SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director and the Nations, the Indigenous Implementation Lead functions as part of a team working to lead the implementation of a provincial integrated youth mental health hubs initiative, with a specific focus in Indigenous communities. Kickstand’s Provincial Implementation Team is tasked with the successful exploration, development, implementation, and evaluation of a network of Kickstand centres. This work relies heavily on intentional relationships and the collective impact that is required to transform access to care for young people and their families/caregivers. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with Indigenous community partners and stakeholders to facilitate implementation of integrated youth mental health hubs in their respective communities.
The Indigenous Implementation Lead works collaboratively with Kickstand’s Provincial Implementation Team members and stakeholders to achieve these goals. The Indigenous Implementation Lead is passionate about working with Indigenous communities, intentional relationship development and strategies that can facilitate the development of inclusive community programs and initiatives and has experience managing complex projects. This role will also ensure a co-design approach with equitable, meaningful, quality feedback and engagement with Indigenous elders, young people and families/caregivers throughout the process.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Act as a single point of contact and liaison between Nations, Kickstand Provincial Implementation Team, and the Government of Alberta.
- Co-create awareness of Indigenous youth mental health work across the province through participation in events, meetings, and other engagement opportunities as appropriate.
- Adopt a two-eyed seeing approach and strategy in facilitating Kickstand initiative implementation.
- Co-lead, support, and help synthesize the first draft of the Indigenous Implementation Strategy with Nations.
- Co-create data sharing framework with Nations that adhere and align with OCAP principles.
- Assist with data sharing and management as directed by each Nation to help inform decision-making and reporting to the Government of Alberta.
- Co-create strategy and solutions to mental health challenges in the communities by bringing Indigenous youth voices to the forefront through intentional engagement.
- Support arrangements for shared training.
- Support projects and document creation as requested by Nations.
- Support and facilitate grant writing approval process in Nations.
- Attend leadership meetings in each Nation (Chief and Council) as required.
- Facilitate administrative tasks such as organizing and attending meetings (ie. monthly nations meetings) in-person and/or virtually as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a discipline related to Social Work, Education, or Community Development, and at least five (5) years of experience working with Indigenous-led organizations, Indigenous communities and/or Indigenous people, including experience working with multi-stakeholder engagement, project management and grant writing.
- Experience working with young people, connection to Indigenous culture, ceremonial practices and language, and understanding of Indigenous protocols are preferred.
- Candidates who identify as Indigenous or have cultural knowledge and kinship ties to Treaty 6 are preferred.
- Valid Alberta Driver’s License required. Access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes is preferred.
Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge and experience working with Indigenous communities
- Ability to navigate and facilitate translation of western worldview concepts by adopting a two-eyed seeing approach
- Knowledge of systems and processes related to collective impact, change management and complex systems implementation
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, policies, programs, and services including within Alberta healthcare and social service systems (ie. Children Services)
- Exceptional group facilitation and communication skills including demonstrated professionalism, tact, good judgment, and diplomacy in interactions with senior leaders, both internally and within the community
- Comfortable communicating formally, informally, in groups and one-on-one
- Ability to obtain and share information, ideas, and problems and ask for advice, support, and feedback
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- Ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
- Relationship-centred with a get-it-done attitude and working hands-on when required
- Able to define expectations for self and others and the act to fulfill these expectations (self-reflect, monitor, and correct own actions)
- Self-motivated and flexible, with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment of frequent change and ambiguous landscape
- Proven commitment to promoting and supporting a psychologically safe workplace
- Excellent computer skills required (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
- Ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis to communities throughout Alberta.
Additional Information about the Role
- Compensation will depend on experience and fit for the position ($80,000.00-$90,000.00 annual salary plus benefits).
- This is a hybrid position with some required in-person meetings and flexibility to work from home.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change when required