Indigenous Project Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY:

The Indigenous Project Coordinator is responsible for managing and implementing the Central Regional Cancer Program’s Indigenous Cancer Strategy. This role ensures Indigenous patients and families receive culturally relevant, person-centered cancer care by developing policies, facilitating partnerships, and leading cultural awareness training for staff. The Indigenous Project Coordinator collaborates with internal teams, Indigenous communities, and external partners to promote respectful and equitable access to oncology services for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous (FNIMuI) populations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES:

• Oversee the daily operations of the Indigenous Cancer Program, coordinating initiatives that support traditional Indigenous practices and culturally safe care.
• Develop, update, and implement policies supporting Indigenous care needs, ensuring resources remain accurate and aligned with regional and provincial standards.
• Lead the design and maintenance of a self-identification process for Indigenous patients within the program.
• Create and maintain a regional inventory of cancer care programs and services tailored specifically for Indigenous patients and families.
• Coordinate and deliver cultural safety and sensitivity training for staff and regional partners to improve understanding of Indigenous healthcare needs.
• Provide comprehensive training and onboarding support for new staff regarding Indigenous patient services and cultural practices.
• Build and sustain relationships with FNIMuI communities, local organizations, and regional partners, supporting the work of the Indigenous Patient Navigator.
• Work closely with Coordination Advisors and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) teams to address cultural barriers in cancer care.
• Engage Indigenous spiritual care services and external organizations to integrate traditional healing practices into cancer care pathways.
• Develop tools to measure activities supporting Indigenous patients, aiding sustainability and tracking outcomes.
• Monitor and analyze patient experience data to inform quality improvement initiatives and report on program effectiveness.
• Prepare an annual work plan in collaboration with the Regional Indigenous Patient Navigator and cancer program leadership, tracking key activities, deliverables, and performance measures.
• Participate in regional and provincial research projects related to Indigenous cancer care, contributing to innovative practices.
• Complete the Regional Indigenous Cancer Plan Year-End Report and update resources annually to ensure relevance to Indigenous communities.
• Advocate for Indigenous patients within the healthcare system, addressing barriers to care and supporting culturally safe cancer care experiences.
• Represent the Indigenous Cancer Care Program in public forums, delivering presentations and facilitating sessions on Indigenous cultural safety for adult learners

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

• Undergraduate degree in Health or Social Science or Indigenous Studies required
• 3 years of experience in health, social science of indigenous field required
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate as asset
• 2 years of working within the Indigenous community, combined with knowledge of cultural safety and Indigenous cultural practices preferred
• Strong knowledge of oncology services and understanding of Indigenous patient care needs.
• In-depth knowledge of Indigenous languages, cultures, traditions, and socioeconomic factors unique to FNIMuI communities.
• Demonstrated project planning and development abilities, including policy creation and training delivery.

Proficiency in program evaluation, workload tracking, and patient experience analysis