• FULL-TIME
• Permanent

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency.  We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit, and Metis within the Southwest, Waterloo Wellington and Erie St Clair regions.  SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality, and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities.  Currently, we are seeking the services of a Midwife (Aboriginal or Registered) to join our interdisciplinary staff team to work at our Chippewa Site.

Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager the Midwife assists in providing a positive, welcoming environment for community members, individual clients, their families, and staff. They will work within the multidisciplinary team demonstrating the appropriate knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide culturally safe care to women in an expanded midwifery model.  This non-delivering role will focus on improving health outcomes for women from teens to Elders through a balance of clinical, education and health promotion activities. The scope of work will involve pre- and post- natal care, antenatal education, preparation for parenthood and will extend into women’s health areas including sexual and reproductive health and preventative care.  The Midwife will also have knowledge and respect for ceremonies, traditional medicines and provide ongoing support to families at various aspects of the life cycle.

Requirements

• Successful completion of an Ontario based Aboriginal Midwifery Program or a Registered Midwife in good standing with the College of Midwives of Ontario
• Sound knowledge in Obstetrical practices and standards
• Demonstrated practice of providing compassionate, respectful, non-judgmental care and culturally appropriate care in an informed choice model
• Awareness and sensitivity to health issues that impact Indigenous women
• Supportive of both Indigenous and western models of wellness and health care
• Experience working with women experiencing many challenges or considered at risk
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills within scope of practice including clinical judgment and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and resources wisely
• Travel within Chippewa and area, as well as SOAHAC sites as required
• Valid Ontario “G” Driver’s license; personal auto insurance and access to a reliable vehicle
• Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies.
• Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment
• Up to date immunizations and records

Responsibilities

• Recognizes the importance of First Nations cultural identity as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle for individuals within a community
• Advocates for and uses culturally relevant and appropriate approaches when building relationships and providing services
• Understands and respects cultural principles and protocols and can apply this understanding in work situations

• Advocates for services that promote, and protect the health and well being of individuals, families, groups, and community
• Involve individuals, families, groups, and communities as active partners
• Builds capacity, improves performance, and enhances the quality of the working environment by sharing knowledge, expertise, and experience with colleagues and students
• Ability to maintain accurate client health records and fulfill reporting requirements
• Ability to deliver health promotion, prevention, and education programs from start to finish both onsite and in the community
• Work closely with primary care providers, other health care providers, families, friends, volunteers, and others in the community that can support the wellbeing of patients, families, and communities.
• A significant part of the role may also include addressing issues related to social determinants of health that may act as barriers to wellness. This means that you help the family link with and successfully engage with community and governmental supports to address issues such as social supports, housing, income, and safety.

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.  SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume to careers@soahac.on.ca.