Senior Consultant, Indigenous Employee Experience

Senior Consultant, Indigenous Employee Experience

Sanya’k̓ula – Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience

Vancouver, BC

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values, Coast Salish Teachings and strategic directions of PHSA, eliminating Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety, including both patient and employee safety are priorities and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety, including Indigenous Cultural Safety, is inherent in all aspects of this position.

In the role of Senior Consultant, Indigenous Employee Experience (SCIEE) within the Sanya’k̓ula - Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience team at People & Culture, this position plays a pivotal role in advancing the commitment to Indigenous-specific anti-racism, Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility while supporting the overall Indigenous employee experience across the career journey. Reporting to the Manager of Indigenous Employee Experience, the consultant serves as a key advocate and advisor for Indigenous staff, hiring leaders, business partners, and the wider People & Culture department.

The SCIEE role is specifically dedicated to supporting the implementation of the Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination for PHSA Staff policy. This policy outlines procedures for reporting and resolving incidents of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination within the organization. The consultant's responsibilities extend to the Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination Resolution Pathway, which is guided by the teachings of xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Knowledge Keeper Sulksun (Shane Pointe) and principles aimed at creating a Zero-tolerance Environment for Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination while fostering a 'Speak-up' Culture. These principles include:

• Grounding actions in Indigenous Rights, Cultural Values, and Traditional Protocols
• Maintaining an Indigenous-centered approach
• Practicing Cultural Humility (starting with oneself)
• Embracing Indigenous-specific Anti-racist practices
• Utilizing a strengths-based and trauma- and violence-informed approach
• Enhancing knowledge through education
• Cultivating Safe Spaces within PHSA
• Being responsive and providing clear, timely feedback

Additionally, the role involves taking a leadership position in developing programs that enhance the Indigenous Employee Experience. This includes initiatives designed to create a positive Indigenous employee experience through various means, such as fostering Indigenous employee networks, crafting internal newsletters, and delivering specialized programming. Collaborative efforts with Indigenous Health teams across PHSA and BCEHS are essential in developing and delivering the Indigenous Employee Community of Practice.

What you’ll do

• Advancing Indigenous-specific Anti-Racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety Initiatives: Lead the development and implementation of People & Culture specific strategies to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination within PHSA, aligning with the organization's Purpose, Vision, Values, Coast Salish Teachings, and North Star priorities.
• Supporting Indigenous Employee Experience Across the Lifecycle: Serve as a central advocate and advisor for Indigenous staff, leaders, business partners, and the wider People & Culture department, providing guidance to enhance the Indigenous employee experience from recruitment through retirement.
• Policy Implementation and Resolution Pathway Management: Working alongside Indigenous Health, oversee the effective implementation of the Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination for PHSA Staff policy, ensuring that reporting and resolution procedures are followed rigorously.
• Manage the Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination Resolution Pathway, collaborating with Indigenous Health to promote a Zero-tolerance Environment for Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination. Co-develop and report on metrics. Create feedback mechanism for continual feedback and improvement. Advise on and/or implement restorative pathways to resolutions.
• Promote a 'Speak-up' Culture: Encourage and support staff in speaking up against Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination. Establish safe spaces within PHSA where individuals feel empowered to report incidents and provide timely feedback.
• Indigenous-Centered Approach: Ground actions in Indigenous Rights, Cultural Values, and Traditional Protocols, ensuring that all initiatives respect and honour Indigenous perspectives. Maintain a proactive Indigenous-centered approach in all interactions and initiatives.
• Cultural Humility and Anti-Racist Practice: Foster Cultural Humility by setting an example through personal practice and promoting it across the organization. Encourage Indigenous-specific anti-racist practices, emphasizing the importance of speaking up against racism.
• Trauma-Informed and Strengths-Based Approaches: Implement trauma- and violence-informed approaches, recognizing the potential trauma associated with incidents of racism and discrimination. Leverage strengths-based approaches to empower Indigenous staff and communities.
• Knowledge Enhancement and Education: Continuously build knowledge and awareness of Indigenous-specific issues and wise and best practices through education and training. Facilitate educational opportunities for staff to increase their understanding of Indigenous-specific racism, Cultural Safety & Humility and Relational Practice.
• Program Development and Leadership: Lead the development and execution of programs aimed at enhancing the Indigenous Employee Experience, including Indigenous employee networks, newsletters, and specialized initiatives. Collaborate closely with Indigenous Health to create and deliver the Indigenous Employee Community of Practice.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Actively participate in leadership teams, special assignments, projects, and events to promote Indigenous equity and inclusion across PHSA. Collaborate with Labor Relations and HR Services teams to ensure the safe and effective application of policies, collective agreements, and terms and conditions of employment.
• Indigenous Thought Leadership and Guidance: Provide advice and guidance in situations requiring a thorough understanding of Indigenous-specific anti-racism, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Humility, and relational practices. Ensure alignment with legislative obligations and provincial commitments while making decisions through collaborative, Indigenous-centered problem-solving and independent judgment.

What you bring

Qualifications

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Health, or Human Resources, plus seven (3) to ten (5) years in a large multi-union environment. Equivalent and combined levels of experience through working in Indigenous organizations and communities are strongly considered.
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, rights, and traditional protocols, coupled with a familiarity with Coast Salish Teachings and Indigenous perspectives. A comprehensive understanding of Indigenous-specific anti-racism, and Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility is imperative, along with a clear grasp of their significance and application in healthcare and employment settings. Expertise in Indigenous-centered approaches and principles to resolution and healing is essential to, ensureing that their work is firmly grounded in Indigenous values and perspectives.
• A proven track record of leadership in initiatives that enhance the Indigenous employee experience. This entails a history of developing and implementing strategies that improve the well-being, safety and inclusion of Indigenous staff. Furthermore, the candidate should be well-versed in the effective implementation and management of policies related to Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, with a particular focus on reporting and resolution procedures. Strong relational and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams, including Labor Relations, HR Services, and Indigenous Health.
• A high degree of empathy and compassion when working with Indigenous staff, community members, and partners. The position requires skills in building relationships, fostering trust, and promoting collaboration among diverse groups. Deep commitment to advancing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous cultural safety are central priorities for the SCIEE role. Dedication to creating a workplace culture that is free from Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination is essential to this role.
• Coaching training is an asset. Working knowledge of standard human resource policies and practices and related employment legislation an asset. Willing to complete Labour Relations HR course and other related training within the first 12 months. Ability to make formal presentations. Ability to use related equipment including HR information systems, word processing, spreadsheet, database and internet tools. Travel is a requirement of this position.

Skills & Knowledge

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time

Salary Range: $86,398 - $124,197 /year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 1333 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 4C1
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 0800-1600 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition # 162925E

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.