Relational Care Lead (0.8 FTE)

We are seeking someone passionate about promoting health and wellness equity for Indigenous people and the Downtown Eastside community to join the Relational Care Program at Kilala Lelum Health Centre. Kilala Lelum strives to offer integrated primary care and allied health services, Elder-led cultural care, engage with Food as Medicine, and a range of specialized programs. We provide in-clinic and outreach-based services in ways that endeavor to center Indigenous cultural healing and Ways of Being/Knowing, and to be strength-based, trauma-informed, member-centered, and grounded in harm reduction. Our goal is to contribute to a health system that is accessible, safe, and truly meets the needs and desires of our members.

This program aims to provide access to food security, nursing, allied healthcare, and Elder-led cultural care to new and existing members of Kilala Lelum Health Centre. There are approximately 300 members on the food security program and 50 members enrolled in medication management/case management services in Relational Care (RC). The program aims to provide services through an outreach-based, culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a key member of the KL Leads Circle, the Relational Care (RC) Lead has two main functions. 

First, acting as a lead for the Relational Care program, the role provides guidance, support, and oversight to staff working to deliver food, medicine, and cultural connections within the Relational Care space. This space is open 365 days a year from 08:30am-1:30pm for daily breakfast and lunch. The Lead role is integral in maintaining a welcoming and safe community space, and fostering wellness within the multidisciplinary team of RNs/LPNs, Outreach Workers, Community Health Workers (peers), and kitchen staff who make up the RC team. The RC Lead will work with the Nursing Manager and Outreach Manager to ensure staff and members (patients) needs are met. The RC Lead will also represent the Relational Care program and cultivate strong working relationships within all Kilala Lelum programs and services, and with community partners (such as DUDES Club), funders and stakeholders (ex: VCH) to advance the values and objectives of the program. This role is responsible for the administrative needs of the team, including budget management and reporting to funders. 

The Relational Care Lead will also work closely with the Executive Director and the Kilala Lelum Leads Circle to contribute to steering the overall operations and development of the organization. Specifically, this role will contribute to organization-level initiatives related to making our spaces and programs welcoming, inclusive, and safe for members, volunteers, and staff alike. They may also contribute to developing and facilitating meaningful opportunities for members to contribute to design and decisions related to Kilala Lelum services and facilities–as we strive to operate under the ethos of “nothing about us without us”–such as our Community Advisory Committee.

Responsibilities:

As the lead of the Relational Care Program:

• Oversee and maintain the overall functioning of the Relational Care space (606 Powell Street) in terms of: scheduling; balancing multiple uses and needs; logistics and facilities management; fielding general questions and concerns.
• Create and strengthen the relational nature of the space by being present in the space and developing strong relationships with members, staff, and community partners. Encourage both members and staff to create and participate in an environment that is welcoming, relaxing, nurturing, fosters connection, and maintains safety. 
• Hold space for activities for our members including access to cultural knowledge and sharing through time with Elders and knowledge keepers.
• Collaborate with and provide guidance to the Relational Care Nursing Manager and Outreach Manager. Work alongside the Kitchen Lead to support kitchen staff.
• Create time and space to adequately debrief and support Relational Care staff through decision-making and responding to situations that are often ethically complex and distressing.
• Cultivate strong working relationships with our community partners who use the space (ex: DUDES Club) and other service providers in the DTES and beyond, including social and health service providers that Kilala Lelum collaborates with on an ongoing basis.
• Work in collaboration with the HR Manager and administrative team to fulfill all administrative and management responsibilities related to the Relational Care team, including hiring, training, and staff supervision.
• Manage the program budget and administrative tasks for Relational Care. Collect and present data and information to the Board of Directors and funders. Work with KL’s Accounting Manager and Finance Committee to understand and help shape the Relational Care budget.
• Attend Board meetings, monthly Leads meetings, and other relevant meetings; represent Relational Care team at various tables and relay/share information as necessary and appropriate.
• Initiate and implement collaborations with other agencies within the DTES to best utilize community gathering space.
• Draft, implement, and adapt policies and procedures to support RC members and staff.

As a member of the KL Leads Circle:

• Participate in monthly KL Leads meetings and contribute to discussions and decision-making relevant to the overall operations and development of the organization. This includes identifying and anticipating needs and opportunities for growth, change, and/or responses to maintain the wellness of the organization and alignment with our goals and values. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of systems, policies and procedures, and new initiatives relevant to the overall operations and functioning of KL, especially as it relates to inclusiveness and safety, and member input. 
• Model strong self awareness, compassion and humility, thoughtful communication and conflict resolution skills. Work to bridge gaps and understanding, and bring people together around our shared purpose and values. 
• Participate in committees within Kilala Lelum to aid in building policies, systems, and staff education initiatives. Specifically act as a member of the Occupational Health & Safety Committee, and take a leadership role in policy and systems development in this area.
• Model strong self awareness, compassion and humility, thoughtful communication and conflict resolution skills. Work to bridge gaps and understanding, and bring people together around our shared purpose and values.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Preference will be given to candidates with Indigenous ancestry. Experience and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous culture would be extremely beneficial. Completion of a cultural competency training or willingness to participate required.
• A degree or diploma in a related field (ex: community counselling, social work, psychology, health administration, public health) and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, please explain in your cover letter. 
• Minimum four years’ experience in a community services setting that serves Indigenous community members and/or communities with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity, preferably within the DTES. Equivalent experience and training will be considered, please explain in your cover letter. 
• Leadership training and/or experience is considered a strong asset, specifically in a community services setting. 
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict, manage aggressive behaviour, and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques.
• Ability to be culturally safe when working with staff and alongside members.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
• Flexible, team-oriented, and committed to respectful, collaborative problem-solving with team members.
• Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, member-centered, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices.

Working Conditions:

• Work will occur in person at 606 Powell Street in the Relational Care space.
• Days of work will be determined to meet the requirements of 0.8 FTE (32 hours per week).
• Some administrative duties may be able to be completed offsite.

Supervision and Support Provided:

This position is supervised by the Executive Director and works closely with KL Leads, including the Primary Care Leads, Administrative Lead, and Indigenous Health Lead.

Additional Information:

• Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
• Hourly salary will be between $37-$39/hour, commensurate with experience.
• Robust extended health and dental benefits available.

To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to lauren.leslie@uihhc.ca. Your cover letter should outline your interest in this specific role, and how your background and experience make you a good fit. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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