Position: Indigenous Palliative Care Coordinator

Program or Team: Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin

Location: Regional; Work from Home Enabled

Supervisor: Executive Director

This role will also receive support and guidance from the Indigenous Health Systems Transformation Specialist

Term:1.00 FTE Temporary March 2026

Salary: 80,000

Indigenous applicants are invited to apply and will be given preference in the selection process, in alignment with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Section 14, which permits special programs to address disadvantages experienced by Indigenous peoples. This approach supports our commitment to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive workforce that reflects and serves Indigenous communities.

ABOUT BARRIE AREA NATIVE ADVISORY CIRCLE (BANAC):

The Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle is a regional social planning and development organization. The BANAC service region now covers Simcoe County, Muskoka, and the northern York Region. BANAC works in cooperation with communities in areas of concern where coordinated efforts are required to meet the needs which positively impact the region. BANAC will continue in this social planning capacity, offering consultation and support for our community development. BANAC offers many innovative programs and services including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Wellness, Childcare, Seniors Care and Long-Term Care, Cultural Services, and wholistic Health Services through the Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The Indigenous Palliative Care Coordinator will lead the development and implementation of a Regional Indigenous Palliative Care Strategy. This strategy will enhance access to culturally safe palliative care services, build capacity within the regional healthcare system, and honor the values and traditions of Indigenous communities. The Coordinator will engage in community consultation, develop and disseminate educational materials, and support capacity building among Indigenous Patient Navigators and healthcare providers.

ROLE RESPONSIBLITIES:

Strategy Development

• Lead the creation of a comprehensive Indigenous Palliative Care Strategy through needs assessments and community consultations.
• Collaborate with Indigenous communities, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to identify priorities and integrate traditional practices into palliative care services.

Education and Training

• Coordinate culturally appropriate palliative care education, including advance care planning, grief and bereavement, and traditional end-of-life practices.
• Develop training materials and deliver workshops for healthcare providers, emphasizing trauma-informed and culturally competent care.

Capacity Building

• Strengthen the regional network of Indigenous Patient Navigators by supporting their role in palliative care transitions.
• Identify opportunities for service integration within Indigenous health systems to improve care delivery.

Community Engagement and Consultation

• Facilitate ongoing communication and feedback loops with Indigenous communities to ensure alignment with their needs and values.
• Organize and manage community meetings, including logistics such as venue booking, participant travel, and material preparation.

Systems Coordination

• Connect non-Indigenous palliative care providers with Indigenous cultural safety education resources.
• Support the integration of voluntary self-identification initiatives into regional programming.

Logistics Management

• Oversee the coordination of meetings, events, and training sessions, including catering, materials, and travel arrangements.

Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will be well connected to Indigenous communities and organizations in the region and will have experience working in palliative and end-of-life care. This level of experience can be found through a combination of community development, clinical, administrative, and consultative positions and projects over an extended period of time.

• Bachelors degree in health sciences, social work, public health, or a related field. Masters degree an asset. Or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• At least 3 years of experience in Indigenous health, palliative care, or related areas.
• Demonstrated understanding of culturally safe care and Indigenous worldviews on health and wellness.
• Strong project management skills with experience in strategy development and implementation.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills with a proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and wholistic health approaches.
• Familiarity with regional health systems and Indigenous Patient Navigator networks is an asset.
• Commitment to self-determination and cultural safety in health service delivery.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous healthcare providers.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple priorities.
• Capacity to manage a budget effectively and align resources with project objectives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is typically performed in clinic, office and community settings. This role is required to provide on-site and in-office support.
• Regular travel to meetings and communities, will be required.
• Reliable Vehicle Regional Travel Required
• Regular overtime work may be required from time to time.
• Low to moderate exposure to noise in the work environment.
• Regular exposure to a moderate level of tension and anxiety due to deadlines, competing political pressures, and the competing needs and demands for limited resources.
• Periodic exposure to smoke may occur from the burning of sacred medicines: Tobacco, sweet grass, sage or cedar.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Specific employment conditions are specified in an employment contract with BANAC and include the following:

• Worksite location
• Valid C.P.R. and A.E.D. Certificates required
• All employees are to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), its regulations and all occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Valid Class G Ontario Drivers License is required
• Clean criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening is required

DISCLAIMER: This document indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required by the role. Employees may be asked to perform other duties as required.