Health Promotion Specialist

About the Role

The Health Promotion Specialist is responsible for delivering culturally informed health promotion initiatives with a focus on gaming and gambling awareness, tobacco cessation, and overall community wellness. Reporting to the Manager of Mental Wellness, the Health Promotion Specialist will plan, implement, and evaluate programs designed to educate and support Métis communities in making informed health decisions. This role involves developing and delivering workshops, creating health promotion resources, and building partnerships to enhance program reach and effectiveness. The position emphasizes integrating Métis cultural practices and values into all health promotion activities to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of community members.

What you will be doing

Health Promotion Program Delivery

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate culturally relevant health promotion initiatives focusing on gaming and gambling awareness, tobacco cessation, and overall community wellness.
• Provide individual and group education sessions for youth, adults, and community stakeholders to raise awareness and support behaviour change.
• Develop and implement innovative health promotion strategies tailored to the needs of Métis communities.

Resource Development and Awareness

• Create, disseminate, and maintain culturally appropriate educational materials and resources related to gaming, gambling, tobacco cessation, and overall health promotion.
• Collaborate with cultural experts and program managers to integrate Métis traditions and values into health promotion efforts.
• Develop digital and print resources to support public awareness campaigns.

Training and Capacity Building

• Deliver training sessions for MNO staff, front-line workers, and community partners to build capacity in addressing gaming, gambling,  and tobacco-related health concerns and community wellness information.
• Equip stakeholders with tools and resources to support health promotion and prevention efforts.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Represent the MNO at community events, health fairs, and other outreach opportunities, offering workshops, resources, and program information.
• Build partnerships with local, regional, and community organizations to expand program reach and impact.
• Foster strong relationships within Métis communities to promote engagement in health promotion initiatives.

Program Evaluation and Reporting

• Develop and manage annual work plans and program budgets, ensuring alignment with program goals and funder requirements.
• Conduct program evaluations using research-based methodologies to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare reports and briefing notes for the Manager of Mental Wellness, funders, and stakeholders.

Collaboration and Advocacy

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to address community needs and advance Métis health priorities.
• Advocate for healthy lifestyle choices and integrate Métis cultural practices into program delivery.
• Ensure that all health promotion activities reflect the unique identity and needs of Métis communities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Promote compliance with program funding requirements through accurate data collection, reporting, and recordkeeping.
• Adapt to emerging health promotion challenges by recommending policies, practices, or program delivery changes.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned to support the Métis Nation of Ontario's health and wellness objectives.

 Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to serving Métis Citizens and advancing Métis culture, rights, and wellness.
• Post-secondary education in a health-related field or a combination of education and a minimum of three years experience in health promotion or social support services.
• Certification or experience in tobacco cessation counselling, gambling awareness, or motivational interviewing techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver culturally informed workshops, presentations, and educational resources.
• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills, with experience engaging diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in research, data analysis, and program evaluation methodologies.
• Advanced organizational and project management skills, including managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Familiarity with Métis-specific culture, health issues, and healing practices.
• High degree of technology literacy and experience using digital tools for program delivery and promotion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in a related field

Preferred

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Knowledge of Métis-specific and broader Indigenous policy and research, key challenges, and programs
• Previous 2 years or more experience in a similar/comparable role
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality evidence and data-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Previous experience dealing with confidential information

Assets

• Bilingualism
• Experience managing program budgets and deliverables.
• Familiarity with Métis governance structures and community engagement strategies.
• Experience in digital and social media strategies for health promotion.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage project budgets and project deliverables using project management software or other processes

All positions at the MNO may require the following:

1. Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain
2. Completion and maintenance of Vulnerable Sector Verification
3. A reliable vehicle (or ability to rent), driver's licence, $2,000,000 liability insurance, and a clean driving record
4. Flexibility to work extended hours as necessary
5. Ability to occasionally travel within Ontario for limited periods of time