Clinical Director, Addiction Medicine and Harm Reduction


Northern Peoples’ Wellness

Together, we will work with First Nations to transform health and wellness services and improve health outcomes for First Nations people in the north.

Position profile

Position Title: Clinical Director, Addiction Medicine and Harm Reduction (Physician Assistant or MD)
Reports to: VP – Clinical Services and CEO
Organization: Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM)
Location: Winnipeg/Remote
Full time/Part time (0.5-0.8, flexible) – aligned with expectations of candidates.
Start date: ASAP

Compensation and Benefits
  • Extensive room for career growth
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive Health, Vision and Dental Care
  • 4 weeks vacation
  • On-site parking
Additional Perks
  • Extended Health Benefits
  • Collaborative and supportive team environment
  • Potential relocation assistance for the right candidate
  • Stable and healthy organization

APPLY HERE


About KIM

Northern Peoples’ Wellness: Together, we will work with First Nations to transform health and wellness services and improve health outcomes for First Nations people in the north.

Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) was established to work towards a new health system that will better respond to the needs of northern First Nations people in Manitoba. KIM supports health and wellness services for 23 First Nation communities in northern Manitoba with a focus on equitable care, addressing racism in the health care system, responsiveness to emerging needs, and filling gaps in the health care system. This is accomplished through advocacy, collaboration, and integration with the First Nation communities, and federal/provincial partners.

This new system will be developed through speaking directly to healthcare experts and communities and negotiating with systems so that services can be tailored to meet the needs of each First Nation and northern First Nations as a collective. The community members of the northern Manitoba First Nations are the foundation of this new and historic health care system. KIM is governed by a three-part structure led by First Nations and is inclusive of 23 political leaders appointed by each of 6 caucuses and a 5 to 11-member board of directors with preference in selection to persons with experience in the health sector.

The Position

Harm reduction takes a team approach, a family approach, a community approach. Wellness for one is wellness for all.

Reporting to the VP- Clinical Services of KIM, the Clinical Director, Addiction Medicine and Harm Reduction ensures health resources and business functions effectively support achievement of KIM’s mandate and goals which are focused healthcare innovation to benefit First Nations people of Northern Manitoba.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team and as part of the First Nation’s health ecosystem of Northern Manitoba, the Clinical Director advises on a wide range of health issues for the organization and actively participates in problem solving and decision-making for a variety of strategic and operational issues.

Under the direction of the VP- Clinical Services, the Clinical Director will provide guidance on the overall quality of clinical medical services, including policy development and implementation, programming, and overall quality improvement and enhancement.  

The Clinical Director will identify community clinical and programming needs and oversee the implementation and advancement of Addiction Medicine and Harm Reduction program initiatives within the Northern First Nation Communities including advising on the recruitment, management, and development of contracted clinical resources to ensure the highest standard of care is provided for patients.

The Clinical Director will facilitate good communications and working relationships with other agencies and resources; provide community education about KIM, substance abuse, harm reduction and co-occurring disorders; and work effectively with multi-system community partners including hospitals, mental health providers, addiction medicine programs and primary care providers, First Nation Knowledge Keepers, and practitioners.

Liaison with Shared Health, Manitoba and First Nations and Inuit health (FNIHB)

The Clinical Director will support the VP – Clinical Services who is a key liaison with Shared Health, Manitoba and FNIHB to support and lead KIM’s programs in First Nations Communities. The Clinical Director works closely with KIM departments and its service provider organizations:

  • To support the development of operational plans and provide insightful and timely reports to monitor and measure performance of operational plans
  • To align facility support functions to provide direction to KIM service providers
  • To develop programs and supporting budgets based on services, service levels, volume and cost of services
  • To provide meaningful, accurate and timely reports on health performance indicators
  • To complete projections based on realistic scenarios and an in-depth understanding of the future environment and population health trends

Individuals who are invigorated by the opportunity to lead a function that is focused on improving the health of First Nations people of Northern Manitoba and who understand how effective health services management supports achievement of organizational goals, will want to explore this rare opportunity.

Program and Service Delivery Management
  • Conduct assessments to identify mental health and addiction issues and develop tailored intervention plans.
  • Develop individual and group counseling programs using evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
  • Lead a collaboration effort with medical professionals, social workers, and community leaders to create a holistic support network.
  • Develop culturally sensitive counseling programs respecting the traditions and values of First Nations people.
  • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis management and impact of trauma on mental health.
  • Engage in case management activities, making referrals to outside agencies, physicians and other resources to enhance service provision and address clients’ concerns.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential client records, progress notes, and treatment plans.
  • Monitor clients over time to access treatment progress.
  • Actively participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with best practices.
  • Prepare regular reports for the CEO outlining the impact and effectiveness of recreational programs.
Relationship Management
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with community members, promoting active participation and engagement in recreational activities.
  • Organize workshops and educational sessions to raise awareness about mental health and addiction issues.
  • Actively participate in the positive functioning of the team (Team Meetings, Quality Improvement etc.).

Key Leadership Accountabilities

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:

Qualifications
  • Degree from a recognized post-secondary medical school. Completion of a one-year Fellowship in Addictions Medicine is preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership capacity in comparable, complex organizations, preferably in Addictions Medicine.
  • Completion of Opioid Agonist Treatment certification is an asset.
Competencies
  • Ability to work effectively with First Nations Knowledge Keepers and Practitioners.
  • Ability to identify, understand, and meet or exceed the requirements of internal and external partners and establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels.
  • Excellent analytical/critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
  • Leadership capability, including the ability to direct, motivate, evaluate, and recognize staff; proven ability to share skills and knowledge with others.
  • Proven conflict management abilities and mediation skills.
  • Proficiency with office computer equipment and software.
  • Ability to speak one of the northern First Nations languages would be an asset.
  • Experience working with or extensive knowledge and understanding of Indigenous organizations and/or communities is an asset.
Healthcare systems
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system, including provincial policy, applicable legislation and related regulations, political impact and influencing forces.
  • Demonstrate high professional and ethical standards, and have a therapeutic approach of being empathetic, respectful, and motivational.  

Education, experience and competencies

  • A proven strategic change leader, the ideal candidate will maintain a valid License to practice medicine in Manitoba.
  • It will be important for the candidate to be familiar with dealing with conflicting priorities, political leaders, the needs of communities of varying sizes and geographically dispersed populations.
  • A commitment to advancing culturally safe, and anti-racist healthcare and ability to work flexible hours to allow for attendance at meetings and may include evening, holiday, or weekend consultation.
Other considerations
  • Satisfactory Criminal Record with clear Vulnerable Sector Search
  • A clear Adult Abuse Registry Check 
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Ability to travel to the north, including by air
  • Employee must be eligible to work in Canada