Job Description
Position: Peer Research Assistant I (Black Refugees & Mental Health Project)
Compensation Grid Range: $22.28/hour - $27.86/hour, commensurate with demonstrated and documented experience
Job Type: Temporary (Maximum 12 months), Part time (3.5hours/week)
Dept. /Health System: Institute for Better Health
Trillium Health Partners - Institute for Better Health
Trillium Health Partners (THP) is the largest community-based hospital system in Canada. Comprised of Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre, Trillium Health Partners serves the growing and diverse populations of Mississauga, West Toronto and surrounding communities. Trillium Health Partners is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto and is an associate member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network.
As THP’s research and innovation engine, the Institute for Better Health (IBH) is a core enabler of THP’s mission of a new kind of health care for a healthier community through the application of scientific expertise, innovative thinking and partnerships. Focused on generating cutting-edge science and innovation in health service delivery and population health, IBH leads practical research and innovation that shapes how we engage, design, deliver, and finance health care to solve problems stretching from the bedside to the system. IBH operates within a Learning Health System Model, with specific thematic areas of focus in population health, patient and family engagement, innovative models of care, and implementation and evaluation science.
Our Commitment to and Progress Towards Anti-Black Racism
THP and IBH have made a commitment to becoming a safer and more inclusive environment with a dedicated focus on dismantling anti-Black racism and white supremacy. This commitment is in response to the recognition that Black people systemically experience the organization differently than their white and non-Black colleagues. Similarly, Black scientists and research staff experience the research ecosystem differently. Anti-Black racism is the starting point as Black individuals and communities are disproportionately impacted by the harms of systemic racism and white supremacy culture. In this work, we are committed to disrupting the processes, practices, and systems that contribute to anti-Black racism.
THP established its Equity Secretariat Office in 2020, providing education and training on anti-Black racism, and establishing a THP Circle on Anti-Racism and Inclusion. Today, the Equity Secretariat has become the Equity, Anti-Racism, and Inclusion Office, with a specific focus on dismantling anti-Black racism and white supremacy and advancing other dimensions of equity within THP. This office supported the completion of an externally led Anti-Black Racism Climate Review and resulting report, which includes recommendations and actions that are being integrated into THP’s operating plan. At IBH, the Anti-Black Racism Allyship Initiative (ABRAI) was established in 2020 to understand the experiences of Black staff within IBH and develop an action plan in partnership with Black staff to address anti-Black racism. The action plan has been translated into operational objectives that support the recruitment, retention, and career development of Black staff. As part of this plan, IBH has established an optional, monthly Black Excellence meeting for Black staff at IBH where the purpose is to provide a safe space where all hold power and attendees can connect, network, and support each other.
The Role
The Peer Research Assistants will work closely with and be trained to support a project led by Dr. Ibukun Abejirinde, IBH Scientist, entitled “Addressing barriers to mental health access for Black Refugees in Peel region: designing equitable pathways and establishing a Refugee-led health research collaborative.” funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Project Description
Immigration status is a determinant of health. Previous research has shown that Newcomers’ experience of the settlement journey is influenced by multiple social and structural factors that impact their mental health and overall wellbeing. Like other marginalised groups (i.e., people who experience multiple forms of discrimination based on racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, economic, cultural, or linguistic factors), Refugee claimants (i.e. people who have fled their country and are asking for protection in another country) experience barriers in accessing responsive and appropriate supports. Those who are both Black and Refugees have intertwined experiences of stigma and anti-black racism, which puts them at higher risk of poor mental health and wellbeing as they try to establish themselves in a new country. This study focuses on Peel region, Ontario and aims to identify and address gaps in mental health information and services for diverse Black asylum claimants/refugees. We will co-design a peer-led intervention to support their mental wellbeing and will co-develop and disseminate an accessible bilingual (English and French) infographic resource on mental wellbeing to support current and incoming Black refugees in Peel region, using a strengths-based approach that elevates their lived experiences and capabilities. The two peer researchers (one Francophone, one Anglophone) who have lived/living experience, will work with other research and advisory study members to co-lead all aspects of the project including planning project activities, decision-making, and on data collection and syntheses of findings. This is a unique opportunity to support innovative health research and play a pivotal role in enabling and translating health evidence within and beyond Peel region.
Role Requirements
We seek two (2) Peer Research Assistants who identify as Black, have resided in Peel region, Ontario, and are refugee claimants (including those who were successful in their determination hearing, those awaiting a hearing and those going through the appeal process). Candidates require no previous research-specific experience, as all required training will be provided. The ideal candidates will be driven to contribute to shared learning through active participation. Kindly note that lived/living experience as a refugee claimant with history of residence in Peel region, Ontario is mandatory. Applicants who are fluent in only English as well as those fluent in both English and French are encouraged to apply since we are looking to fill 2 roles- one Anglophone, and the other Francophone.
Core Qualifications And Skills
- Lived experience as a refugee claimant in Peel region, Ontario.
- Must be comfortable working as part of a small team to co-leading a group of other persons with lived experience.
- Interest in applying interpersonal skills and using lived/living experience to participate in study related activities
- Interest in learning more about research processes and contributing to the evidence-base
- Interest in learning about and conducting research methods and related analysis
- Motivation to contribute back to the community using their personal experiences and inform the establishment of a sustainable collaborative structure to address the needs of marginalised newcomers.
- Interest in academic and report writing
- An understanding of and sensitivity to equity, diversity and inclusion issues
- Experience being part of diverse communities is an asset
Responsibilities
- Participate in regular project team meetings to design and plan study activities.
- Provide feedback on study activities and contribute to decision making.
- Engage wider participation and involvement of other Peers, support recruitment into study activities and help establish a collaborative group of people with living/lived experience to address migrant and refugee health needs.
- Attend training and onboarding sessions.
- Be available for in-person project activities when scheduled.
- Builds and maintains connections with those who will be part of the collaborative group on migrant and refugee health.
- Contribute to the development of study protocols including reviewing project documents and study outputs.
- Actively support dissemination and knowledge translation activities
- Other responsibilities as may be assigned
Location:
We offer employees roles that are conducive to remote work, acknowledging that the primary workspace will be remote work from home, but there will be times when on site presence is appropriate (approximately 1 day on site every two months), just as there will be times when on site presence may not be possible. The expectation is that remote work locations, as part of the Flex First program, will be in the employee’s place of residence, and adhere to all THP policies and procedures, with special consideration towards privacy. Since employees should be available to return to the workplace with 24 hours’ notice, remote work outside of the province or country is not acceptable.
Please submit the following application components in a single file:
- Cover letter detailing interest in the role, motivation for applying and relevant lived and professional experience that aligns with the expectations of the role. Cover letter should include language proficiency in English and or French, where applicable.
- Curriculum Vitae
What’s in it for You?
An opportunity to be part of a team of applied health researchers, innovation and system improvement leaders working collaboratively in a culture of service and partnership to address complex problems.
A team and organization that is genuinely invested in your development and growth.
Many active and ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion activities and committees you can be part of.
Important Message for Potential Applicants: If you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on this posting, we still encourage you to apply. Research has shown candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. We encourage applicants who are members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the Ontario Human Rights Code to consider this opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with our hiring processes. If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process for this opportunity and you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please inform our Human Resources Recruiter to request specialized accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equitable participation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Internal Candidates who believe they possess the necessary qualifications and experience for this position and who have been in their current position for at least six (6) months are encouraged to apply.
Candidates are selected on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications.
Where these factors are relatively equal seniority shall govern providing the successful applicant.
Trillium Health Partners’ (THP) is an equal opportunity employer who values the importance of antiracism work and is committed to integrating antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion best practices throughout THP operations, policies and culture. Therefore, we ask that even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on this posting, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. We encourage all applicants who are members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the Ontario Human Rights Code based on race, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nations, Métis or Inuk/Inuit person to consider this opportunity.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code Trillium Health Partners will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.
All personal information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Trillium Health Partners is identified under the French Language Services Act.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.
As a condition of employment, we require all staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, in addition to other vaccinations required by the Public Hospitals Act.
We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Us
Trillium Health Partners (THP) is one of the largest community-based acute care facilities in Canada. Comprised of the Credit Valley Hospital, the Mississauga Hospital, the Queensway Health Centre, and the Reactivation Center at Humber. Trillium Health Partners serves the growing and diverse populations of Mississauga, West Toronto and surrounding communities and is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.
Our Mission:
A New Kind of Health Care for a Healthier Community
Our Values:
Compassion, Excellence, Courage
Our Goals:
Quality, Access, Sustainability
Our Enablers:
People, Education, Innovation, Research
