Director, Indigenous Cultural Safety and Quality
Indigenous Health
Vancouver, BC
Pursuant to Section 42 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry.
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. PHSA embodies values that reflect a commitment to excellence.
Reporting to the Executive Director, Quality, Patient Safety & Experience, and matrix reporting to the Executive Director, Cultural Safety & Transformation, the Director, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Quality provides strategic leadership and strategic guidance with a focus on addressing and eliminating Indigenous specific racism. The Director works in partnership with leaders across PHSA to assist in the implementation, co-ordination, and evaluation of PHSA strategic plans and specific initiatives by providing Indigenous leadership on embedding Indigenous specific antiracism and Indigenous cultural safety into the organization in areas of quality, patient safety, and experience across PHSA. The Director will support a visionary, innovative, and creative approach to Indigenous health by developing, fostering, and maintaining meaningful, respectful, and collaborative relationships with PHSA leadership, and external health partners, including Indigenous health partners/communities.
The Director, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Quality, in partnership with the PHSA and Program Indigenous Health teams, works closely with the Quality, Patient Safety & Accreditation Directors and Patient Experience Directors and their teams to identify and assess needs, and drive the development, implementation, and evaluation of Indigenous-specific antiracism and Indigenous cultural safety initiatives and programs within PHSA.
The Director, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Quality provides strategic leadership to a core team of program managers who provide frameworks to assess individual, team, program, and organizational capacity, and measures of the current state of Indigenous cultural safety, as well as guidance on best and Wise practices and knowledge integration, web resources and guidelines, and recommendations for policy development.
The Director, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Quality partners with the Program Quality, Patient Safety & Accreditation team in facilitating reviews of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination that has caused patient/family harm to identify system improvements to ensure the care provided by PHSA programs and services is experienced as culturally safe and anti-racist and well as to facilitate meaningful resolution and restore trust when possible.
The Director, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Quality develops and implements a spectrum of engagement opportunities including consultation, collaboration, and empowerment with PHSA program and service leaders to advance the transformation of organizational culture to ensure safe and more equitable service delivery for Indigenous patients/families and staff.
The Director, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Quality will also establish reciprocal and collaborative relationships with Indigenous partners, Ministry of Health, Regional Health Authorities, Colleges, Medical Affairs, and Academic Affairs in the development and execution of strategies to improve the health of Indigenous people and their families in British Columbia.
What you’ll do
- Provide strategic leadership and accountability for the planning, alignment, actions, and evaluation of services within the portfolio to advance Indigenous cultural safety of patients/families and staff. Ensure consistency with various strategies and recommendations, including, but not limited to, PHSA’s overall strategic plan, B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Truth and Reconciliation recommendations, PHSA Indigenous Health strategy, PHSA’s Integrated Quality & Safety Strategy, the First Nations Health Plan, the Tri-partite Health plan, and provincial mandates regarding Indigenous cultural safety and humility training.
- Develop and maintain key partnerships with relevant health agencies, educational facilities, and Indigenous communities and groups.
- Lead portfolio service development and planning activities through working groups and projects, and monitor the progress and outcomes achieved. Create, implement, and evaluate objectives, policies and procedures, and standards of cultural safety practice related to patient care in partnership with key partners across PHSA.
- Establish strong working relationships and partner internally with PHSA-wide Programs and Services to develop and operationalize strategies and plans to improve local and organizational systems and service delivery for Indigenous clients. Take a leadership role in developing, implementing, and evaluating the strategies such as policy, quality and human resources that support Indigenous cultural safety by promoting evidence-based best practice as well as Wise Practices grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
- Compile, analyze, summarize, and communicate data to support program initiatives. Evaluate whether program objectives/milestones are met.
- Provide strategic insight and context with the Indigenous cultural safety and humility education and training content, quality and safety, patient experience and partnerships, research, measurements, evaluations, and data.
- Facilitate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination reviews that have caused patient/family harm with the goal to achieve meaningful resolution when possible and identify and implement system improvements that eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination.
- Apply expert knowledge of the Calls to Action of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – Calls for Justice (MMIWG) (2019) and the findings and recommendations of In Plain Sight to ensure reviews are managed in alignment with the guidance and recommendations made to address Indigenous specific racism and discrimination.
- Provide Indigenous thought leadership on how to form partnerships with Indigenous patients and measure patient experience in a way that is experienced as culturally safe.
- Partner with Quality, Patient Safety & Accreditation teams to lead the implementation of the Health Standards Organization Cultural Safety and Humility Standard and related system transformation.
- Assess the impact of transformational initiatives using a systems approach and manage the impacts and interdependencies of cross-divisional and cross-Program and Service projects.
- Oversee the development of operating and capital budgets and, as required, cost pressure and business case submissions. Responsibilities include identification of service and budget priorities, allocation of resources, program development, planning of goals and objectives, coordination of service delivery systems, and establishing and monitoring of targets and indicators.
- Oversee all aspects of human resource management within the assigned portfolio, including the recruitment, selection, orientation, performance management, and termination of staff as required. Look for opportunities to support individuals with lived experience to develop their knowledge and capacity to work in a provincial health authority context. Ensure culturally appropriate supports are available to Indigenous staff.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for supporting new activities and improvement initiatives. Perform other related duties as required.
What you bring
Qualifications
- A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Master’s degree in a relevant health care profession and a minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of recent related progressive leadership experience, including five to seven (5-7) years of organizational change management experience and at least two (2) years in a managerial/leadership role; and if applicable, current registration / membership with a professional college.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility. Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts, underpinned by significant expertise in Indigenous-specific mandates. This includes a clear understanding of and commitment to eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination. Additionally, it involves embedding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility, and an advanced expertise and unwavering dedication to engaging with diversity, centering equity, and advancing inclusion (DEI).
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Indigenous Health contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, Anti-Racism Data Act, BC Human Rights Code - and how they intersect across the health care system.
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging and Indigenous Cultural Safety. Demonstrates action-oriented practices addressing Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as confronting/addressing broader issues of racism and discrimination. Exhibits strong DEI and anti-racism competencies/skills to lead by example fostering a culture of continuous learning, equity, inclusion and belonging.
- Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Skills & Knowledge
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts, supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of social, economic, political, and historical realities impacting Indigenous communities and advanced knowledge of Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, In Plain Sight etc.).
- Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada; well-developed understanding of Indigenous Cultural Safety, white supremacy, and anti-Indigenous racism.
- Lived experience with Indigenous populations and demonstrated extensive knowledge of Indigenous health care needs, services, and issues as well as knowledge of culture, protocols, traditions, and ideology of Indigenous people and organizations in British Columbia.
- Demonstrated relational skills, including effective facilitation skills and/or applying effective conflict negotiation/resolution skills, including Indigenous circle processes, and bringing in an Elder/Knowledge Keeper as necessary.
- Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019) and Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls calls for justice, and how they intersect across the health care system.
- Demonstrated facilitative leadership skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a proven ability to foster a collaborative team approach to decision making. Considerable creativity and problem solving to manage direct and indirect opportunities.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal and public relations skills.
- Proven ability to negotiate and mediate resolutions to complex situations.
- Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with staff at all organizational levels both internally and externally.
- Ability to establish courses of action for self and others that are results oriented.
- Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to a variety of people from diverse backgrounds.
Pursuant to Section 42 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry. We invite applicants to self-identify within a cover letter and/or resume.
- Demonstrated deep understanding of their personal learning/unlearning journey in relation to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Able to articulate and share this journey to motivate and inspire others enhancing a culture of learning/unlearning and self-reflection.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the social, economic, political realities of settler-colonialism and impacts on Indigenous peoples in social and health contexts as well as knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments in the foundational documents: Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Salary Range: $118,923 - $170,951/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 1333 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G9
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 08:00-16:00
Requisition #: 202039E
What we do
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
Attention current employees of PHSA:
You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.
The internal job posting expires on August 3, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.
If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.
If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].
