Exercise Therapist/Kinesiologist (0.6 FTE)
We are seeking an Exercise Therapist/Kinesiologist to join the Chronic Pain Management Program (CPMP) at Kílala Lelum Health Centre. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual passionate about working towards our shared goal of decolonizing healthcare and promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES).
Job Summary:
The CPMP’s aim is to provide effective and culturally safe chronic pain care. Simultaneously, we hope to reduce exposure to non-prescription opioids and decrease overdose risk where possible.
The Exercise Therapist/Kinesiologist (0.6 FTE) will work in an environment dedicated to Indigenous health and wellness alongside and in collaboration with the CPMP team, including Primary Care Co-Leads, Primary Care Physician, Physical Therapist, Program Coordinator, Program Evaluator, and Indigenous Elders. This role may also work closely with Medical Office Assistants, Outreach Workers, Social Navigators, and Peer/Community Health Workers at Kílala Lelum. We are seeking individuals interested in grounding their practice in Kílala Lelum’s core values: the promotion of equity, wellness, respect, kindness, and Indigenous cultures and knowledge.
Responsibilities:
- Lead members through individualized, one-on-one exercise plans created in collaboration with the Physical Therapist in our onsite gym. Experience creating and facilitating treatment plans independently is considered an asset.
- Provide culturally safe physical activity programs to members living with chronic pain and substance use disorders; work closely with the Physical Therapist, Cultural Wellness team, and Elders to ensure effective and culturally safe care.
- Work closely with the CPMP team to support member engagement in the program.
- Organize and maintain the equipment needed to carry out program activities.
- Support members on local outings organized through the program.
- Participate in program evaluation activities as needed.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in kinesiology, recreational therapy, rehabilitation assistant, or a related field (i.e. personal training certification).
- Skilled in physical activity facilitation as it relates to chronic pain therapy.
- Experience in community settings that serve Indigenous community members and/or communities with multiple barriers to health equity, preferably within the DTES.
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, harm reduction practices.
- Ability to work alongside colleagues, specifically the Physical Therapist, to help the CPMP team achieve its aims and objectives.
- Ability to work with individuals with diverse backgrounds and adjust to new or unexpected events.
- Flexible, team-oriented, and committed to respectful, collaborative problem-solving.
- Cultural safety training (or willingness to participate in a cultural safety course) and a commitment to ongoing education in this area are required.
- Ability to chart and document sessions accurately. Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) is considered an asset.
Working Conditions:
- Working schedule is 24 hours/week during the clinic’s operating hours (9 AM to 5 PM). Exact schedule to be determined based on need.
- Work will be carried out primarily at 687 Powell Street.
Supervision Provided:
This position is supervised by the Primary Care Co-Leads and the Executive Director (ED).
Additional Information:
- Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
- Hourly salary will be between $32-35/hour.
- Robust extended health benefits available.
- Ideal start date is mid-July 2023.
To Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to claudia.langemeyer@uihhc.ca. Your cover letter should clearly articulate why you are interested in this role and working with Kilala Lelum, how your background is a good fit for this specific role and our organization, and your current availability and desired schedule. Incomplete applications (those without a cover letter) will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
