Health Equity Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) Service Area functions as a centre of expertise within Ottawa Public Health, supporting the development of organizational capacity in anti-racism and anti-oppression practices, competencies, as well as equity-focused policies, practices, and strategies that drive improvements in health equity outcomes.

In this role, you will be a member of the HEDI Leadership Team and contribute to the strategic direction and operational delivery of equity-focused initiatives across the organization. You will develop and implement an anti-racism and anti-oppression framework that recognizes systemic racism and advances fairness, equitable access, and improved health outcomes for equity-denied populations. You will collaborate with internal and external partners to initiate and support initiatives grounded in racial equity principles that contribute to measurable improvements in health outcomes. You will lead the integration of anti-racism and anti-oppression values into organizational systems, policies, and decision-making processes. This includes the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of strategies, policies, and action plans that produce tangible progress on health equity and foster a culture of community care, responsiveness, and accountability across the organization.

You will also lead the development of project concepts, plans, and options, and provide oversight for corporate and departmental initiatives that advance equity goals.In addition, you will support the development of staff competencies in health equity, racial equity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through coaching, facilitation, and learning initiatives. You will contribute to equitable recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention practices by applying an equity lens to organizational processes and supporting continuous improvement in workplace safety.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in public health, public policy, nursing, health education, Human Resources Management, Social Sciences, Mediation, Conflict Resolution or a related area

Minimum of 5 years of experience directly related to public health, health policy, health education and/or health and racial equity and/or the development and implementation of equity and diversity policies and programs, plus direct experience in client support and delivering diversity training programs. Must have knowledge and lived experience as a racialized person. 

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of public health practice, community engagement principles, social and economic determinants of health, and principles of health and racial equity. 
• Ontario Human Rights Code, Canadian Human Rights Act and Employment Equity legislation
• Knowledge of anti-racism, anti-oppression frameworks and theories (e.g. Critical Race Theory) 
• Challenges facing equity-seeking groups in accessing employment and services
• Importance and benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Understanding systemic and structural inequities, and the impact of racism on population health. 
• Knowledge of Ottawa organizations and services that serve diverse populations, and in particular, communities that face barriers  
• Community development, capacity building and inclusive public engagement theory, concepts, and practice
• Robust understanding and practical knowledge of the social determinants of health.  
• MS Office including Word, Excel; knowledge of SAP is desirable
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to examine and address own biases and beliefs; nonjudgmental and open to conflict and disagreement; and ability to develop assets and abilities. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; demonstrated ability to work with people and groups from a wide variety of backgrounds and across differences in race, culture, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, values, beliefs, learning styles, and literacy levels; ability to effectively coordinate efforts of multiple agencies and groups.  
• Ability to evaluate community health needs data, and outputs and outcomes, collecting and understanding qualitative data, presenting findings and recommendations, and developing strategies to address findings. 
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary personnel, programs, and partners.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with community partners and organizations that serve communities that face barriers 
• Ability to develop and facilitate anti-racism, anti-oppression presentations to a variety of audiences 
• Ability to undertake policy research and analysis
• Strategic planning and management principles and techniques
• Plan, develop, organize, and implement short- and long-term projects and strategies within an environment of frequently changing priorities
• Plan, organize and carry out assignments, meet deadlines, and prepare reports and recommendations for review at senior levels
• Communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to all organizational levels within the organization and with representatives of external organizations
• Provide comprehensive information on diversity, inclusion, equity and human rights to diverse audiences, including developing and delivering information sessions and training programs for all levels of staff
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation of strategies to increase inclusion Ability to identify opportunities to work collaboratively within a team to develop and implement initiatives to encourage cultural change
• Display sensitivity and commitment to human rights and equity issues based on lived experience