying complexity, ranging from inter-divisional to departmental and HSS system-wide, including the three health and social services authorities. This includes responsibility for all Indigenous knowledge and healing related objectives as outlined in the Caring for our People: Cultural Safety Action Plan 2019-20, as well as playing a lead role in the planning and coordination of the Indigenous Advisory Body; a formal table comprised of Indigenous government appointees mandated to guide the HSS system on ways to infuse Indigenous knowledge and healing.

The Senior Advisor must have knowledge of Indigenous knowledge, wellness, and Indigenous peoples’ world view, cultural safety and related concepts. In addition to having strong communication, writing and presentation skills (including facilitation techniques), the incumbent possesses leadership skills and the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders.

Typically, the qualifications would be attained by a combination of a Master’s Degree in health or social services with an Indigenous focus and three (3) years related experience working in a cross cultural environment. Additional training or certification in Indigenous wellness and/or trauma-informed practice is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

This position may be considered for location within another NWT community, based on the preference of the successful candidate and subject to operational requirements and approval. Qualified applicants from any community in the NWT are encouraged to apply.

Inquiries Only:

Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
[email protected]

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.