The Opportunity
We are seeking an Exercise Therapist/Kinesiologist to join the Chronic Pain Management Program (CPMP) at KL. 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 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 (0.8 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.
Compensation
$38.98 at 32 hours per week (0.8 FTE).
Roles and Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive assessments for members requiring treatment plans;
- Evaluate needs and lead members through individualized, one-on-one exercise plans created in collaboration with the Physical Therapist;
- 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;
- Manage caseload by working closely with the CPMP team to support member engagement in the program;
- Maintain all equipment required to carry out program activities at onsite gym;
- 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 creating and facilitating treatment plans independently is considered an asset;
- Experience in community settings that serve Indigenous community members and/or communities with multiple barriers to health equity, preferably within the DTES;
- Ability to collaborate with CPMP team to achieve strategic 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;
- Ability to chart and document sessions accurately. Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) is considered an asset;
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally-safe, trauma-informed, person-centred, harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices;
- A commitment to continued developing knowledge and relationships that will support member access to Indigenous healing modalities, with knowledge of the social, political, historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples;
- A commitment to ongoing professional development;
- Experience within the DTES is considered an asset; and
- Preference will be given to candidates with Indigenous ancestry and/or those with significant experience working with Indigenous people.
Working Conditions
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
Supervision Provided
This position is supervised by the Primary Care Co-Leads and the Executive Director (ED).
Additional Information
- Extended Health Benefits and RRSP matching available after 3 month probationary period
- Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
To Apply
Please submit an updated resume and expression of interest letter to the HR Lead, nour kachouh, at [email protected]. Please outline your interest in the role and how your background and experience make you a good fit. This role will be posted until the position is filled.
Kilala Lelum Model of Care
Our model of care represents our united vision of trying to promote health equity and wellness for members in the DTES. We work to achieve this by providing culturally safe, trauma-informed and Elder-led services, which reflect the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As we do our work, we are guided by our values of equity and wellness, respect, kindness, Indigenous culture, love, Elder leadership, and, especially important, laughter. Each staff member and community member involved at our centre plays an important role in achieving our vision.
