COO Indigenous Health - WRHA

Position Overview

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Indigenous Health is a member of the Executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The COO, Indigenous Health is a strong advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples and has the authority, the autonomy, and the budget to institute positive changes to further the WRHA’s mandate to improve the heath outcome of Indigenous peoples. This position has a working relationship with the Indigenous Health sub-committee of the WRHA Board or Directors.

MAIN FUNCTION:

• This role will:
  • Support the development of an equitable and just health system, that meets the needs of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit and urban Indigenous peoples.
  • Implement actions to address racism in the health system in alignment with Provincial frameworks, Accreditation Standards and collaboration with First Nations, Metis and Inuit and urban Indigenous partners. Ensure appropriate Advisory and governance structures are implemented and supported to play a meaningful role in this work. 
  • Support the Indigenous Health Integration Lead to focus on Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. 
  • Create trusted partnerships with First Nations, Metis and Inuit-led organizations and populations to co-develop strategic priorities, and action plans.
  • Inspire and champion operational innovation, diversity, cultural safety and financial sustainability.
  • Effectively contribute to driving employee development and engagement.
  • Work collaboratively with clinical and operational leaders to advance key operational priorities and systems that improve the provision of care to patients with focused attention on health care services, patient safety, access, flow, and integration within operations.
  • Be an advocate for Indigenous rights and needs in corporate settings.

The organization recognizes the importance of building an exemplary health care labour force that is inclusive and reflective of the population it serves. THIS IS A DESIGNATED INDIGENOUS COMPETITION, OPEN TO INDIGENOUS APPLICANTS. Applicants are required to self-declare, and those selected for an interview will be asked to provide references and answer interview questions related to the designation. This process will apply to both internal and external applicants.

Experience

• Understanding of Indigenous health issues, trends, and practices from both a pan-Indigenous and distinctions-based approach.
• Ten or more years of senior leadership experience in implementing strategic and annual operating plans to introduce service improvements and in implementing Board and administrative directives in complex operating environments with significant organizational change. 
• Experience building and leading a high-performing multidisciplinary team to create a culturally safe environment for Indigenous peoples.
• Demonstrated experience engaging, influencing, partnering and collaborating within the public sector, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous communities and services organizations and leadership to understand and achieve common and mutually beneficial goals.
• Previous healthcare leadership experience is an asset.
• Community development experience.
• Lived experience and knowledge of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Previous experience developing and implementation inclusive workplace relationships.
• Previous experience in operations in a complex environment and clinical areas an asset.
• Knowledge or experience of one or more clinical areas where Indigenous health services are provided is an asset.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• A university degree at Master's level in Health Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Health, Public, or Business Administration, etc., would be an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Be an active member in good standing of an associated regulatory body as appropriate.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to build and work in effective multi-sectoral partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of staff, management and professionals in and diverse groups and across sectors.
• Excellent leadership abilities and the ability to work within a complex multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, management and community partners.
• Excellent written and presentation skills.