Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead

The Central East Regional Indigenous Cancer Program (CE RCP) is seeking a healthcare provider with a passion for cancer care and Indigenous health for the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead role.

The Central East Regional Indigenous Cancer Program (CE RCP) oversees the delivery and quality of cancer services for the First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous patients and families in Haliburton, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Durham, Northumberland, and Scarborough regions.  One of 13 Regional Cancer Programs created by Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario, the CE RCP ensures that the continuum of cancer care delivery is in accordance with province-wide quality standards.

Under the leadership of the Regional Vice President (RVP) of the Regional Cancer Program, in partnership with Ontario Health’s Indigenous Cancer Care Unit (ICCU), the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead will collaborate with the Central East Regional Indigenous Cancer Program and provide input into initiatives spanning all aspects of the cancer journey as guided by the First Nation, Métis, Inuit & Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy and Central East Regional Indigenous Cancer Plan.

A key strategic priority of the Ontario Health First Nation, Métis, Inuit & Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategies is to establish and build productive relationships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities and organizations through meaningful engagement, partnerships and successful initiatives. This strategic priority also aligns with the Ontario Cancer Plan (OCP) 5 goal to address health equity and improve the performance of Ontario’s cancer system for Indigenous communities, patients, and families.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Champion the First Nation, Métis, Inuit & Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy’s strategic vision and goals in collaboration with the RVP, Regional Director, Indigenous Navigator, Indigenous Outreach Liaison, Regional Program Manager(s), Regional Cancer Screening Leads, and other regional staff.

• Provide support and guidance to the Regional Cancer Screening and Prevention team to identify opportunities to increase cancer screening for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous communities within all four of Ontario’s cancer screening programs (colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer).
  • Support the broader mandate of the First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy in building relationships, measurement, monitoring and evaluation, prevention, screening, survivorship, palliative & end-of-life care, education and equitable access.
  • Invited to provide support and guidance at First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous Advisory Circles to identify and respond to barriers to accessing care, where capacity exists.

• Collaborate with the regional team to monitor regional performance and advise on system performance and quality improvement opportunities within the region and/or provincially.
• Provide educational opportunities on Indigenous health issues throughout the region based on evidence-based clinical guidelines, standards, and policies.
• Attend and actively participate in relevant regional and provincial meetings such as the CE RCP Leadership Council, CE RCP Strategic planning sessions, monthly Regional Indigenous Cancer Leads teleconferences, and OH-CCO quarterly performance review sessions.

 Qualifications

• Strong commitment to improving Indigenous cancer care
  • ·         Experience working with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous people
  • ·         Be a healthcare provider (e.g. practicing physician, primary care nurse) or have equivalent                          experience with the healthcare system
  • ·         Have a strong understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and cultural protocols
  • ·         Strong commitment to health justice and to responding to institutional and systemic barriers                           experienced by Indigenous patients, families, and communities
  • ·         Strong understanding of the social determinants of Indigenous health
  • ·         Understanding of Cultural Safety concepts and practices
  • ·         Excellent communicator, strategic thinker, problem solver, and team player
  • ·         Preference will be given to applicants with lived experience as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis

Term of Appointment

The appointment of the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead is for up to a three-year term, renewable by the RVP, reviewed annually. This position requires the commitment of one nominal half day per week. Travel to the First Nations within the Central East region and other community partner sites may be required.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by submitting their curriculum vitae and cover letter in confidence to Kirsten Burgomaster, Regional Vice President, Central East Regional Cancer Program, Lakeridge Health, e-mail: [email protected]